Revelation of John 5
A plain-spoken deep dive on the whole chapter. Read the chapter →
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
A book written within and on the back side - That is, the book was full of solemn contents within, but it was sealed; and on the back side was a superscription indicating its contents. It was a labelled book, or one written on each side of the skin, which was not usual. Sealed with seven seals - As seven is a number of perfection, it may mean that the book was so sealed that the seals could neither be counterfeited nor broken; i.e., the matter of the book was so obscure and enigmatical and the work it enjoined and the facts it predicted so difficult and stupendous, that they could neither be known nor performed by human wisdom or power.
Open source ↗THE BOOK WITH SEVEN SEALS: NONE WORTHY TO OPEN IT BUT THE LAMB: HE TAKES IT AMIDST THE PRAISES OF THE REDEEMED, AND OF THE WHOLE HEAVENLY HOST. (Rev 5:1-14) in, &c.--Greek, "(lying) upon the right hand." His right hand was open and on it lay the book. On God's part there was no withholding of His future purposes as contained in the book: the only obstacle to unsealing it is stated in Rev 5:3 [ALFORD]. book--rather, as accords with the ancient form of books, and with the writing on the backside, "a roll." The writing on the back implies fulness and completeness, so that nothing more needs to be added (Rev 22:18). The roll, or book, appears from the context to be "the title-deed of man's inheritance" [DE BURGH] redeemed by Christ, and contains the successive steps by which He shall recover it from its usurper and obtain actual possession of the kingdom already "purchased" for Himself and His elect saints. However, no portion of the roll is said to be unfolded and read; but simply the seals are successively opened, giving final access to its contents being read as a perfect whole, which shall not be until the events symbolized by the seals shall have been past, when Eph 3:10 shall receive its complete accomplishment, and the Lamb shall reveal God's providential plans in redemption in all their manifold beauties. Thus the opening of the seals will mean the successive steps by which God in Christ clears the way for the final opening and reading of the book at the visible setting up of the kingdom of Christ. Compare, at the grand consummation, Rev 20:12, "Another book was opened . . . the book of life"; Rev 22:19. None is worthy to do so save the Lamb, for He alone as such has redeemed man's forfeited inheritance, of which the book is the title-deed. The question (Rev 5:2) is…
Open source ↗And I saw on the right hand of him that sat on the throne,.... Of this throne, and who it was that sat upon it; see Gill on Rev 4:2; and who had "in" his right hand, or "at", or "upon" his right hand, as the Syriac and Arabic versions render it, lying by, or near his right hand; though according to Rev 5:7, the book appears to have been in his right hand, as our version, and others render it: a book written within, and on the backside, sealed with seven seals: this book was very much like Ezekiel's roll, Eze 2:9; which was written , "within" and "without", before and behind, and indeed it was in the form of a roll: the manner of writings in those times was on sheets of parchment, which, when finished, were rolled up in the form of a cylinder; hence a book is called a "volume". This book seems to have consisted of seven rolls, to which was annexed seven seals; and there being not room enough within, contrary to the common way of writing, some things were written upon the backside of the outermost roll; and such writings were by the ancients called "Opistographi": and the word is used by them sometimes for very prolix writings (b). By this book some understand the Scriptures of the Old Testament, which were written in rolls; see Heb 10:5; and which came out of the right hand of God, and were given forth by him; and being written within, and on the backside, may denote the fulness of them, they containing a variety of matter, useful and profitable, for different purposes; or else the literal and mystical, or spiritual meaning of some parts of them: or, as others think, the more clear explanation of the books of the Old Testament, by those of the New Testament; and its being sealed may signify the authenticity of those writings, having the seal of God's truth, and the impre…
Open source ↗Hitherto the apostle had seen only the great God, the governor of all things, now, I. He is favoured with a sight of the model and methods of his government, as they are all written down in a book which he holds in his hand; and this we are now to consider as shut up and sealed in the hand of God. Observe, 1. The designs and methods of divine Providence towards the church and the world are stated and fixed; they are resolved upon and agreed to, as that which is written in a book. The great design is laid, every part adjusted, all determined, and every thing passed into decree and made a matter of record. The original and first draught of this book is the book of God's decrees, laid up in his own cabinet, in his eternal mind: but there is a transcript of so much as was necessary to be known in the book of the scriptures in general, in the prophetical part of the scripture especially, and in this prophecy in particular. 2. God holds this book in his right hand, to declare the authority of the book, and his readiness and resolution to execute all the contents thereof, all the counsels and purposes therein recorded. 3. This book in the hand of God is shut up and sealed; it is known to none but himself, till he allows it to be opened. Known unto God, and to him alone, are all his works, from the beginning of the world; but it is his glory to conceal the matter as he pleases. The times and seasons, and their great events, he hath kept in his own hand and power. 4. It is sealed with seven seals. This tells us with what inscrutable secrecy the counsels of God are laid, how impenetrable by the eye and intellect of the creature; and also points us to seven several parts of this book of God's counsels. Each part seems to have its particular seal, and, when opened, discovers its pr…
Open source ↗5:1-14 John introduces the Lamb, Jesus Christ, the central figure of Revelation and God’s chosen agent for accomplishing his purposes. 5:1 The scroll, like a dramatic script, details God’s plan for the world (Ps 139:16). • The right hand represents God’s gracious authority and power (see Rev 1:17, 20). • The writing on the inside and the outside means that God’s plans for history are full and complete. • sealed with seven seals: God has put his purposes for history in an impermeable safe (Isa 29:11-12; Dan 8:26). His purposes will be completed only when the seals are broken (see Rev 5:4).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… δεξιός (dexiós, G1188) — the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes) κάθημαι (káthēmai, G2521) — and (to sit; akin to the base of G1476 (ἑδραῖος)); to sit down; figuratively, to remain,… θρόνος (thrónos, G2362) — a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate βιβλίον (biblíon, G975) — a roll γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ἔσωθεν (ésōthen, G2081) — from inside; also used as equivalent to G2080 (ἔσω) (inside) ὄπισθεν (ópisthen, G3693) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)) with enclitic of source; from the rear (as a secure aspect), i.e.… κατασφραγίζω (katasphragízō, G2696) — to seal closely ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven σφραγίς (sphragís, G4973) — a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἰσχυρός (ischyrós, G2478) — forcible (literally or figuratively) ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… κηρύσσω (kērýssō, G2784) — to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel) μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἄξιος (áxios, G514) — deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise) ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications) βιβλίον (biblíon, G975) — a roll λύω (lýō, G3089) — to "loosen" (literally or figuratively) σφραγίς (sphragís, G4973) — a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… οὐδέ (oudé, G3761) — not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… ὑποκάτω (hypokátō, G5270) — down under, i.e. beneath δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications) βιβλίον (biblíon, G975) — a roll βλέπω (blépō, G991) — to look at (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) κλαίω (klaíō, G2799) — to sob, i.e. wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently) πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing εὑρίσκω (heurískō, G2147) — to find (literally or figuratively) ἄξιος (áxios, G514) — deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise) ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications) ἀναγινώσκω (anaginṓskō, G314) — to know again, i.e. (by extension) to read βιβλίον (biblíon, G975) — a roll οὔτε (oúte, G3777) — not too, i.e. neither or nor; by analogy, not even βλέπω (blépō, G991) — to look at (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μοί (moí, G3427) — to me κλαίω (klaíō, G2799) — to sob, i.e. wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; λέων (léōn, G3023) — a "lion" ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being φυλή (phylḗ, G5443) — an offshoot, i.e. race or clan Ἰούδας (Ioúdas, G2455) — Judas (i.e. Jehudah), the name of ten Israelites; also of the posterity of one of them… ῥίζα (rhíza, G4491) — a "root" (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. μέσος (mésos, G3319) — middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun) θρόνος (thrónos, G2362) — a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate τέσσαρες (téssares, G5064) — four ζῶον (zōon, G2226) — a live thing, i.e. an animal πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… ἀρνίον (arníon, G721) — a lambkin ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) σφάζω (spházō, G4969) — to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter,… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) βιβλίον (biblíon, G975) — a roll ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) δεξιός (dexiós, G1188) — the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes) κάθημαι (káthēmai, G2521) — and (to sit; akin to the base of G1476 (ἑδραῖος)); to sit down; figuratively, to remain,… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… θρόνος (thrónos, G2362) — a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὅτε (hóte, G3753) — at which (thing) too, i.e. when λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) βιβλίον (biblíon, G975) — a roll τέσσαρες (téssares, G5064) — four ζῶον (zōon, G2226) — a live thing, i.e. an animal εἴκοσι (eíkosi, G1501) — a score πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… πίπτω (píptō, G4098) — to fall (literally or figuratively) ἐνώπιον (enṓpion, G1799) — in the face of (literally or figuratively) ἀρνίον (arníon, G721) — a lambkin ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ἕκαστος (hékastos, G1538) — each or every κιθάρα (kithára, G2788) — a lyre
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ᾄδω (áidō, G103) — to sing καινός (kainós, G2537) ᾠδή (ōidḗ, G5603) — a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while G5215 (ὕμνος) denotes… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… εἶ (eî, G1488) — thou art ἄξιος (áxios, G514) — deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise) λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) βιβλίον (biblíon, G975) — a roll ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications) σφραγίς (sphragís, G4973) — a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because σφάζω (spházō, G4969) — to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter,…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very βασιλεύς (basileús, G935) — a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively) ἱερεύς (hiereús, G2409) — a priest (literally or figuratively) βασιλεύω (basileúō, G936) — to rule (literally or figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… κυκλόθεν (kyklóthen, G2943) — from the circle, i.e. all around θρόνος (thrónos, G2362) — a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate ζῶον (zōon, G2226) — a live thing, i.e. an animal πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… ἀριθμός (arithmós, G706) — a number (as reckoned up) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) μυριάς (myriás, G3461) — a ten-thousand; by extension, a "myriad" or indefinite number
Open source ↗λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… ἄξιος (áxios, G514) — deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἀρνίον (arníon, G721) — a lambkin σφάζω (spházō, G4969) — to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter,… λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) δύναμις (dýnamis, G1411) — force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πλοῦτος (ploûtos, G4149) — wealth (as fulness), i.e. (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance,… σοφία (sophía, G4678) — wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual) ἰσχύς (ischýs, G2479) — compare , a form of G2192 (ἔχω)); forcefulness (literally or figuratively) τιμή (timḗ, G5092) — a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole κτίσμα (ktísma, G2938) — an original formation (concretely), i.e. product (created thing) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… ὑποκάτω (hypokátō, G5270) — down under, i.e. beneath ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… θάλασσα (thálassa, G2281) — the sea (genitive case or specially) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τέσσαρες (téssares, G5064) — four ζῶον (zōon, G2226) — a live thing, i.e. an animal λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἀμήν (amḗn, G281) — properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as… εἴκοσι (eíkosi, G1501) — a score πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… πίπτω (píptō, G4098) — to fall (literally or figuratively) προσκυνέω (proskynéō, G4352) — to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do… ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… αἰών (aiṓn, G165) — properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world;…
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.”
And He came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One seated on the throne.
Then I watched as the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a thunderous voice, “Come!”
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!”
He held in his hand a small scroll, which lay open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land.
The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.
Bind up the testimony and seal the law among my disciples.
The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been spoken is true. Now you must seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.”
Search and read the scroll of the LORD: Not one of these will go missing, not one will lack her mate, because He has ordered it by His mouth, and He will gather them by His Spirit.