Revelation 5
King James Version (1769) · Tap a verse to see it in context
About this chapter
AI-assisted, sourcedThe one on the throne holds "a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals," and when no one is found worthy to open it John weeps, but an elder says, "Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book." John sees "a Lamb as it had been slain," and the elders, holding "golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints," sing a new song: "Thou art worthy to take the book... for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." Countless angels say, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain," and every creature gives blessing "unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Revelation 5:1Revelation 5:4Revelation 5:5Revelation 5:6Revelation 5:8Revelation 5:9Revelation 5:11Revelation 5:12Revelation 5:13
Who, where, when, and the key verses
Who
The one on the throne, an elder, "the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David," the Lamb, the four beasts, the elders and the angels. Revelation 5:1Revelation 5:5Revelation 5:6Revelation 5:8Revelation 5:11
Where
In heaven, before the throne. Revelation 5:1Revelation 5:6Revelation 5:11
When
Traditionally about AD 95-96, near the end of the emperor Domitian's reign. Most scholars agree; some date it about AD 68-69, soon after Nero's death. Revelation overview
How it fits
Chapter 4 showed the elders worshipping before the throne; this chapter shows the Lamb who takes the sealed book. Chapter 6 begins, "I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals." Revelation 4:10Revelation 5:7Revelation 6:1
Key verses
- Verse 5
"The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book." Isaiah 11:1 promised a Branch "out of the stem of Jesse." Revelation 5:5Isaiah 11:1
- Verse 8
The chapter names this symbol's meaning: "golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints." Revelation 5:8
- Verse 9
"Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." Revelation 5:9
Takeaway
Jesus, the slain Lamb, is worthy of all praise, for His blood has redeemed people from every nation. Revelation 5:9Revelation 5:12
Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a separate AI reader. Updated 2026-11-01.
The sealed book
1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? 3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
The Lamb takes the book
6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Worthy is the Lamb
11And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.