What does Revelation 5:9-14 mean?

"And 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; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And 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; Saying 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. And 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. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever." - Revelation 5:9-14

"And 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; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

And 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; Saying 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.

And 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. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever." - Revelation 5:9-14

Revelation 5:9-14 in the King James Version of the Bible reads as follows:

"And 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; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

And I beheld, 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; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.

And 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 honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever."

Revelation 5:9-14 is a pivotal passage that occurs in the book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. The passage is part of a vision that the apostle John receives while exiled on the island of Patmos. The book of Revelation is filled with apocalyptic imagery and vivid descriptions of the end times, and this particular passage is a powerful and worshipful moment in the narrative.

The passage begins with a new song being sung, declaring the worthiness of the Lamb to take the book and open its seals. This book is likely a reference to the scroll with seven seals that only the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ, is found worthy to open. The idea of Jesus being worthy denotes his divine authority and his redemptive work on behalf of humankind. The passage emphasizes the universal nature of Christ's redemptive work, as it states that he has redeemed people from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation. This signifies that the sacrifice of Jesus is not limited to a particular group, but is meant for all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity.

The passage also highlights the exalted status of the redeemed, stating that they have been made kings and priests unto God. This echoes language found elsewhere in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the apostle Peter, who speaks of believers as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). This exalted status reflects the believer's participation in the kingdom of God and their role in representing God to the world.

Following this declaration, John hears the voices of many angels, numbering in the thousands and thousands, praising the Lamb and ascribing to him power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing. This chorus of praise underscores the cosmic significance of Christ's redemptive work and emphasizes the universal worship that is due to him.

The passage culminates with every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea, offering praise and honor to the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb. This inclusive imagery reinforces the universal scope of Christ's lordship and the worship that is due to him from all creation.

At the very end of the passage, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, who represent the heavenly host, respond with an emphatic "Amen" and fall down in worship of the one who lives forever and ever. This final act of worship brings the heavenly scene to a reverent and awe-inspiring conclusion, leaving no doubt as to the exalted status of the Lamb and the One who sits on the throne.

In terms of themes, Revelation 5:9-14 highlights the worthiness of Christ to receive honor and praise, the universal scope of his redemptive work, and the exalted status of believers as a result of that work. The passage also underscores the cosmic significance of Christ's lordship and the worship that is due to him from all creation. The imagery and language used in this passage serve to elevate and exalt the Lamb, affirming his unique authority and exalted status in the divine order.

In its broader context within the book of Revelation, this passage contributes to the overarching theme of the ultimate triumph of God and his Messiah over the forces of evil and the establishment of a new heavens and a new earth. It also serves as a powerful declaration of the universal worship that is due to Christ as the redeemer of all creation.

In terms of symbolism, the imagery in Revelation 5:9-14 is rich and evocative, drawing on various elements of biblical symbolism and apocalyptic language. The Lamb, for example, is a central symbol in Revelation, representing the sacrificial, atoning work of Christ. The number of angels, with its vast multitude, underscores the cosmic scale of the worship being offered. The universal praise from every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Christ's lordship and the worship due to him from all creation.

In conclusion, Revelation 5:9-14 is a profound and worshipful passage that captures the exalted status of the Lamb and the universal worship that is due to him. Its themes of redemption, universal worship, and cosmic significance contribute to the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, and its rich symbolism lends depth and meaning to the portrayal of Christ's lordship and the worship offered to him. As such, this passage stands as a powerful declaration of the worthiness of Christ and a profound expression of worship and adoration.

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Revelation 5:9-14 Artwork

Revelation 5:9-14 - "And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on 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, for ever and ever!”

The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped."

Revelation 5:9-14 - "And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on 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, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped."

"And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on 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, for ever and ever!”

The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped." - Revelation 5:9-14

"And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on 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, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped." - Revelation 5:9-14

Revelation 14:5 - "And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God."

Revelation 14:5 - "And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God."

Revelation 9:14 - "Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates."

Revelation 9:14 - "Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates."

Revelation 5:14 - "And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever."

Revelation 5:14 - "And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever."

Revelation 9:5 - "And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man."

Revelation 9:5 - "And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man."

"And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." - Revelation 14:5

"And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." - Revelation 14:5

Revelation 14:9 - "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,"

Revelation 14:9 - "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,"

Revelation 5:5

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Revelation 5:9 - "And 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;"

Revelation 5:9 - "And 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;"

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"Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates." - Revelation 9:14

"Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates." - Revelation 9:14

"And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever." - Revelation 5:14

"And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever." - Revelation 5:14

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