Revelation 5:1-14

This chapter continues with John detailing events taking place in heaven.

Revelation 5:1-5:

^5:1And I saw on the right (hand) of the (One) sitting-down on the throne a book having been written² from-inside and from-behind having been sealed-down² with seven seals. ^.2And I saw a strong angel heralding-forth in a great sound, "Who (is) worthy to open the book and to loose its seals?" ^.3And not-one used-to-be-able in the heaven nor on the earth nor down-under the earth to open the book nor to observe it. ^.4And I used-to-cry much because not-one worthy was found to open the book nor to observe it. ^.5And one from the elders says to me, "You must not cry; look!, the lion, the (lion) out-from the tribe of Judah, the root of David, was-victorious to open the book and its seven seals."

John writes: And I perceived (knew with my mind) on the right hand of the One (God) sitting down on the throne (refer to Revelation 4:2 and 3)...

• a book (this Greek word biblion translated "book" emphasizes its content - a small book, roll, scroll, paper, papyrus)
  • that was written on both sides (inside and outside, front and back)
• having been sealed down (making it fast, securely fastened)
  • with/by seven seals (7 different seals, marks of authentication, approval, ratification thereby ensuring that the book is secure, like sealing a letter so it is not opened and read by anyone except by the one to whom the letter is addressed; 7 is the number associated with the spirit realm and completion or perfection).

And I saw an angel who was inherently strong (he had strength) proclaiming in a great sound (a large voice, loudly)...

• "Who is worthy (of equal-value, of like-worth, as being correctly weighed on a scales, and thus deserving)
  • to open the book
  • and to loose (unbind, unfasten, release, untie) its seals?"

And during that period of time not-one (none, no animal, bird, etc, human, or spirit) was continuing to be able (had the able-power, the capability)...

• within the heaven (those who are alive in heaven's realm)
• nor upon the earth (those who are alive in earth's realm)
• nor underneath the earth (those who are alive in the waters at the foot of the earth, including those who are dead without any life at the present time)

...to open the book nor to look at it (to mentally envision, be mentally aware of, to contemplate its contents).

And I was continuing to cry much (during that past time, historically, I was weeping, shedding tears, expressing grief, mourning) because there was none worthy found at any location to open the book nor to observe it.

And one from the elders (refer to Revelation 4:4, 10 and 11) says to me...

• "You (John) must not cry (don't weep);
• look (behold, see, pay attention)!,
• the lion,
  • emphatically and specifically the lion originating from the tribe of Judah (referring to the Lord Jesus Christ - from the clan descended from Judah who was one of the 12 sons of Israel/Jacob),
• the root of David (referring to the Lord Jesus Christ as in Revelation 22:16),
• was victorious (gained the victory, conquered; refer to Revelation 3:21)
  • to open
    • the book
    • and its seven seals."

The usage of the word "lion" when referring to the Lord Jesus Christ by this elder emphasizes the viewpoint of victory and completion of what was required by God for redemption and salvation.

[Reference: Genesis 1:6-10, 3:19, 49:8-12; Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 4:18, 5:8; Psalm 103:20, 115:17, 146:4; Isaiah chapter 11; Daniel chapter 12; Acts 2:32-36; Romans 1:3 and 4, 8:31-39, 11:18, 15:12; I Corinthians 15:20-28 and 51-58; Ephesians 1:19-21; Philippians 2:10; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; II Thessalonians 2:3-12; Hebrews 1:1-3 and 13, 7:13 and 14, 10:12, 12:2; I Peter 3:22; II Peter 2:11; Revelation 3:21, 4:2-4 and 9-11, 10:1, 18:21, 22:16. Note: verbs with a superscript 2 (²) immediately following them indicate the "perfect" tense - details are provided in the "Relevant Notes" link of this study.]

A printed paperback book of the complete study of the Revelation of Jesus Christ may be purchased at:

Amazon.com

or

True Bible Study - Revelation of Jesus Christ

Revelation of Jesus Christ video index

Revelation Chapter 6