The Lamb Takes the Scroll

1Then I saw a scroll (papyrus roll) in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a mighty angel (messenger) proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll (papyrus roll)?”

3But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll (papyrus roll) or look inside it. 4And I began to weep bitterly, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll (papyrus roll) or look inside it.

5Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah (praise), the Root of David (beloved), has triumphed to open the scroll (papyrus roll) and its seven seals.”

6Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven spirits (the sevenfold Spirit)a of God {Theou} sent out into all the earth. 7And He came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One seated on the throne.

8When He had taken the scroll (papyrus roll), the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints (holy ones). 9And they sang a new song:

“Worthy are You to take the scroll (papyrus roll) and open its seals,

because You were slain,

and by Your blood You purchased for God {Theō}

those from every tribe and tongue (language) and people and nation {ethnous}.

10You have made them to be a kingdom

and priests to serve our God {Theō},

and they will reign upon (they will reign over)b the earth.”

The Lamb Exalted

11Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels (messengers) encircling the throne, and the living creatures and the elders. And their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. 12In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,

to receive power {dynamin} and riches

and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory {doxan} and blessing!”

13And 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 {doxa} and power

forever \to the ages/ and ever!”

14And the four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped [Him who lives for ever and ever.].c