Then I saw a scroll
The scroll represents a legal document or decree, often associated with God's plan or judgment. Scrolls were common in ancient times for recording important information. In biblical context, scrolls often symbolize divine revelation or prophecy, as seen in Ezekiel 2:9-10, where a scroll is given to the prophet containing words of lamentation and woe.

in the right hand of the One seated on the throne.
The right hand signifies power and authority, indicating that the scroll is under the control of God, who is sovereign. The One seated on the throne is God the Father, emphasizing His supreme authority over the events that are about to unfold. This imagery is consistent with other biblical visions of God's throne, such as in Isaiah 6:1 and Daniel 7:9.

It had writing on both sides
Writing on both sides suggests completeness and fullness, indicating that nothing more can be added to God's plan. This is reminiscent of the tablets of the Law given to Moses, which were inscribed on both sides (Exodus 32:15). It underscores the comprehensive nature of the divine decree contained within the scroll.

and was sealed with seven seals.
The number seven in biblical literature often symbolizes perfection or completeness. Seals were used in ancient times to secure documents and ensure their contents remained confidential until the appointed time for their opening. The seven seals indicate that the scroll's contents are perfectly secured and will be revealed in God's perfect timing. This concept of sealing is also seen in Daniel 12:4, where Daniel is instructed to seal the words of the prophecy until the time of the end.

And I saw a mighty angel
The phrase "And I saw" indicates a continuation of John's vision, emphasizing the ongoing revelation he receives. The "mighty angel" suggests a being of significant power and authority, often seen as a messenger of God. Angels in biblical texts frequently serve as intermediaries between God and humans, delivering divine messages or executing God's will. The term "mighty" underscores the importance of the message about to be delivered, highlighting the gravity of the situation in the heavenly realm.

proclaiming in a loud voice
The "loud voice" signifies urgency and the need for attention, ensuring that the proclamation is heard by all in the heavenly court. In biblical literature, a loud voice often accompanies significant announcements or divine decrees, underscoring the importance of the message. This proclamation is not just for the heavenly beings but also for the readers of the text, drawing them into the drama unfolding in the vision.

“Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”
The question "Who is worthy" introduces the theme of worthiness, a central concept in Revelation. The scroll, sealed with seven seals, represents God's ultimate plan and judgment, which can only be enacted by one who is worthy. This echoes the biblical theme of worthiness and redemption, where only a figure of divine authority, such as Jesus Christ, can fulfill God's purposes. The act of breaking the seals and opening the scroll signifies the unfolding of God's eschatological plan, a theme that resonates throughout the book of Revelation. The question also sets the stage for the revelation of Christ as the Lamb who is worthy, connecting to the broader narrative of redemption and salvation found in the New Testament.

But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive search for someone worthy to open the scroll. "In heaven" refers to the spiritual realm, including angels and celestial beings. "On earth" encompasses all living humans, while "under the earth" traditionally refers to the realm of the dead or the underworld, possibly including demonic forces. This triad underscores the totality of creation, indicating that no created being, whether spiritual or physical, living or dead, possesses the authority or worthiness to open the scroll. This highlights the unique sovereignty and holiness required to execute God's ultimate plan.

was able to open the scroll
The scroll represents God's divine plan and judgment, sealed with seven seals, indicating its completeness and the perfection of God's purposes. The inability of anyone to open the scroll signifies the limitations of creation in fulfilling or understanding God's ultimate will. This inability points to the need for a divine figure, one who is both worthy and capable, to reveal and enact God's plan. The scroll's opening is a pivotal moment in Revelation, leading to the unfolding of eschatological events.

or look inside it
The inability to even look inside the scroll further emphasizes the sacredness and mystery of God's plan. It suggests that understanding God's purposes requires not just authority but also divine insight and purity. This restriction highlights the separation between the divine and the created order, underscoring humanity's need for revelation through a mediator. The eventual opening of the scroll by the Lamb, Jesus Christ, signifies His unique role as the mediator between God and humanity, fulfilling the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament regarding the Messiah.

And I began to weep bitterly
The Apostle John, the author of Revelation, expresses deep sorrow and distress. This emotional response highlights the gravity of the situation. In the biblical context, weeping often signifies profound grief or despair, as seen in other scriptures like Jeremiah 9:1 and Luke 19:41. John's weeping underscores the importance of the scroll and the need for someone worthy to open it. The intensity of his weeping suggests the critical nature of the revelation contained within the scroll, which pertains to God's ultimate plan for redemption and judgment.

because no one was found worthy
The search for someone worthy emphasizes the holiness and righteousness required to open the scroll. Worthiness here implies moral and spiritual perfection, qualities that align with divine standards. This reflects the biblical theme of human inadequacy and the need for a savior, as seen in Romans 3:10-12. The phrase also points to the uniqueness of Christ, who alone is worthy, as later revealed in Revelation 5:5-6. This moment highlights the anticipation and expectation for the one who can fulfill God's redemptive plan.

to open the scroll or look inside it
The scroll represents God's decrees and the unfolding of future events, possibly containing judgments, blessings, and the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy. In ancient times, scrolls were used for important documents, and sealed scrolls indicated confidentiality and authority. The inability to open or even look inside the scroll signifies the limitations of creation in understanding or executing God's sovereign will. This connects to Daniel 12:4, where a sealed scroll is mentioned, and emphasizes the need for divine intervention to reveal and enact God's purposes. The scroll's contents are crucial for the consummation of history and the establishment of God's kingdom.

Then one of the elders said to me
In the heavenly vision, the "elders" are often understood as representatives of the redeemed, possibly symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. Their presence indicates a connection between the Old and New Covenants. The elder speaking to John signifies the importance of the message being delivered, as elders in biblical times were figures of authority and wisdom.

Do not weep!
John's weeping reflects the deep sorrow and despair over the apparent inability to open the scroll, which contains God's redemptive plan. The elder's command to cease weeping introduces hope and assurance, a common biblical theme where divine intervention alleviates human distress.

Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah
The "Lion" symbolizes strength, majesty, and kingship. This title is rooted in Genesis 49:9-10, where Jacob blesses his son Judah, prophesying that the scepter will not depart from him. This establishes a messianic expectation that the Messiah would come from Judah's lineage, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

The Root of David
This phrase connects to Isaiah 11:1 and 11:10, where the Messiah is described as a shoot from the stump of Jesse, David's father. It emphasizes Jesus' rightful claim to the throne of David, fulfilling the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16) and underscoring His eternal kingship.

Has triumphed
The triumph refers to Jesus' victory over sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection. This victory is not just a past event but has ongoing implications for the unfolding of God's plan, as it enables the opening of the scroll.

To open the scroll and its seven seals
The scroll represents God's comprehensive plan for judgment and redemption. The seven seals indicate completeness and divine perfection. Only Jesus, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, is worthy to reveal and execute God's ultimate plan, highlighting His unique role in salvation history.

Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain
The imagery of the Lamb is central to Christian theology, symbolizing Jesus Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God. This connects to the Passover lamb in Exodus 12, where the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites. The phrase "appeared to have been slain" indicates the crucifixion of Jesus, emphasizing His sacrifice and victory over death. The Lamb's appearance as slain yet alive signifies the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian faith.

standing in the center of the throne
The Lamb standing in the center of the throne signifies authority and centrality in the divine plan. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the throne is a symbol of power and sovereignty. This imagery suggests that Jesus, the Lamb, shares in the divine rule and authority of God. It reflects the fulfillment of prophecies such as Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given dominion and glory.

encircled by the four living creatures and the elders
The four living creatures and the elders are symbolic of all creation and the redeemed, respectively. The living creatures, described in Revelation 4, are reminiscent of the cherubim in Ezekiel 1, representing God's creation and His omnipresence. The elders, often seen as representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, symbolize the unity of the Old and New Covenants. Their encirclement of the Lamb indicates worship and acknowledgment of His authority.

The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes
In biblical symbolism, horns represent power and authority, while the number seven signifies completeness and perfection. The seven horns indicate the fullness of the Lamb's power. The seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God, suggest perfect wisdom and insight. This imagery aligns with Zechariah 4:10, where the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth, indicating divine omniscience.

which represent the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth
The seven spirits of God are often interpreted as the Holy Spirit in His fullness, as seen in Isaiah 11:2, which describes the Spirit of the Lord resting upon the Messiah. The sending out into all the earth signifies the universal reach and influence of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the promise of God's presence and guidance throughout the world. This reflects the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where the disciples are sent to all nations.

And He came
This phrase signifies the approach of Jesus Christ, often referred to as the Lamb, towards the throne of God. In the context of Revelation, this action is significant as it demonstrates His authority and readiness to fulfill the divine plan. The imagery of coming is reminiscent of Old Testament theophanies where God approaches His people, such as in Exodus 19:20 when God descends on Mount Sinai.

and took the scroll
The scroll represents the divine will and the unfolding of God's plan for the end times. In ancient times, scrolls were used to record important decrees and legal documents. The act of taking the scroll indicates that Jesus is the only one worthy to execute God's plan, as no one else in heaven or on earth was found worthy (Revelation 5:3-5). This act fulfills the prophecy of Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is given authority and a kingdom.

from the right hand
The right hand is a symbol of power and authority in biblical literature. It signifies the place of honor and strength. In Psalm 110:1, the Messiah is invited to sit at the right hand of God, indicating a position of co-regency and shared authority. The act of taking the scroll from the right hand underscores the transfer of authority to execute judgment and redemption.

of the One seated on the throne
This phrase identifies God the Father as the sovereign ruler of the universe, seated on His throne. The throne is a central image in Revelation, symbolizing God's ultimate authority and control over all creation. The scene echoes Isaiah 6:1, where the prophet sees the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, emphasizing His majesty and holiness. The interaction between the One on the throne and the Lamb highlights the unity and distinct roles within the Trinity.

When He had taken the scroll
This phrase refers to the moment when the Lamb, identified as Jesus Christ, takes the scroll from the right hand of Him who sits on the throne, symbolizing His authority and worthiness to execute God's plan. The scroll represents God's ultimate plan for redemption and judgment, sealed with seven seals, indicating its completeness and divine origin. This act signifies the transition of power and the unfolding of end-time events.

the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb
The four living creatures are often understood as angelic beings or cherubim, representing all of creation, while the twenty-four elders symbolize the redeemed people of God, possibly representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. Their act of falling down before the Lamb is an expression of worship and acknowledgment of His divine authority and worthiness. This scene reflects the heavenly worship and the recognition of Christ's central role in God's redemptive plan.

Each one had a harp
The harp is a traditional instrument of worship in biblical times, often associated with praise and prophecy. In the context of Revelation, it symbolizes the worship and adoration offered to God and the Lamb. The use of harps in this heavenly scene underscores the joy and reverence of the worshippers, aligning with the Old Testament tradition of using music in temple worship.

and they were holding golden bowls full of incense
Golden bowls signify the precious and sacred nature of their contents. Incense in the Bible is often associated with prayer and worship, as seen in the tabernacle and temple practices where incense was burned as a pleasing aroma to God. The use of incense here symbolizes the prayers of the faithful reaching God, indicating that the prayers of believers are valued and cherished in the heavenly realm.

which are the prayers of the saints
This phrase explicitly identifies the incense as the prayers of the saints, emphasizing the importance and power of prayer in the spiritual realm. The saints refer to all believers who are set apart for God. This imagery connects to the Old Testament practice where incense represented the prayers of the people rising to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2. It highlights the role of prayer in the unfolding of God's plan and the active participation of believers in the divine narrative.

And they sang a new song:
In biblical tradition, a "new song" often signifies a fresh act of divine intervention or a new phase in God's redemptive plan (Psalm 40:3, Psalm 96:1). This song is sung by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, representing all of creation and the redeemed church, respectively. The concept of a new song is also seen in Isaiah 42:10, where it is associated with the coming of God's salvation.

Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals:
The worthiness of Christ is central to this passage. In the context of Revelation, the scroll represents God's ultimate plan for judgment and redemption. Only Jesus, the Lamb, is deemed worthy to execute this plan, highlighting His unique role in salvation history. This echoes the worthiness of Christ as seen in Philippians 2:9-11, where every knee bows to Him.

because You were slain:
The sacrificial death of Jesus is the foundation of His worthiness. This phrase emphasizes the atoning work of Christ on the cross, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 53:5-7. The imagery of the slain Lamb is a recurring theme in Revelation, symbolizing both sacrifice and victory (Revelation 13:8).

and by Your blood You purchased for God:
The concept of being "purchased" by Christ's blood reflects the idea of redemption, akin to the Old Testament practice of redeeming a kinsman (Leviticus 25:47-49). This transaction signifies liberation from sin and death, as seen in 1 Peter 1:18-19, where believers are described as being ransomed by the precious blood of Christ.

those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation:
This phrase underscores the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3). The inclusion of every ethnic and linguistic group highlights the global nature of the gospel, as also seen in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and the vision of a diverse multitude in Revelation 7:9.

You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God
This phrase reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel and the Church, echoing Exodus 19:6, where God declares Israel to be a "kingdom of priests." It signifies a spiritual transformation and elevation of believers, who are now part of God's royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). The concept of a kingdom implies governance and authority, while priests indicate a role of mediation and service. This dual role highlights the believers' responsibility to represent God to the world and to intercede on behalf of others. The imagery of a kingdom and priests also connects to the Davidic covenant, where the Messiah would establish an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:16).

and they will reign upon the earth.
This phrase points to the eschatological hope of believers reigning with Christ during the millennial kingdom, as described in Revelation 20:4-6. It emphasizes the future physical reign of Christ on earth, where believers will share in His authority and governance. This reign is a reversal of the curse in Genesis, restoring humanity's intended dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26-28). The promise of reigning on earth also ties into the prophetic visions of peace and justice found in Isaiah 11:1-9 and Daniel 7:27, where the saints of the Most High receive the kingdom. This future reign underscores the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over all earthly powers and the establishment of His righteous rule.

Then I looked
This phrase indicates a transition in John's vision, suggesting a new scene or aspect of the heavenly revelation. The act of looking signifies John's active participation in the vision, emphasizing the importance of what he is about to witness. This is a common motif in apocalyptic literature, where the seer is guided through a series of visions.

and I heard the voices of many angels
Hearing the voices of angels highlights the auditory aspect of the vision, emphasizing the grandeur and majesty of the heavenly realm. Angels are often depicted as messengers and servants of God throughout Scripture, such as in Daniel 7:10 and Hebrews 1:14, where they serve and worship God. Their voices contribute to the worship and proclamation of God's glory.

encircling the throne
The throne is central to the vision, symbolizing God's sovereign rule and authority. The encircling of the throne by angels suggests a scene of worship and reverence, similar to Isaiah 6:1-3, where seraphim surround God's throne. This imagery underscores the holiness and majesty of God, with the throne as the focal point of divine governance.

and the living creatures and the elders
The living creatures and elders are significant figures in the heavenly court. The living creatures, described in Revelation 4:6-8, are often associated with cherubim or seraphim, representing aspects of God's creation and attributes. The elders, numbering twenty-four, likely symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, representing the fullness of God's people. Together, they participate in the worship of God, highlighting the unity of creation and redemption.

And their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands
This phrase conveys an innumerable multitude, emphasizing the vastness and magnitude of the heavenly host. The use of "myriads" and "thousands" is a common biblical expression to denote an uncountable number, as seen in Daniel 7:10. This multitude reflects the overwhelming glory and power of God, with countless beings engaged in worship. It also points to the fulfillment of God's promises, where multitudes from every nation and tongue will worship Him, as seen in Revelation 7:9.

In a loud voice they were saying:
The phrase "in a loud voice" signifies the importance and urgency of the proclamation. In biblical literature, a loud voice often indicates divine revelation or significant announcements (e.g., Revelation 1:10, 7:10). The collective voice suggests unity and agreement among the heavenly beings, emphasizing the universal acknowledgment of the Lamb's worthiness.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain:
The "Lamb" is a title for Jesus Christ, symbolizing His role as the sacrificial offering for humanity's sins (John 1:29). The imagery of the Lamb is rooted in the Passover lamb of Exodus 12, which was a type of Christ. The phrase "who was slain" refers to Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the centrality of His sacrificial death in Christian theology. This echoes Isaiah 53:7, where the suffering servant is likened to a lamb led to slaughter.

to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing:
This sevenfold ascription of praise reflects the completeness and perfection of the Lamb's attributes. Each term represents a facet of Christ's divine authority and character:
Power: Signifies Christ's sovereign authority over all creation (Matthew 28:18).
Riches: Denotes spiritual wealth and the abundance of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7).
Wisdom: Reflects Christ's divine insight and understanding (Colossians 2:3).
Strength: Indicates His might and ability to accomplish God's purposes (Philippians 4:13).
Honor: Represents the respect and reverence due to Him (John 5:23).
Glory: Refers to His divine majesty and the manifestation of God's presence (Hebrews 1:3).
Blessing: Implies the praise and adoration He receives from creation (Ephesians 1:3).

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:
This phrase emphasizes the universal scope of worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. The mention of "every creature" signifies the totality of creation, reflecting the biblical theme of all creation praising God, as seen in Psalm 148. The inclusion of "heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea" suggests a comprehensive view of the cosmos, encompassing all realms of existence. This echoes Philippians 2:10-11, where every knee bows and every tongue confesses Jesus Christ as Lord. The phrase "under the earth" may refer to the realm of the dead or spiritual beings, indicating that even those not visible to the living are part of this worship. The sea, often seen as a symbol of chaos in ancient Near Eastern thought, is also included, showing God's dominion over all chaos and disorder.

“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
This part of the verse identifies the recipients of worship: God the Father ("Him who sits on the throne") and Jesus Christ ("the Lamb"). The throne is a symbol of divine authority and kingship, frequently mentioned in Revelation as the center of God's rule (Revelation 4:2-3). The Lamb is a title for Jesus, highlighting His sacrificial role, as seen in John 1:29 and Revelation 5:6. The dual focus on both the Father and the Son underscores the unity and co-equality within the Godhead, a foundational Christian doctrine. The Lamb imagery connects to the Passover lamb in Exodus 12, symbolizing deliverance and redemption.

be praise and honor and glory and power
These four attributes are ascribed to both the Father and the Son, indicating their shared divine nature. "Praise" involves adoration and worship, "honor" denotes respect and reverence, "glory" refers to the divine majesty and splendor, and "power" signifies authority and might. This echoes the doxologies found throughout Scripture, such as in 1 Chronicles 29:11 and Romans 11:36, where similar attributes are ascribed to God. The repetition of these terms in Revelation highlights the eternal and unchanging nature of God's character.

forever and ever!”
This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of God's reign and the perpetual worship He receives. The concept of eternity is a key theme in Revelation, contrasting the temporal nature of earthly powers with the everlasting kingdom of God. This eternal perspective is also seen in Daniel 7:14, where the dominion of the Son of Man is described as everlasting. The phrase "forever and ever" assures believers of the ultimate victory and unending rule of God, providing hope and encouragement amidst persecution and trials.

And the four living creatures said, “Amen,”
The four living creatures are symbolic beings that represent all of creation, often understood as cherubim or seraphim, reflecting the fullness of God's creation. Their declaration of "Amen" signifies agreement and affirmation of the worthiness of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, to open the scroll. This echoes the use of "Amen" throughout Scripture as a term of affirmation and truth, seen in passages like Isaiah 65:16 and 2 Corinthians 1:20. The creatures' role in heavenly worship highlights the universal acknowledgment of Christ's authority and divinity.

and the elders fell down and worshiped.
The elders, often interpreted as representing the redeemed people of God, possibly the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, demonstrate submission and reverence by falling down in worship. This act of worship is a common biblical expression of humility and adoration, seen in other instances such as Matthew 2:11 and Philippians 2:10. Their worship underscores the central theme of Revelation: the sovereignty and majesty of God and the Lamb. This scene connects to the broader biblical narrative of worship, where God's people respond to His revelation with awe and reverence, as seen in Exodus 34:8 and Psalm 95:6.