The Meaning of Revelation 5:12 Explained

Revelation 5:12

KJV: 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.

YLT: saying with a great voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing!'

Darby: saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that has been slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

ASV: saying with a great voice, Worthy is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might and honor, and glory, and blessing.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Revelation 5:12 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The Lamb deserves all power, riches, Wisdom of Solomon , might, honor, glory, and blessing. All seven qualities belong intrinsically to Christ.
"The angels use seven expressions (the perfect number is probably significant) to indicate the wonder of the Lamb." [1]
The repetition of "and" (Gr. kai) between each quality brings special emphasis to each one individually. This is a literary device called polysyndeton. It "produces the impression of extensiveness and abundance by means of an exhaustive summary." [2]

Context Summary

Revelation 5:9-14 - The One Worthy To Open It
Jesus is worthy to unroll the mystic scroll of history, because He loved and loves our race as no other has ever done; and He is equally worthy to open each new phase of our lives. When He came into the world He said, "In the volume of the book it is written of me." We need not fear those pierced hands. If we are His purchased property, He will provide for us. If we are priests and kings in His ideal, we may trust Him so to arrange our life-plan as to secure the best exercise of those sacred functions.
Notice how the out-circling song of the redeemed reaches out in further and yet further response. It begins with the little group around the throne; then it spreads to the angels in their myriads; and thence it is borne forward and outward in concentric rings until the utmost shores of space are struck by the billows of song and it reverberates back to the living creatures and the elders. Heaven is full of the sacrificial side of our Savior's death. The heavenly beings describe themselves as His purchased chattels, and stand closer to Christ than the angels; but these bright ministers of God's will have learned their deepest lessons of God from His redemptive dealings with men. [source]

Chapter Summary: Revelation 5

1  The book sealed with seven seals,
9  which only the Lamb that was slain is worthy to open
12  Therefore the elders praise him, and confess that he redeemed them with his blood

Greek Commentary for Revelation 5:12

Worthy [αχιον]
Agreeing in gender (grammatical neuter) with αρνιον — arnion but some MSS. have αχιος — axios (masculine, natural gender). Note change to third person εστιν — estin instead of second ει — ei The point of the song is the same as that in Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:10, but the language differs. Note the repeated article το — to (the lamb the slain) referring to Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9. Note also the one article την — tēn before δυναμιν — dunamin for all the seven grounds of praise (δυναμιν — dunamin power, πλουτον — plouton wealth, σοπιαν — sophian wisdom, ισχυν — ischun strength, τιμην — timēn honor, δοχαν — doxan glory, ευλογιαν — eulogian blessing), though πλουτον — plouton is masculine, in contrast with separate article for each item (all three feminine) in Revelation 4:11, here grouping them all together, “a heptad of praise” (Swete). [source]
Power, etc. []
Rev., “the power.” Compare the ascription in Revelation 4:11, on which see note, and notice that each separate particular there has the article, while here it is attached only to the first, the power, the one article including all the particulars, as if they formed but one word. On the doxologies, see on Revelation 1:6. [source]
Riches [πλοῦτον]
Not limited to spiritual riches, but denoting the fulness of every gift of God. James 1:17; Acts 17:25. Only here in a doxology. [source]
Blessing [εὐλογίαν]
See on the kindred word εὐλογητὸς blessed 1 Peter 1:3. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 5:12

John 1:29 The Lamb [ὁ ἀμνὸς]
The word occurs in John only here and in John 1:36. Also in Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19. The diminutive ἀρνίον , a little lamb, is found once in the Gospel (John 21:15), often in Revelation, but only of the glorified Redeemer, and nowhere else in the New Testament. In some instances the word may emphasize the gentle and innocent character of Jesus suffering to expiate the sins of men (Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 13:8); but it is also employed in describing Him as indignant (Revelation 6:16); as victorious (Revelation 17:4); as the object of adoration (Revelation 5:8); and as enthroned (Revelation 5:13; Revelation 7:17). The term, the Lamb of God (note the article), is evidently used here by the Baptist in some sense understood by his hearers, and points to Isaiah 53:7; compare Acts 8:32. The reference is probably to the Paschal lamb, though commentators differ. [source]
1 Timothy 1:17 Honor and glory [τιμὴ καὶ δόξα]
This combination in doxology only here and Revelation 5:12, Revelation 5:13. Comp. Revelation 4:9. In doxologies Paul uses only δόξα glorywith the article, the glory, and with to whom or to him (be). [source]
1 Peter 1:19 As of a lamb [ως αμνου]
This word occurs in Leviticus 12:8; Numbers 15:11; Deuteronomy 14:4 of the lamb prescribed for the passover sacrifice (Exodus 12:5). John the Baptist applies it to Jesus (John 1:29, John 1:36). It occurs also in Acts 8:32 quoted from Isaiah 53:7. Undoubtedly both the Baptist and Peter have this passage in mind. Elsewhere in the N.T. αρνιον — arnion is used of Christ (Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:12). Jesus is the Paschal Lamb. Peter sees clearly that it was by the blood of Christ that we are redeemed from sin.Without blemish (αμωμου — amōmou). Without (alpha privative) spot (μωμος — mōmos) as the paschal lamb had to be (Leviticus 22:21). So Hebrews 9:14.Without spot Without (alpha privative) stain Genitive case with αιματι — haimati but in unusual position for emphasis and clearness with the participles following. [source]
1 John 3:12 Slew [εσπαχεν]
First aorist active indicative of σπαζω — sphazō old verb, to slay, to butcher, to cut the throat (Latin jugulare) like an ox in the shambles, in N.T. only here and Rev (Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12, etc.).Wherefore? (χαριν τινοσ — charin tinos̱). “For the sake of what?” Post-positive preposition (Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:14) except here. The interpretation of the act of Cain (Genesis 4:8.) is an addition to the narrative, but in accord with Hebrews 11:4. Jealousy led to murder. [source]
Revelation 1:5 The first-born of the dead [ο πρωτοτοκος των νεκρων]
A Jewish Messianic title (Psalm 89:27) and as in Colossians 1:18 refers to priority in the resurrection to be followed by others. See Luke 2:7 for the word.The ruler of the kings of the earth (ο αρχων των βασιλεων της γης — ho archōn tōn basileōn tēs gēs). Jesus by his resurrection won lordship over the kings of earth (Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16), what the devil offered him by surrender (Matthew 4:8.).Unto him that loveth us Dative of the articular present (not aorist αγαπησαντι — agapēsanti) active participle of αγαπαω — agapaō in a doxology to Christ, the first of many others to God and to Christ (Revelation 1:6; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12.; Revelation 7:10, Revelation 7:12, etc.). For the thought see John 3:16.Loosed (λυσαντι — lusanti). First aorist active participle of λυω — luō (Aleph A C), though some MSS. (P Q) read λουσαντι — lousanti (washed), a manifest correction. Note the change of tense. Christ loosed us once for all, but loves us always.By his blood As in Revelation 5:9. John here as in the Gospel and Epistles states plainly and repeatedly the place of the blood of Christ in the work of redemption. [source]
Revelation 1:5 Unto him that loveth us [τωι αγαπωντι ημας]
Dative of the articular present (not aorist αγαπησαντι — agapēsanti) active participle of αγαπαω — agapaō in a doxology to Christ, the first of many others to God and to Christ (Revelation 1:6; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12.; Revelation 7:10, Revelation 7:12, etc.). For the thought see John 3:16.Loosed (λυσαντι — lusanti). First aorist active participle of λυω — luō (Aleph A C), though some MSS. (P Q) read λουσαντι — lousanti (washed), a manifest correction. Note the change of tense. Christ loosed us once for all, but loves us always.By his blood As in Revelation 5:9. John here as in the Gospel and Epistles states plainly and repeatedly the place of the blood of Christ in the work of redemption. [source]
Revelation 18:24 Was found [ευρετη]
First aorist passive indicative of ευρισκω — heuriskō See Revelation 16:6; Revelation 17:6 for the blood already shed by Rome. Rome “butchered to make a Roman holiday” (Dill, Roman Society, p. 242) not merely gladiators, but prophets and saints from Nero‘s massacre a.d. 64 to Domitian and beyond.Of all that have been slain (παντων των εσπαγμενων — pantōn tōn esphagmenōn). Perfect passive articular participle genitive plural of σπαζω — sphazō the verb used of the Lamb slain (Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 13:8). Cf. Matthew 23:35 about Jerusalem. [source]
Revelation 18:24 Of all that have been slain [παντων των εσπαγμενων]
Perfect passive articular participle genitive plural of σπαζω — sphazō the verb used of the Lamb slain (Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 13:8). Cf. Matthew 23:35 about Jerusalem. [source]
Revelation 5:6 As though it had been slain [ως εσπαγμενον]
Perfect passive predicate participle of σπαζω — sphazō old word, in N.T. only in Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 6:4, Revelation 6:9; Revelation 13:3; Revelation 18:24; 1 John 3:12. ως — Hōs (as if) is used because the Lamb is now alive, but (in appearance) with the marks of the sacrifice. The Christ as the Lamb is both sacrifice and Priest (Hebrews 9:12.; Hebrews 10:11). [source]
Revelation 5:13 Saying [λεγοντας]
Masculine (construction according to sense, personifying the created things) if genuine, though some MSS. have λεγοντα — legonta (grammatical gender agreeing with παντα — panta) present active participle of λεγω — legō to say.And to the Lamb (και τωι αρνιωι — kai tōi arniōi). Dative case. Praise and worship are rendered to the Lamb precisely as to God on the throne. Note separate articles here in the doxology as in Revelation 4:11 and the addition of το κρατος — to kratos (active power) in place of ισχυς — ischus (reserve of strength) in Revelation 5:12. [source]
Revelation 5:13 And to the Lamb [και τωι αρνιωι]
Dative case. Praise and worship are rendered to the Lamb precisely as to God on the throne. Note separate articles here in the doxology as in Revelation 4:11 and the addition of το κρατος — to kratos (active power) in place of ισχυς — ischus (reserve of strength) in Revelation 5:12. [source]
Revelation 10:2 Open [ηνεωιγμενον]
See Ezekiel 2:9. Perfect (triple reduplication) passive participle of ανοιγω — anoigō in contrast to the closed book in Revelation 5:1. There also we have επι — epi (upon) την δεχιαν — tēn dexian (the right hand), for it was a large roll, but here the little open roll is held in the hand First aorist active indicative of τιτημι — tithēmi The size of the angel is colossal, for he bestrides both land and sea. Apparently there is no special point in the right foot (τον ποδα τον δεχιον — ton poda ton dexion) being on the sea (επι της ταλασσης — epi tēs thalassēs) and the left (τον ευωνυμον — ton euōnumon) upon the land (επι της γης — epi tēs gēs). It makes a bold and graphic picture.As a lion roareth Only instance of ωσπερ — hōsper in the Apocalypse, but ως — hōs in the same sense several times. Present middle indicative of μυκαομαι — mukaomai an old onomatopoetic word from μυ — mu or μοο — moo (the sound which a cow utters), common for the lowing and bellowing of cattle, Latin mugire, but in Theocritus for the roaring of a lion as here, though in 1 Peter 5:8 we have ωρυομαι — ōruomai Homer uses μυκαομαι — mukaomai for the clangour of the shield and Aristophanes for thunder. It occurs here alone in the N.T. It does not mean that what the angel said was unintelligible, only loud. Cf. Revelation 1:10; Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 6:10; Revelation 7:2, Revelation 7:10, etc. [source]
Revelation 10:2 As a lion roareth [ωσπερ λεων μυκαται]
Only instance of ωσπερ — hōsper in the Apocalypse, but ως — hōs in the same sense several times. Present middle indicative of μυκαομαι — mukaomai an old onomatopoetic word from μυ — mu or μοο — moo (the sound which a cow utters), common for the lowing and bellowing of cattle, Latin mugire, but in Theocritus for the roaring of a lion as here, though in 1 Peter 5:8 we have ωρυομαι — ōruomai Homer uses μυκαομαι — mukaomai for the clangour of the shield and Aristophanes for thunder. It occurs here alone in the N.T. It does not mean that what the angel said was unintelligible, only loud. Cf. Revelation 1:10; Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 6:10; Revelation 7:2, Revelation 7:10, etc. [source]
Revelation 5:6 In the midst [εν μεσωι]
See Revelation 4:6 for this idiom. It is not quite clear where the Lamb was standing in the vision, whether close to the throne or in the space between the throne and the elders (perhaps implied by “came” in Revelation 5:7, but nearness to the throne is implied by Revelation 14:1; Acts 7:56; Hebrews 10:11).A Lamb (αρνιον — arnion). Elsewhere in the N.T. ο αμνος — ho amnos is used of Christ (John 1:29, John 1:36; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19 like Isaiah 53:7), but in the Apocalypse το αρνιον — to arnion occurs for the Crucified Christ 29 times in twelve chapters.Standing Second perfect active (intransitive of ιστημι — histēmi) neuter accusative singular (grammatical gender like αρνιον — arnion), though some MSS. read εστηκως — hestēkōs (natural gender masculine and nominative in spite of ειδον — eidon construction according to sense).As though it had been slain (ως εσπαγμενον — hōs esphagmenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of σπαζω — sphazō old word, in N.T. only in Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 6:4, Revelation 6:9; Revelation 13:3; Revelation 18:24; 1 John 3:12. ως — Hōs (as if) is used because the Lamb is now alive, but (in appearance) with the marks of the sacrifice. The Christ as the Lamb is both sacrifice and Priest (Hebrews 9:12.; Hebrews 10:11).Having Construction according to sense again with masculine nominative participle instead of εχοντα — echonta (masculine accusative singular) or εχον — echon (neuter accusative singular). Seven horns Fulness of power (the All-powerful one) is symbolized by seven.Seven eyes (οπταλμους επτα — ophthalmous hepta). Like Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 4:10 and denotes here, as there, omniscience. Here they are identified with the seven Spirits of Christ, while in Revelation 1:4 the seven Spirits are clearly the Holy Spirit of God (Revelation 3:1), and blaze like torches (Revelation 4:5), like the eyes of Christ (Revelation 1:14). The Holy Spirit is both Spirit of God and of Christ (Romans 8:9).Sent forth Perfect passive predicate participle of αποστελλω — apostellō masculine plural (agreeing with οι — hoi and οπταλμους — ophthalmous in gender), but some MSS. have απεσταλμενα — apestalmena agreeing with the nearer πνευματα — pneumata f0). [source]
Revelation 6:9 Under the altar [υποκατω του τυσιαστηριου]
“Under” The altar of sacrifice (Exodus 39:39; Exodus 40:29), not of incense. The imagery, as in Hebrews, is from the tabernacle. For the word see Matthew 5:23., often in Rev (Revelation 8:3, Revelation 8:5; Revelation 9:13; Revelation 11:1; Revelation 14:18; Revelation 16:7). This altar in heaven is symbolic, of course, the antitype for the tabernacle altar (Hebrews 8:5). The Lamb was slain (Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12) and these martyrs have followed the example of their Lord. [source]
Revelation 7:12  []
Note αμην — amēn at the beginning and the close of the doxology. Note also separate feminine article with each of the seven attributes given God, as in Revelation 4:11 ; Revelation 5:12 , Revelation 5:13 . [source]
Revelation 5:6 Standing [εστηκος]
Second perfect active (intransitive of ιστημι — histēmi) neuter accusative singular (grammatical gender like αρνιον — arnion), though some MSS. read εστηκως — hestēkōs (natural gender masculine and nominative in spite of ειδον — eidon construction according to sense).As though it had been slain (ως εσπαγμενον — hōs esphagmenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of σπαζω — sphazō old word, in N.T. only in Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 6:4, Revelation 6:9; Revelation 13:3; Revelation 18:24; 1 John 3:12. ως — Hōs (as if) is used because the Lamb is now alive, but (in appearance) with the marks of the sacrifice. The Christ as the Lamb is both sacrifice and Priest (Hebrews 9:12.; Hebrews 10:11).Having Construction according to sense again with masculine nominative participle instead of εχοντα — echonta (masculine accusative singular) or εχον — echon (neuter accusative singular). Seven horns Fulness of power (the All-powerful one) is symbolized by seven.Seven eyes (οπταλμους επτα — ophthalmous hepta). Like Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 4:10 and denotes here, as there, omniscience. Here they are identified with the seven Spirits of Christ, while in Revelation 1:4 the seven Spirits are clearly the Holy Spirit of God (Revelation 3:1), and blaze like torches (Revelation 4:5), like the eyes of Christ (Revelation 1:14). The Holy Spirit is both Spirit of God and of Christ (Romans 8:9).Sent forth Perfect passive predicate participle of αποστελλω — apostellō masculine plural (agreeing with οι — hoi and οπταλμους — ophthalmous in gender), but some MSS. have απεσταλμενα — apestalmena agreeing with the nearer πνευματα — pneumata f0). [source]

What do the individual words in Revelation 5:12 mean?

saying in a voice loud Worthy is the Lamb - having been slain to receive the power and riches wisdom strength honor glory blessing
λέγοντες φωνῇ μεγάλῃ Ἄξιόν ἐστιν τὸ Ἀρνίον τὸ ἐσφαγμένον λαβεῖν τὴν δύναμιν καὶ πλοῦτον σοφίαν ἰσχὺν τιμὴν δόξαν εὐλογίαν

λέγοντες  saying 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
φωνῇ  in  a  voice 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: φωνή  
Sense: a sound, a tone.
μεγάλῃ  loud 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: μέγας  
Sense: great.
Ἄξιόν  Worthy 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: ἄξιος  
Sense: weighing, having weight, having the weight of another thing of like value, worth as much.
Ἀρνίον  Lamb 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: ἀρνίον  
Sense: .
τὸ  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἐσφαγμένον  having  been  slain 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: σφάζω  
Sense: to slay, slaughter, butcher.
λαβεῖν  to  receive 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: λαμβάνω  
Sense: to take.
δύναμιν  power 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: δύναμις  
Sense: strength power, ability.
πλοῦτον  riches 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: πλοῦτος  
Sense: riches, wealth.
σοφίαν  wisdom 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: σοφία  
Sense: wisdom, broad and full of intelligence; used of the knowledge of very diverse matters.
ἰσχὺν  strength 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἰσχύς  
Sense: ability, force, strength, might.
τιμὴν  honor 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: τιμή  
Sense: a valuing by which the price is fixed.
δόξαν  glory 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: δόξα  
Sense: opinion, judgment, view.
εὐλογίαν  blessing 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: εὐγλωττία 
Sense: praise, laudation, panegyric: of Christ or God.