¶ And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
And {G2532} I saw {G1492} in {G1909} the right hand {G1188} of him that sat {G2521} on {G1909} the throne {G2362} a book {G975} written {G1125} within {G2081} and {G2532} on the backside {G3693}, sealed {G2696} with seven {G2033} seals {G4973}.
Next I saw in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals;
Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals.
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the back, close sealed with seven seals.
-
Ezekiel 2:9
And when I looked, behold, an hand [was] sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book [was] therein; -
Ezekiel 2:10
And he spread it before me; and it [was] written within and without: and [there was] written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. -
Isaiah 29:11
And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which [men] deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it [is] sealed: -
Revelation 5:7
And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. -
Daniel 12:4
But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. -
Daniel 12:9
And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end. -
Revelation 6:1
¶ And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
Revelation 5:1 introduces a pivotal object in John's vision: a mysterious scroll in the hand of God, setting the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God's plan for history and eternity.
Context
This verse immediately follows the majestic scene described in Revelation chapter 4, where John is transported to heaven and witnesses the glorious worship of God the Father, who sits upon the throne. The "him that sat on the throne" is God Almighty, the sovereign Creator and Ruler of the universe. The appearance of this scroll in His right hand signifies its immense importance and divine origin. This scene initiates the central drama of Revelation, leading to the question of who is worthy to open the scroll and reveal its contents.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV translates the Greek word biblion (βιβλίον) as "book," but in ancient times, this typically referred to a scroll. Scrolls were written on papyrus or parchment, often rolled up. The detail that it was "written within and on the backside" (ἔσωθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν - esōthen kai opisthen) is significant. Normally, scrolls were written on only one side. A scroll written on both sides was rare and implied that its contents were extensive, overflowing, and of utmost importance, leaving no room for further additions. It signifies the comprehensive and complete nature of God's divine will and decrees contained within.
The "sealed with seven seals" (ἑπτὰ σφραγῖσιν - hepta sphragisin) highlights its impenetrable security. In the ancient world, seals were used to authenticate documents, indicate ownership, and secure contents from unauthorized access. Seven seals suggest perfect, ultimate security, indicating that only one with supreme authority could legitimately open it.
Related Scriptures
This scroll is the central object of the vision, whose opening initiates the sequence of judgments and events described from Revelation chapter 6 onwards. The question of who is worthy to open this scroll is immediately posed in Revelation 5:2-4, leading to the revelation of the Lamb of God in Revelation 5:6. The concept of a sealed book containing future prophecies can also be found in Old Testament prophecy, such as in Daniel 12:4, where Daniel is instructed to seal up a book until the time of the end.
Practical Application
Revelation 5:1 offers profound reassurance to believers. It demonstrates that history is not random or chaotic but is part of a deliberate, divinely ordained plan held securely in God's hands. Even when events seem tumultuous, God is sovereignly in control, and His ultimate purposes will be perfectly fulfilled. This verse invites us to trust in God's overarching plan, knowing that He holds the destiny of creation, and only He has the authority to unfold it in His perfect timing.