Revelation 5:11

KJV

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I beheld {G1492}, and {G2532} I heard {G191} the voice {G5456} of many {G4183} angels {G32} round about {G2943} the throne {G2362} and {G2532} the beasts {G2226} and {G2532} the elders {G4245}: and {G2532} the number {G706} of them {G846} was {G2258} ten thousand {G3461} times ten thousand {G3461}, and {G2532} thousands {G5505} of thousands {G5505};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I looked, and I heard the sound of a vast number of angels — thousands and thousands, millions and millions! They were all around the throne, the living beings and the elders;

Berean Standard Bible

Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels and living creatures and elders encircling the throne, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands.

American Standard Version

And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 5:11 presents a breathtaking expansion of the heavenly worship scene, as the Apostle John witnesses an immeasurable multitude of angels joining the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders in adoration around God's throne. This verse dramatically emphasizes the universal scope of praise directed toward the Lamb who was found worthy to open the scroll, underscoring the immense scale of divine authority and the countless celestial beings who acknowledge Christ's supreme sovereignty and redemptive work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of a profound heavenly vision in Revelation 5. Immediately prior, the Lamb (Jesus Christ) has been introduced as the only one worthy to take and open the seven-sealed scroll, a moment that elicits profound worship from the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, who sing a "new song" of redemption and worthiness ([Revelation 5:8-10](/revelation/5-8-10 "Revelation 5:8-10 - The Elders and Creatures Worship the Lamb")). Revelation 5:11 builds upon this by dramatically expanding the scope of the worshipping chorus. It transitions from the more specific, representative worship of the elders and creatures to an innumerable, universal angelic host, creating a crescendo of praise that encompasses the entire heavenly realm and prepares the reader for the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. This expansion underscores the cosmic significance of the Lamb's worthiness and sacrifice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written by John during a time of intense persecution for early Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian. The visions served to encourage believers, assuring them of God's ultimate sovereignty and the eventual triumph of Christ over all earthly powers. The imagery of a heavenly throne room and countless angelic hosts would have resonated with Jewish apocalyptic literature and Old Testament prophetic visions (e.g., [Daniel 7:9-10](/daniel/7-9-10 "Daniel 7:9-10 - The Ancient of Days and Myriads of Angels")). The concept of "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" was a common hyperbolic expression in ancient Near Eastern and Hellenistic cultures to denote an immeasurable, countless multitude, signifying overwhelming power, glory, or numbers. This language would have conveyed to John's audience the sheer, incomprehensible scale of the divine court and the universal recognition of Christ's authority.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 5:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God and the Lamb**, demonstrating that all creation, seen and unseen, ultimately bows before the divine throne. The gathering of such an immense host around the throne reinforces the idea that God is in ultimate control, even amidst earthly chaos and persecution, a foundational message of the book (see [Revelation 4](/revelation/4 "Revelation 4 - The Throne Room of God")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Universal Worship and Adoration**, expanding the chorus of praise from the specific representatives of creation (creatures) and redeemed humanity (elders) to the vast angelic realm, signifying that the Lamb's worthiness is acknowledged by all heavenly beings. This foreshadows the ultimate universal acknowledgment of Christ's Lordship (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Finally, the sheer number conveys **Divine Majesty and Glory**, painting a picture of overwhelming power and splendor that evokes awe and reverence, reminding the reader of the incomprehensible greatness of God and His Son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beheld (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb signifies not merely seeing, but perceiving, understanding, and knowing. John's "beholding" is an active, comprehending observation of the heavenly reality, indicating a profound spiritual insight into the scene unfolding before him. It's a vision that imparts knowledge and understanding of divine truths.
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** Beyond just physical hearing, this word implies listening with attention and understanding, often leading to obedience or comprehension. John doesn't just register noise; he apprehends the content and significance of the angels' voice, which is a unified expression of worship and proclamation.
* **ten thousand times ten thousand (Greek, _myriás myriás'_):** This phrase uses the Greek word for "myriad" (10,000) multiplied by itself, literally 10,000 x 10,000, or 100,000,000. It is a hyperbolic expression, not a precise numerical count, used to convey an unimaginably vast, innumerable quantity. In apocalyptic literature, such numbers emphasize the overwhelming scale and majesty of the divine realm and the countless nature of the angelic host.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels":** John's dual sensory experience of seeing and hearing emphasizes the reality and vividness of the vision. The "voice of many angels" indicates a collective, unified sound, not individual voices, suggesting a harmonious chorus of praise. The angels are introduced as a new, vast group joining the worship.
* **"round about the throne and the beasts and the elders":** This spatial description places the angels in a concentric circle around the central figures of worship. They surround the throne of God, and by extension, the Lamb, as well as the four living creatures (representing creation) and the twenty-four elders (representing redeemed humanity). This arrangement signifies their participation in the worship of the Lamb and their subservience to the divine authority emanating from the throne.
* **"and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;":** This is a powerful numerical hyperbole, common in apocalyptic literature, to convey an immeasurable, countless multitude. "Ten thousand times ten thousand" (myriads of myriads) and "thousands of thousands" are not meant to be added together for a precise sum, but rather to emphasize the overwhelming, incomprehensible vastness of the angelic host. It signifies an innumerable, infinite number, highlighting the universal and immense scale of the worship being offered to the Lamb.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 5:11 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is prominently used in the phrase "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands," which is not a literal count but an exaggeration to convey an immeasurable, overwhelming multitude. This emphasizes the grand scale of heavenly worship and the vastness of God's angelic creation. **Imagery** is central, as John vividly paints a picture of countless angels encircling the throne, the living creatures, and the elders, creating a dynamic and awe-inspiring scene of cosmic worship. The **auditory imagery** of "the voice of many angels" further enhances the sensory experience, suggesting a powerful, unified chorus. This verse also functions as a form of **climax** in the escalating scene of worship in Revelation 5, expanding the scope of adoration to its most immense and universal expression, building anticipation for the Lamb's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 5:11 offers a profound theological statement about the universal recognition of Christ's worthiness and the grandeur of heavenly worship. The countless angelic host joining the creatures and elders in adoration underscores that the Lamb's redemptive work is not merely a human affair but a cosmic event, acknowledged and celebrated by all of creation. This scene serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty and the Lamb's supreme authority, demonstrating that all power and glory belong to Him. It portrays a unified, overwhelming chorus of praise, where every created being, from the highest angel to the representatives of humanity and creation, is engaged in ceaseless worship of the One who sits on the throne and the Lamb.

* [Daniel 7:10](/daniel/7-10 "Daniel 7:10 - Myriads of Myriads Serve Him")
* [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - Innumerable Company of Angels")
* [Psalm 68:17](/psalms/68-17 "Psalm 68:17 - God's Chariots, Myriads of Myriads")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vision of countless angels worshipping around the throne in Revelation 5:11 provides a powerful glimpse into the ultimate reality of God's kingdom and the future of all creation. For believers, this scene offers immense encouragement, reminding us that no matter the chaos or opposition we face on earth, the Lamb is worthy, and His reign is universally acknowledged in heaven. It invites us to lift our gaze beyond our immediate circumstances and participate in this grand, eternal chorus of praise. This vision cultivates a profound sense of awe and humility, as we contemplate the immeasurable glory and power of God and the Lamb, far surpassing our finite comprehension. It challenges us to align our hearts and lives with this heavenly reality, making our daily lives an act of worship and adoration, knowing that our earthly praise is a participation in a much grander, cosmic symphony that will one day encompass all creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sheer number of worshipping angels impact your understanding of God's majesty and the significance of Christ's redemption?**
* **In what ways can your personal worship and daily life reflect the universal adoration depicted in this heavenly scene?**
* **How does the knowledge of this future, universal worship encourage you in your current struggles or challenges?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" in Revelation 5:11?**

Answer: The phrase "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" (Greek: _myriades myriades kai chiliades chiliadon_) is a hyperbolic expression used to convey an unimaginably vast, innumerable multitude, rather than a precise numerical count. A "myriad" literally means 10,000. So, "myriads of myriads" would be 10,000 x 10,000 = 100,000,000. "Thousands of thousands" also signifies an extremely large number. This language is common in apocalyptic literature, like the book of Revelation, to emphasize the overwhelming scale, power, and glory of the divine realm and the countless nature of the angelic host involved in heavenly worship. It underscores the universal and immense recognition of the Lamb's worthiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 5:11, with its vision of innumerable angels worshipping the Lamb, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate exaltation of Jesus Christ as the worthy Redeemer and sovereign Lord over all creation. The scene echoes Old Testament prophecies of God's majestic throne surrounded by countless heavenly beings, but now, the focus shifts to the Lamb who was slain, yet lives. This immense angelic chorus is not merely worshipping God in general, but specifically the One who, by His sacrificial death and resurrection, has secured redemption. This foreshadows the truth declared in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus"), where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The Lamb, who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross, is now exalted above every name, receiving the worship of every creature in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. This vision powerfully affirms that Christ's redemptive work is the central event in cosmic history, meriting universal adoration and demonstrating His supreme authority as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 7:10

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

Hebrews 12:22

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Revelation 4:6

And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, [were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

Revelation 4:4

And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Psalms 148:2

Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

Psalms 68:17

The chariots of God [are] twenty thousand, [even] thousands of angels: the Lord [is] among them, [as in] Sinai, in the holy [place].

Revelation 19:6

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.