5:10 5:10

Revelation 5:11

5:12 5:12

Bible Versions

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;
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};
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;
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.
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;

Context

Revelation 5:11 is part of a grand vision of heavenly worship, immediately following the Lamb (Jesus Christ) being found worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll (Revelation 5:1-5). The preceding verses describe the worship of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders who fall down before the Lamb, singing a new song (Revelation 5:8-10). This verse expands the scope of worship to include an innumerable host of angels, emphasizing the universal recognition of Christ's sovereignty and worthiness in this cosmic scene.

Key Themes

  • Innumerable Heavenly Host: The verse vividly portrays the vastness of God's angelic creation. The phrases "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" are not meant to be a precise count but rather convey an unimaginably large, innumerable multitude. This emphasizes the immense scale of divine authority and the countless beings who serve God.
  • Universal Worship: The scene depicts a cosmic chorus. The angels join the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders in surrounding God's throne, indicating a unified, overwhelming adoration for the Lamb who was slain. This collective worship underscores the supreme worthiness of Jesus Christ and His redemption.
  • Divine Majesty and Glory: The sheer number of worshipping angels highlights the immense glory and power of God and the Lamb. It paints a picture of a universe fully engaged in acknowledging divine sovereignty and worth, reinforcing the awe-inspiring nature of the heavenly realm.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" translates the Greek myriades myriades kai chiliades chiliadon. A "myriad" (myrias) literally means 10,000. So, "myriades myriades" means 10,000 multiplied by 10,000, which is 100,000,000. "Thousands of thousands" (chiliades chiliadon) also implies an extremely large, uncountable number. This hyperbolic language is common in apocalyptic literature to convey an overwhelming, incomprehensible quantity, underscoring the vastness of the angelic host involved in heavenly worship and the boundless praise offered to God.

Practical Application

Revelation 5:11 offers a powerful glimpse into the future reality of universal worship around God's throne. For believers today, this verse provides:

  • Encouragement: It assures us that ultimately, all creation will acknowledge the rightful reign of Christ, even amidst present earthly struggles and chaos.
  • Awe and Humility: It reminds us of the immense and glorious nature of God, far beyond human comprehension, fostering a sense of awe and humility in His presence.
  • Call to Worship: If countless angels, elders, and creatures are engaged in ceaseless worship, it serves as a powerful call for us to align our lives with this heavenly reality, offering our own praise and adoration to the Lamb who is worthy (Revelation 5:12). It reminds us that our earthly worship is a participation in a much grander, eternal chorus.
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.

  • 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.
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