Revelation 5:13

KJV

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} every {G3956} creature {G2938} which {G3739} is {G2076} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, and {G2532} on {G1722} the earth {G1093}, and {G2532} under {G5270} the earth {G1093}, and {G2532} such as {G3739} are {G2076} in {G1909} the sea {G2281}, and {G2532} all {G3956} that are in {G1722} them {G846}, heard I {G191} saying {G3004}, Blessing {G2129}, and {G2532} honour {G5092}, and {G2532} glory {G1391}, and {G2532} power {G2904}, be unto him that sitteth {G2521} upon {G1909} the throne {G2362}, and {G2532} unto the Lamb {G721} for {G1519} ever {G165} and ever {G165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth and on the sea — yes, everything in them — saying,

“To the One sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb
belong praise, honor, glory and power
forever and ever!”

Berean Standard Bible

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: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!”

American Standard Version

And every created thing which is in the heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all things that are in them, heard I saying, Unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, be the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, for ever and ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 5:13 unveils a majestic vision of universal worship, where every conceivable part of creation—from the celestial to the subterranean, the terrestrial to the marine—unites in a resounding chorus of adoration. This climactic declaration follows the Lamb's proven worthiness to execute God's redemptive plan, solidifying the co-equal and eternal praise directed to both God the Father, seated on the throne, and Jesus Christ, the Lamb. It is a breathtaking glimpse into the eschatological reality of divine sovereignty and Christ's ultimate exaltation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 5:13 serves as the grand culmination of a profound and escalating worship scene that began in [Revelation 4](/revelation/4 "Revelation 4 - The Throne Room Vision"). Chapter 4 introduces John's vision of God's majestic throne room, where the twenty-four elders and four living creatures offer unceasing praise to "Him that sat on the throne" ([Revelation 4:8](/revelation/4-8 "Revelation 4:8 - Holy, Holy, Holy")). Chapter 5 then introduces a crucial dilemma: a seven-sealed scroll, representing God's sovereign plan, which no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy to open. The tension builds until "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David," who is also paradoxically "a Lamb as it had been slain" ([Revelation 5:5-6](/revelation/5-5-6 "Revelation 5:5-6 - The Lion and the Lamb")), steps forward. The Lamb's worthiness, rooted in His atoning sacrifice ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")), triggers an immediate outpouring of worship from the four living creatures and the elders ([Revelation 5:8-10](/revelation/5-8-10 "Revelation 5:8-10 - Worship of the Lamb")). This is swiftly joined by "myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands" of angels ([Revelation 5:11-12](/revelation/5-11-12 "Revelation 5:11-12 - Angelic Worship of the Lamb")), creating an immense heavenly chorus. Verse 13 expands this worship beyond heavenly beings to encompass the entirety of creation, making it the most expansive and inclusive declaration of praise in this vision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Revelation was written by John during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). Christians faced pressure to participate in the imperial cult, which demanded worship of the emperor as divine. This context makes the vision of universal worship in Revelation 5:13 particularly potent. It offers a counter-narrative to the prevailing imperial claims, asserting that ultimate sovereignty and worship belong not to any earthly ruler, but to God on the throne and to the Lamb. For a suffering church, this vision provided immense hope and reassurance: despite present trials, God is ultimately in control, and His Christ will receive the universal homage that is His due. The language of "every creature" would have resonated with ancient cosmic understanding, emphasizing the totality of the created order as subservient to the true divine authority, contrasting sharply with the limited dominion of Rome.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 5:13 powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the book. Firstly, it highlights **Universal Adoration**, emphasizing that all of creation—animate and inanimate, visible and invisible—will ultimately acknowledge and praise God and the Lamb. This points to a future state of perfect harmony and submission to divine authority, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord, as prophesied in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Co-equality in Worship** of God the Father ("Him that sitteth upon the throne") and the Lamb (Jesus Christ). The identical attributes of "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power" ascribed to both affirm the divine nature of Jesus and His co-eternal status with the Father, a cornerstone of Christian theology. Thirdly, this universal praise is a profound recognition of God's **Sovereignty and the Lamb's Worthiness**. It declares that all ultimate power and authority belong to them for eternity, a truth that provides comfort and assurance to believers facing earthly opposition, reminding them of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, as seen throughout the unfolding narrative of [Revelation](/revelation/1 "The Book of Revelation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **creature (Greek, _ktísma'_):** This term (G2938) refers to an "original formation" or "created thing," derived from the verb "to create." In Revelation 5:13, its use emphasizes that the worship originates from everything brought into existence by God, underscoring the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of the praise. It signifies that every single entity that owes its existence to the Creator participates in this ultimate act of homage.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** (G1391) signifies "glory as very apparent," encompassing dignity, honor, praise, and worship. It points to the inherent splendor, majesty, and radiant excellence attributed to God and the Lamb. This is not merely a human estimation but an acknowledgment of their intrinsic worthiness to receive ultimate adoration and renown.
* **for ever and ever (Greek, _aiṓn'_):** While the KJV translates a phrase, the core Greek word (G165, _aiṓn_) means "an age" or "perpetuity." When combined with the preposition G1519 (_eis_, "to or into") and repeated in the plural (as in _eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn_, "unto the ages of the ages"), it forms a superlative expression denoting an unending, eternal duration. This emphasizes the timeless and perpetual nature of the worship, indicating that the reign and worthiness of God and the Lamb are not temporary but everlasting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying":** This opening clause presents a panoramic vision of universal participation in worship. The exhaustive list—heavenly beings (angels, glorified saints), terrestrial life (humanity, animals), subterranean entities (perhaps spirits in Hades, or even the deep earth itself), and marine inhabitants—functions as a **merism**, encompassing the entirety of creation. John, the visionary, hears this chorus, indicating its audible and undeniable reality. It signifies that no part of God's created order is exempt from this ultimate act of homage.
* **"Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power":** These four attributes constitute the content of the universal praise. "Blessing" (Greek: _eulogía_) denotes adoration, commendation, and fine speaking directed towards God. "Honour" (Greek: _timḗ_) speaks to the intrinsic worth, dignity, and high regard ascribed to the recipients. "Glory" (Greek: _dóxa_) refers to the radiant majesty, splendor, and inherent excellence. "Power" (Greek: _krátos_) acknowledges supreme might, dominion, and governing authority. Together, they form a comprehensive acclamation of divine excellence, authority, and inherent right to rule.
* **"[be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb":** This is the crucial destination of the worship. "Him that sitteth upon the throne" clearly refers to God the Father, the ultimate sovereign and source of all authority. The immediate and equal attribution of these four divine qualities "unto the Lamb" (Jesus Christ) underscores His co-equality and co-divinity with the Father. This is a profound Christological statement, affirming that Jesus is a co-recipient of ultimate, eternal worship, sharing the Father's divine essence and authority.
* **"for ever and ever":** This superlative expression, _eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn_ (literally "unto the ages of the ages"), signifies an unending, eternal duration. It emphasizes the perpetual and timeless nature of this universal worship, indicating that the reign, worthiness, and inherent glory of God and the Lamb are not temporary but everlasting, extending infinitely into the future.

#### Literary Devices
The language of Revelation 5:13 is rich with literary devices that enhance its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Merism**, where "every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea" is used to represent the totality of creation. This rhetorical device ensures that no realm or being is excluded from the universal chorus of praise, emphasizing the absolute comprehensiveness of the worship. **Anaphora** is skillfully employed through the repeated use of "and" (Greek: _kai_) to connect the various categories of creation and the four attributes of worship. This repetition builds a sense of overwhelming unity and cumulative grandeur, reinforcing the idea of a single, unified voice of praise. **Symbolism** is central to Revelation, and here, "the Lamb" **symbolizes** Jesus Christ, specifically in His sacrificial and redemptive role, while "the throne" **symbolizes** divine sovereignty, authority, and ultimate rule. The entire scene, with its cosmic scope and overwhelming chorus, can also be understood as a form of **Hyperbole**, depicting an ideal, ultimate state of universal worship that transcends present realities, yet points to a future truth of God's absolute dominion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 5:13 stands as a monumental declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty and the Lamb's co-equal divinity, culminating the escalating worship of the preceding verses. Theologically, it affirms the Trinitarian reality of worship, with the Father and the Son receiving identical, eternal praise. This universal acclamation underscores the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan, revealing that all creation, which was marred by sin, will eventually be reconciled and brought into perfect alignment with its Creator and Redeemer. It is a powerful eschatological vision, offering assurance that despite present chaos or opposition, God and the Lamb are ultimately in control and will receive universal recognition and adoration, fulfilling the divine purpose for all things.

* [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")
* [Psalm 103:19-22](/psalms/103-19-22 "Psalm 103:19-22 - All Creation Praises the Lord")
* [Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - Christ as Creator and Reconciler")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 5:13 offers profound comfort and inspiration to believers, reminding us that despite the present chaos, suffering, or opposition in the world, God and the Lamb are ultimately in sovereign control and will receive universal recognition and worship. This breathtaking vision encourages us to align our lives with this eternal reality, offering our own worship and submission to God and the Lamb now, even as we await the day when all creation will join us. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our present struggles are temporary, but the glory and dominion of Christ are everlasting. This verse provides a glimpse into the glorious future where all discord will cease, and creation will perfectly reflect the glory of its Creator, inspiring us to live lives of praise and anticipation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of universal worship in Revelation 5:13 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's ultimate sovereignty?**
* **In what ways can you, as an individual, participate in this universal chorus of "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power" in your daily life?**
* **How does the co-equal worship of the Lamb alongside God the Father impact your understanding of Jesus' divinity and His role in salvation?**
* **What hope does this vision of future universal adoration offer you in the face of current global or personal challenges?**

### FAQ

**Does "every creature" in Revelation 5:13 literally mean animals and inanimate objects will speak and worship?**

Answer: The phrase "every creature" (Greek: _pan ktísma_) in Revelation 5:13 is a powerful expression signifying the totality and comprehensiveness of creation. While it broadly encompasses all created beings, including sentient ones, the primary emphasis is on the universal acknowledgment and submission to God and the Lamb, rather than a literal vocalization from every animal or inanimate object. The language here is apocalyptic and highly symbolic, using **merism** (listing parts to represent the whole) to convey that no part of the created order will be exempt from recognizing the supreme authority and worthiness of God and Christ. This is a declaration that the entire cosmos, in its various realms, will ultimately be brought into harmony and submission under their reign, fulfilling the prophetic vision where [every knee will bow](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow").

**Why is the Lamb worshipped alongside God the Father with the same attributes of blessing, honour, glory, and power?**

Answer: The co-equal worship of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) alongside "Him that sitteth upon the throne" (God the Father) in Revelation 5:13 is a profound theological statement affirming the divine nature and co-equality of Jesus Christ with God the Father. This scene highlights that Jesus is not merely a created being or a lesser deity, but shares in the very essence, authority, and worthiness of God. The attributes of "blessing, honour, glory, and power" are qualities reserved for ultimate divinity. By ascribing these identically to both the Father and the Lamb, John's vision underscores the central Christian doctrine of the Trinity and Christ's full deity. This worship is a direct response to the Lamb's unique worthiness, demonstrated by His sacrificial death and resurrection, through which He secured redemption and proved Himself worthy to execute God's sovereign plan, as described earlier in [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb's Worthiness and Redemption").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 5:13 is a magnificent Christ-centered declaration, revealing the ultimate destiny of all creation to worship the Lamb alongside God the Father. This universal acclamation finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb "as it had been slain" ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb Who Was Slain")). His worthiness to receive such unparalleled praise stems directly from His redemptive sacrifice, through which He purchased humanity for God "by [His] blood" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed by Blood")). The cosmic scope of this worship testifies to Christ's pre-eminence as the Creator through whom "all things were created" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")), and as the Reconciler who will ultimately bring all things in heaven and on earth into unity under His headship ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - Summing Up All Things in Christ")). The eternal nature of the worship, "for ever and ever," underscores Christ's eternal reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, a truth proclaimed throughout the New Testament, culminating in His final victory and establishment of His kingdom ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, Revelation 5:13 is not merely a vision of future worship, but a profound affirmation of Christ's divine identity, His completed work of salvation, and His ultimate, eternal sovereignty over all creation.

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

Philippians 2:10

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;

1 Chronicles 29:11

Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Revelation 5:3

And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

Psalms 148:2

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

Psalms 148:13

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven.

Revelation 5:12

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.

Romans 11:36

For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.