5:1 5:1

Revelation 5:2

5:3 5:3

Bible Versions

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
And {G2532} I saw {G1492} a strong {G2478} angel {G32} proclaiming {G2784} with a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, Who {G5101} is {G2076} worthy {G514} to open {G455} the book {G975}, and {G2532} to loose {G3089} the seals {G4973} thereof {G846}?
and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Revelation 5:2 is part of a pivotal scene in John's apocalyptic vision, set in the heavenly throne room of God. It introduces a moment of profound cosmic inquiry, setting the stage for the revelation of the one uniquely qualified to unfold God's ultimate plan.

Context

This verse follows the breathtaking description of God's majesty and the worship surrounding His throne in Revelation chapter 4. In Revelation 5:1, John sees a scroll in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. This scroll is written on both sides and sealed with seven seals, signifying its ultimate importance, divine authority, and the hidden nature of its contents—likely representing God's perfect plan for judgment and redemption throughout history. The scene now shifts to the urgent question of who is worthy to open this scroll.

Key Themes

  • Cosmic Dilemma: The "strong angel's" resounding question highlights a universal problem: the unfolding of God's sovereign plan is contingent upon someone worthy to open the scroll, yet no one is found. This creates intense suspense and underscores the gravity of the situation.
  • The Search for Worthiness: The verse emphasizes the absolute necessity of unique worthiness—moral purity, divine authority, and inherent right—to access and execute God's sealed decrees. This sets the stage for the dramatic revelation of the Lamb.
  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The very existence of the sealed scroll, held by God on His throne, reinforces His ultimate control over all creation, history, and prophecy. The question of who can open it speaks to the source of all authority in the universe.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "strong angel" (Greek: angelos ischuros) denotes a messenger of immense power and authority, fitting for a proclamation of such universal significance. His "loud voice" (φωνῇ μεγάλῃ - phonē megalē) emphasizes the gravity and pervasive reach of his inquiry, meant to be heard throughout creation. The crucial word "worthy" (ἄξιος - axios) implies being perfectly deserving, qualified, and having the inherent right or merit to perform such a monumental task. The "book" (βιβλίον - biblion) refers to a scroll, typical for ancient writings, and its "seals" (σφραγῖδας - sphragidas) signify security, authenticity, and that its contents are divinely protected and revealed only at the appointed time by the appropriate one.

Related Scriptures

  • The scroll itself, central to this scene, is introduced in Revelation 5:1.
  • The answer to the angel's question, revealing the one who is truly worthy, is found in the subsequent verses, particularly Revelation 5:5 and Revelation 5:6, where Jesus Christ, the Lamb, is introduced.
  • This moment in Revelation highlights the unique authority of Christ, a theme consistent with His preeminence and power over all things, as seen in Colossians 1:16.

Practical Application

Revelation 5:2 invites believers to reflect on the unparalleled sovereignty of God and the unique, irreplaceable role of Jesus Christ in His divine plan. It reassures us that even when the future seems uncertain or the world's problems insurmountable, there is a divine blueprint, and only the one who is truly worthy can unfold it. This verse builds anticipation for the revelation of Christ's full dominion and the eventual triumph of God's kingdom, reminding us that God is in control and His purposes will ultimately prevail. It encourages us to place our hope and trust in the Lamb who alone was found worthy to open the sealed scroll, echoing the hope of His glorious return (Revelation 22:20).

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.

  • 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:

  • Isaiah 29:12

    And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.

  • Revelation 5:5

    And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

  • Revelation 10:1

    ¶ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

  • Isaiah 41:22

    Let them bring [them] forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they [be], that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come.

  • Isaiah 41:23

    Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye [are] gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold [it] together.

  • Psalms 103:20

    Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
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