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.

And {G2532} no man {G3762} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, nor {G3761} in {G1909} earth {G1093}, neither {G3761} under {G5270} the earth {G1093}, was able {G1410} to open {G455} the book {G975}, neither {G3761} to look {G991} thereon {G846}.

But no one in heaven, on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it.

But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it.

And no one in the heaven, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book, or to look thereon.

Revelation 5:3 describes a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision, highlighting the profound inability of any created being to access or comprehend God's ultimate plan for history and redemption. This verse immediately follows the scene in Revelation 5:1 where John sees a scroll with seven seals in the hand of God, who sits on the throne.

Context

This verse is set within the majestic throne room of God, as witnessed by the Apostle John on the island of Patmos. After seeing God's glory in Revelation chapter 4, John's attention turns to a scroll, sealed with seven seals, held by the Almighty. A strong angel then issues a challenge: "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" (Revelation 5:2). Verse 3 delivers the stark, disheartening answer: no one in all of creation was found capable or worthy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Universal Incapacity: The phrase "no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth" powerfully emphasizes the absolute and universal lack of qualification among all created beings—whether angels, humans, or spirits of the departed—to interact with this divine scroll. This highlights the immense gravity and sacredness of its contents.
  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The inability of anyone to open the book underscores that God's ultimate plan, judgment, and redemption are beyond the reach and power of any created entity. Only someone possessing ultimate, inherent authority and worthiness can unveil and execute God's sovereign will.
  • Setting the Stage for the Lamb: This verse creates a dramatic tension. John's subsequent weeping (Revelation 5:4) underscores the desperation of the situation. This universal helplessness sets the stage for the revelation of the only one who *is* worthy: the Lamb, who is also the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Christ Jesus (Revelation 5:5).

Linguistic Insights

The "book" (Greek: biblion) refers to a scroll, which was common in ancient times for important documents. Scrolls were typically rolled up and sealed to protect their contents and signify authority or ownership. The act of "opening the book" would involve breaking the seals, revealing the decrees within. To "look thereon" (Greek: blepo) implies not just a casual glance, but to behold, understand, or comprehend its deep significance. The inability to open it naturally leads to an inability to understand or enact its divine purposes.

Significance and Application

Revelation 5:3 is crucial because it establishes the profound spiritual problem that only Christ can solve. It teaches us about:

  • The Uniqueness of Christ: It powerfully affirms that only Jesus Christ possesses the divine authority, perfect righteousness, and redemptive power to execute God's plan for the ages. No human leader, angelic being, or spiritual power can compare to His unique worthiness.
  • Trust in God's Plan: Even when the world's problems seem insurmountable and God's ultimate purposes unclear, this verse reminds us that there is a divine plan unfolding, orchestrated by a perfectly sovereign God and executed by His worthy Son. We are called to trust in His wisdom and timing.
  • Hope in the Lamb: The despair of "no man... was able" quickly gives way to the triumphant declaration of Christ's worthiness. This transition provides immense hope, assuring believers that the ultimate victory belongs to the Lamb, who will bring about the new heaven and new earth as promised in Revelation 21:1.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 5:13

    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.

  • Isaiah 40:13

    Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or [being] his counsellor hath taught him?

  • Isaiah 40:14

    With whom took he counsel, and [who] instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?

  • Romans 11:34

    For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

  • Isaiah 41:28

    For I beheld, and [there was] no man; even among them, and [there was] no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, could answer a word.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back