TRV
Translation
King James Version
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
Complete Jewish Bible
I cried and cried, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it.
Berean Standard Bible
And I began to weep bitterly, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it.
American Standard Version
And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look thereon:
World English Bible Messianic
And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look in it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then I wept much, because no man was foud worthy to open, and to reade the Booke, neither to looke thereon.
Young's Literal Translation
And I was weeping much, because no one was found worthy to open and to read the scroll, nor to behold it,
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In the KJVVerse 30,784 of 31,102
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Commentary on Revelation 5 verses 1–5
1 ¶ And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
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.
Hitherto the apostle had seen only the great God, the governor of all things, now,
I. He is favoured with a sight of the model and methods of his government, as they are all written down in a book which he holds in his hand; and this we are now to consider as shut up and sealed in the hand of God. Observe, 1. The designs and methods of divine Providence towards the church and the world are stated and fixed; they are resolved upon and agreed to, as that which is written in a book. The great design is laid, every part adjusted, all determined, and every thing passed into decree and made a matter of record. The original and first draught of this book is the book of God's decrees, laid up in his own cabinet, in his eternal mind: but there is a transcript of so much as was necessary to be known in the book of the scriptures in general, in the prophetical part of the scripture especially, and in this prophecy in particular. 2. God holds this book in his right hand, to declare the authority of the book, and his readiness and resolution to execute all the contents thereof, all the counsels and purposes therein recorded. 3. This book in the hand of God is shut up and sealed; it is known to none but himself, till he allows it to be opened. Known unto God, and to him alone, are all his works, from the beginning of the world; but it is his glory to conceal the matter as he pleases. The times and seasons, and their great events, he hath kept in his own hand and power. 4. It is sealed with seven seals. This tells us with what inscrutable secrecy the counsels of God are laid, how impenetrable by the eye and intellect of the creature; and also points us to seven several parts of this book of God's counsels. Each part seems to have its particular seal, and, when opened, discovers its proper events; these seven parts are not unsealed and opened at once, but successively, one scene of Providence introducing another, and explaining it, till the whole mystery of God's counsel and conduct be finished in the world.
II. He heard a proclamation made concerning this sealed book. 1. The crier was a strong angel; not that there are any weak ones among the angels in heaven, though there are many among the angels of the churches. This angel seems to come out, not only as a crier, but as a champion, with a challenge to any or all the creatures to try the strength of their wisdom in opening the counsels of God; and, as a champion, he cried with a loud voice, that every creature might hear. 2. The cry or challenge proclaimed was, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? Rev 5:2. If there by any creature who thinks himself sufficient either to explain or execute the counsels of God, let him stand forth, and make the attempt." 3. None in heaven or earth could accept the challenge and undertake the task: none in heaven, none of the glorious holy angels, though before the throne of God, and the ministers of his providence; they with all their wisdom cannot dive into the decrees of God: none on earth, no man, the wisest or the best of men, none of the magicians and soothsayers, none of the prophets of God, any further than he reveals his mind to them: none under the earth, none of the fallen angels, none of the spirits of men departed, though they should return to our world, can open this book. Satan himself, with all his subtlety, cannot do it; the creatures cannot open it, nor look on it; they cannot read it. God only can do it.
III. He felt a great concern in himself about this matter: the apostle wept much; it was a great disappointment to him. By what he had seen in him who sat upon the throne, he was very desirous to see and know more of his mind and will: this desire, when not presently gratified, filled him with sorrow, and fetched many tears from his eyes. Here observe, 1. Those who have seen most of God in this world are most desirous to see more; and those who have seen his glory desire to know his will. 2. Good men may be too eager and to hasty to look into the mysteries of divine conduct. 3. Such desires, not presently answered, turn to grief and sorrow. Hope deferred makes the heart sick.
IV. The apostle was comforted and encouraged to hope this sealed book would yet be opened. Here observe, 1. Who it was that gave John the hint: One of the elders. God had revealed it to his church. If angels do not refuse to learn from the church, ministers should not disdain to do it. God can make his people to instruct and inform their teachers when he pleases. 2. Who it was that would do the thing - the Lord Jesus Christ, called the lion of the tribe of Judah, according to his human nature, alluding to Jacob's prophecy (Gen 49:10), and the root of David according to his divine nature, though a branch of David according to the flesh. He who is a middle person, God and man, and bears the office of Mediator between God and man, is fit and worthy to open and execute all the counsels of God towards men. And this he does in his mediatorial state and capacity, as the root of David and the offspring of Judah, and as the King and head of the Israel of God; and he will do it, to the consolation and joy of all his people.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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Victorinus of PettauAD 304
Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John
"There was none found worthy to do this." Neither among the angels of heaven, nor among men in earth, nor among the souls of the saints in rest, save Christ the Son of God alone, whom he says that he saw as a Lamb standing as it were slain, having seven horns. What had not been then announced, and what the law had contemplated for Him by its various oblations and sacrifices, it behoved Himself to fulfil. And because He Himself was the testator, who had overcome death, it was just that Himself should be appointed the Lord's heir, that He should possess the substance of the dying man, that is, the human members.
JeromeAD 420
St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER TWELVE
[Daniel 12:4] "But Thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time appointed. Many shall pass over, and knowledge shall be manifold." He who had revealed manifold truth to Daniel now signifies that the things he has said are matters of secrecy, and he orders him to roll up the scroll containing his words and set a seal upon the book, with the result that many shall read it and inquire as to its fulfilment in history, differing in their opinions because of its great obscurity. And as for the statement, "Many shall pass over" or "go through," this indicates that it will be read by many people. For it is a familiar expression to say: "I have gone through a book," or, "I have passed through an historical account." Indeed this is the idea which Isaiah also expressed in regard to the obscurity of his own book: "And the sayings of that book shall be like the words of a book that is sealed. And if they shall give it to an illiterate man, saying, 'Read it,' he will reply, 'I do not know how to read.' But if they give it to a man who does know how to read and say, 'Read the book,' he will reply, 'I cannot read it, because it is sealed up'" (Isaiah 29:11-12). Also in the Revelation of John, there is a book seen which is sealed with seven seals inside and outside. And when no one proves able to break its seals, John says, "I wept sore; and a voice came to me, saying, 'Weep not: behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book and break its seals'" (Revelation 5:1-5). But that book can be opened by one who has learned the mysteries of Scripture and understands its hidden truths, and its words which seem dark because of the greatness of the secrets they contain. He it is who can interpret the parables and transmute the letter which killeth into the spirit which quickeneth.
Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 5:4
It was the church that wept in John’s weeping, for she is weighed down with the burden of sins and beseeches her own redemption, which was shown to exist in the opening of this book.
Apringius of BejaAD 600
Concious of his fraility and humanity this saint wept because he thought that there was no one worthy enough to understand or truly perceive these things.
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
wept. perhaps since the most spotless order of the angelic substances fell into ignorance.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And I wept much. Recognizing the common misery of the human race, he grieved.
Alcuin of YorkAD 804
COMMENTARY ON REVELATION
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open the book, nor to see it. By no means is it believed that John, who wrote this after the opening of this book, wept in his own person, but in that of the Church of before Christ's coming, which, burdened with the weight of sins, was anxiously seeking the presence of its Mediator. It is also in the person of this Church that David says, My tears have been my bread day and night, whilst it is said to me daily: Where is thy God? [Ps. 41:4] A consolation is directed at it in what is said after that:
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
And the unworthiness of all became the cause of my lamentations.
Nerses of LambronAD 1198
All wept who were lost in ignorance, men and those from the orders of the most pure and angelic ranks.
Nicholas of LyraAD 1349
In this weeping John indicates the desire to know the future course of the Church.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 5:4 vividly portrays the profound despair of John in his apocalyptic vision as he witnesses a cosmic crisis: no being in all of creation is found worthy to open, read, or even look upon the divinely significant scroll held by the One seated on the throne. This intense moment of weeping underscores the gravity of humanity's inability and the universal unworthiness of all created beings to unfold God's ultimate redemptive and judgmental purposes, setting the stage for the revelation of the uniquely qualified Redeemer.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 5:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Pathos, as John's intense weeping ("wept much") is designed to evoke deep emotion and empathy from the reader, mirroring the cosmic despair at the apparent impasse of God's plan. This emotional display underscores the gravity of the situation and the dire consequences if the scroll remains sealed. There is also significant Anticipation and Suspense built into the narrative. The universal search for a worthy one, followed by the declaration of universal unworthiness and John's weeping, creates a dramatic tension that powerfully sets the stage for the revelation of the one who is worthy in the subsequent verses. Finally, the "book" or "scroll" itself functions as powerful Symbolism, representing God's sovereign plan, decrees, and the unfolding of His redemptive and judgmental purposes for all of history. Its sealed nature symbolizes the mystery and inaccessibility of God's ultimate will to all but the uniquely qualified.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 5:4 is a critical hinge point in the unfolding drama of Revelation, establishing a profound theological truth: the absolute inability of any created being to fully comprehend, execute, or bring about God's ultimate redemptive and judgmental purposes. This universal unworthiness of humanity and angels alike highlights the unique nature of the problem of sin and the chasm it creates between God and creation. It underscores that salvation and the consummation of God's kingdom cannot be achieved through human effort, angelic power, or any created merit. This moment of despair serves to magnify the unparalleled worthiness and indispensable role of Jesus Christ, who alone possesses the divine authority and sacrificial merit to bridge this gap and unveil God's plan. The scene emphasizes that true hope for creation rests solely on the singular qualification of the Lamb who was slain.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John's profound weeping in Revelation 5:4 serves as a powerful reminder of the deep spiritual anguish that should accompany the realization of humanity's utter inability to save itself or to unlock God's ultimate plan. This verse confronts us with the sobering truth that our efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, are insufficient to bridge the chasm between a holy God and a fallen creation. If no one was found worthy, it means that left to ourselves, humanity would remain trapped in its fallen state, and God's glorious purposes would remain forever sealed. This should lead us to a profound sense of humility and a recognition of our absolute dependence on divine intervention. It magnifies the immeasurable grace of God in providing the one and only worthy Savior. Our hope is not in our own strength, wisdom, or righteousness, but entirely in the unique worthiness and accomplished work of Jesus Christ. This passage calls us to abandon self-reliance and place our complete trust in the Lamb who alone can open the scroll of destiny, bringing about redemption and the fulfillment of all God's promises.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was no one found worthy to open the scroll?
Answer: The scroll in Revelation 5:1 symbolizes God's sovereign plan for history, redemption, and judgment, a plan that only a being of absolute purity, perfect righteousness, and supreme authority could execute. The search conducted throughout "heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth" (Revelation 5:3) revealed that no created being—whether angel, human, or spirit—possessed the inherent merit or moral qualification to undertake such a monumental task. All created beings, by nature, fall short of God's perfect standard, and none had the unique authority or sacrificial work necessary to claim the right to unveil and enact God's ultimate purposes. This universal unworthiness underscores the profound chasm between God's perfect holiness and the fallenness of creation, setting the stage for the revelation of the one unique individual who is worthy.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 5:4, with its depiction of universal unworthiness and John's profound despair, serves as the ultimate setup for the glorious revelation of Jesus Christ as the only one truly worthy. This moment of cosmic crisis is resolved not by any created being, but by the Lamb of God, who alone possesses the unique qualifications to open the scroll and execute God's plan. The elder's comforting words in Revelation 5:5 immediately introduce Jesus as "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David," who "hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." His worthiness is not inherent as a created being, but stems from His divine nature, His perfect life, and crucially, His sacrificial death and resurrection. He is the Lamb "as it had been slain", whose shed blood purchased people for God "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (Revelation 5:9). This unparalleled act of redemption, foreshadowed in passages like John 1:29, is the foundation of His authority. Because He "overcame" sin and death through His atoning work on the cross (Colossians 2:15), He alone is able to take the scroll from the hand of God (Revelation 5:7) and unfold the divine purposes. Thus, John's weeping transforms into worship, as the entire cosmos acknowledges Christ's singular worthiness and His central role in the unfolding of God's redemptive history, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom (Philippians 2:9-11).