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.

And {G2532} one {G1520} of {G1537} the elders {G4245} saith {G3004} unto me {G3427}, Weep {G2799} not {G3361}: behold {G2400}, the Lion {G3023} of {G5607}{G1537} the tribe {G5443} of Juda {G2455}, the Root {G4491} of David {G1138}, hath prevailed {G3528} to open {G455} the book {G975}, and {G2532} to loose {G3089} the seven {G2033} seals {G4973} thereof {G846}.

One of the elders said to me, “Don’t cry. Look, the Lion of the tribe of Y’hudah, the Root of David, has won the right to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

and one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not; behold, the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath overcome to open the book and the seven seals thereof.

Revelation 5:5 is a pivotal verse in the apostle John's vision, offering a powerful revelation of the one deemed worthy to execute God's divine plan. It shifts the scene from despair to hope, identifying Jesus Christ with two profound messianic titles.

Context

In the preceding verses of Revelation chapter 5, John sees a scroll with seven seals in the right hand of God. A strong angel proclaims, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" (Revelation 5:2). When no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy, John weeps bitterly (Revelation 5:4). This verse provides the comforting answer and the turning point, as one of the elders reassures John that a worthy one has indeed been found.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Worthiness of Jesus Christ: This verse emphatically declares Jesus' unique qualification to unveil God's purposes. His worthiness is not assumed but earned through His redemptive work and ultimate victory.
  • Messianic Identity: Jesus is identified through two significant Old Testament titles, confirming His identity as the long-awaited Messiah. These titles underscore His power, authority, and lineage.
  • Triumph Over Despair: John's weeping is met with a declaration of victory, signaling that God's plan will unfold as intended, and there is no need for sorrow or fear regarding the future.
  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The opening of the scroll signifies the unfolding of God's sovereign will and judgment, with Christ being the central figure through whom all things are accomplished.

Linguistic Insights

The two titles given to Jesus are rich with Old Testament significance:

  • "The Lion of the tribe of Juda": This title evokes power, royalty, and conquest. It directly references Jacob's prophecy concerning Judah in Genesis 49:9-10, where Judah is described as a "lion's whelp" from whom a ruler would come. It emphasizes Jesus' kingship, His prevailing strength, and His role as the King of kings.
  • "The Root of David": This title points to Jesus' royal lineage and divine origin. It echoes prophecies in Isaiah 11:1 ("a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots") and Isaiah 11:10 ("there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people"). This signifies Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant with David, the source and sustainer of David's royal line, not merely a descendant.

Related Scriptures

The "Lion of the tribe of Juda" who "prevailed" is immediately revealed as the "Lamb as it had been slain" in Revelation 5:6. This paradox—the conquering Lion who is also the sacrificial Lamb—is central to understanding Christ's victory. His triumph was achieved not through brute force but through His atoning death and resurrection, making Him worthy to open the scroll and reveal God's redemptive and judgmental plan, which begins to unfold as the seven seals are progressively opened in Revelation chapter 6 and beyond.

Practical Application

Revelation 5:5 offers immense comfort and assurance to believers today. When faced with uncertainty, fear, or the apparent chaos of the world, this verse reminds us that Jesus Christ, the powerful "Lion of the tribe of Juda" and the authoritative "Root of David," has already prevailed. He holds the keys to history and the future, and nothing occurs outside of His sovereign oversight. His victory means that God's ultimate plan of salvation and justice will be perfectly accomplished. We can trust in His worthiness and rest in His ultimate triumph over all evil and despair, knowing that He is in control.

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.

  • Isaiah 11:1

    ¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

  • Jeremiah 23:5

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

  • Jeremiah 23:6

    In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

  • Revelation 22:16

    I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

  • Hebrews 7:14

    For [it is] evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

  • Romans 15:12

    And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

  • Isaiah 11:10

    ¶ And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back