Revelation 5:6

KJV

¶ And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I beheld {G1492}, and {G2532}, lo {G2400}, in {G1722} the midst {G3319} of the throne {G2362} and {G2532} of the four {G5064} beasts {G2226}, and {G2532} in {G1722} the midst {G3319} of the elders {G4245}, stood {G2476} a Lamb {G721} as {G5613} it had been slain {G4969}, having {G2192} seven {G2033} horns {G2768} and {G2532} seven {G2033} eyes {G3788}, which {G3739} are {G1526} the seven {G2033} Spirits {G4151} of God {G2316} sent forth {G649} into {G1519} all {G3956} the earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I saw standing there with the throne and the four living beings, in the circle of the elders, a Lamb that appeared to have been slaughtered. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the sevenfold Spirit of God sent out into all the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

American Standard Version

And I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 5:6 presents John's profound vision of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, standing at the very center of heavenly authority. This Lamb, appearing "as it had been slain," yet paradoxically standing, is revealed as the sole worthy one to open the scroll of divine destiny. Endowed with seven horns signifying perfect power and seven eyes representing perfect knowledge, identified as the seven Spirits of God, the Lamb embodies the complete and universal reign of Christ, achieved through His redemptive sacrifice and empowered by the Holy Spirit's global mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 5:6 serves as the climactic answer to the cosmic dilemma posed in the preceding verses. In [Revelation 5:1-4](/revelation/5-1-4 "Revelation 5:1-4 - The Sealed Scroll and John's Lament"), John weeps bitterly because no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll, which represents God's sovereign plan for redemption and judgment. This despair is immediately resolved in [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah Triumphs"), where an elder reassures John, proclaiming that "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed." This sets up a profound expectation for a powerful, conquering figure. However, when John looks, he sees not a fierce lion, but precisely what is described in [Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb as it had been Slain"), a "Lamb as it had been slain," which radically redefines the nature of triumph and authority in God's kingdom. This unexpected imagery underscores that Christ's victory is achieved through sacrificial atonement, not brute force, and His position "in the midst" signifies His ultimate centrality to God's plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the Lamb in Revelation 5:6 draws deeply from both Old Testament sacrificial systems and common ancient Near Eastern symbolism. The concept of a lamb offered for sacrifice was central to Israelite worship, most notably in the [Passover narrative](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"), where the blood of a lamb protected Israel from the angel of death. This established the lamb as a symbol of redemption and deliverance through substitutionary atonement. Furthermore, "horns" in ancient cultures, particularly in the Near East, were universal symbols of power, strength, and authority, often associated with kings and deities. The number "seven" held profound significance in Jewish thought, representing completeness, perfection, and divine fullness (e.g., seven days of creation, seven-branched menorah). John's audience, familiar with these symbols, would immediately grasp the profound theological implications of a "slain Lamb" possessing perfect power and knowledge, contrasting sharply with the earthly empires and their violent displays of power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is rich with several overarching themes crucial to the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Christ's Redemptive Victory**, emphasizing that His triumph over sin and death is achieved through His sacrificial death, not through earthly conquest, as foreshadowed in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Like a Lamb Led to Slaughter"). This paradox of a "slain Lamb" who is also the "Lion" highlights the unique nature of God's power. Another key theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, as the Lamb stands "in the midst of the throne," signifying His co-equality with God the Father and His supreme rule over all creation and history. The description of seven horns and seven eyes further underscores His **Omnipotence and Omniscience**. Finally, the identification of the seven eyes with "the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth" powerfully introduces the theme of the **Holy Spirit's Universal Mission and Fullness**, demonstrating the Spirit's active role in executing God's purposes throughout the world, echoing prophecies like [Zechariah 4:10](/zechariah/4-10 "Zechariah 4:10 - The Seven Eyes of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beheld (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb signifies a direct, immediate, and often revelatory act of seeing or perceiving. In the context of John's vision, it emphasizes that what he witnessed was not an imagined scene but a divine manifestation, a direct unveiling of spiritual reality. It implies a profound moment of recognition and understanding.
* **Lamb (Greek, _arníon'_):** This diminutive form of "lamb" (ἀρήν) emphasizes tenderness, innocence, and vulnerability, yet paradoxically, it is the figure of ultimate power. The choice of "lambkin" over a more generic "lamb" highlights the sacrificial nature of Christ, drawing a direct link to the Passover lamb and the Suffering Servant of Isaiah, whose meekness paradoxically leads to triumph.
* **slain (Greek, _spházō'_):** This verb means "to butcher," "to slaughter," or "to maim violently," often in the context of sacrifice. The perfect passive participle ("as it had been slain") indicates a completed action with ongoing effects. The Lamb's death was a definitive, violent act, but its power and redemptive efficacy continue eternally. The paradox is that this "slain" Lamb is standing, signifying resurrection and enduring victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain,"**: John's vision shifts from the expectation of a conquering lion to the revelation of a sacrificial Lamb. The Lamb's position "in the midst of the throne" (God's seat of authority), "the four beasts" (representing creation's worship), and "the elders" (representing redeemed humanity/the church) signifies His absolute centrality, supreme authority, and the focal point of all heavenly worship and divine governance. The phrase "as it had been slain" powerfully conveys that Christ's victory and worthiness stem directly from His atoning death on the cross, yet His standing posture indicates His resurrection and ongoing, living power.
* **"having seven horns and seven eyes,"**: These are symbolic attributes of the Lamb. "Horns" universally represent power, strength, and authority, especially kingly power. The number "seven" denotes completeness and perfection. Thus, "seven horns" symbolize the Lamb's perfect, absolute, and universal power and authority over all creation. "Eyes" symbolize knowledge, understanding, and insight. "Seven eyes" therefore signify perfect knowledge, omniscience, and divine perception, indicating that the Lamb sees and knows all things.
* **"which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."**: This clause clarifies the meaning of the "seven eyes." They are explicitly identified as "the seven Spirits of God," a common Johannine phrase in Revelation (cf. [Revelation 1:4](/revelation/1-4 "Revelation 1:4 - The Seven Spirits before the Throne"), [Revelation 4:5](/revelation/4-5 "Revelation 4:5 - Seven Lamps of Fire")). This refers to the Holy Spirit in His fullness, perfection, and manifold operations. The phrase "sent forth into all the earth" emphasizes the Holy Spirit's omnipresence and His active, universal mission in accomplishing God's redemptive and judgmental purposes throughout the world. This shows the intimate connection between the Lamb's authority and the Spirit's global work.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 5:6 is replete with powerful literary devices that amplify its theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "Lamb" representing Jesus Christ and His sacrificial atonement, while "horns" symbolize power and "eyes" symbolize knowledge. The number "seven" consistently functions as a symbol of **completeness and perfection**, applied to horns, eyes, and the Spirits of God, underscoring the absolute nature of Christ's power and omniscience, and the Holy Spirit's full activity. The most striking device is **Paradox**, evident in the description of the "Lamb as it had been slain" yet "stood." This juxtaposition of death and life, vulnerability and strength, highlights the unique nature of Christ's victory: His triumph over death was achieved *through* death, and His power is rooted in His sacrifice. This imagery also employs vivid **Imagery**, allowing the reader to visualize the Lamb's central position and His symbolic attributes, making the theological truths tangible and impactful. Finally, there is clear **Allusion** to Old Testament themes, particularly the Passover lamb (Exodus 12), the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), and prophetic descriptions of the Spirit (Zechariah 4:10), enriching the verse with layers of biblical meaning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 5:6 is a theological cornerstone, revealing the unique worthiness and authority of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. It profoundly redefines power, showing that true victory comes not through worldly might but through self-sacrificial love and atonement. The Lamb's position at the center of the throne signifies His co-equality with God the Father and His absolute sovereignty over all creation, history, and destiny. His seven horns and seven eyes underscore His perfect power and omniscience, demonstrating that He is fully capable of executing God's plan. The identification of the eyes with the seven Spirits of God highlights the inseparable unity and cooperative work within the Trinity, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's omnipresent and omniscient activity throughout the earth, empowered by the resurrected Lamb.

* [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")
* [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "The Suffering Servant as a Lamb")
* [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 5:6 offers profound assurance and a powerful call to worship. In a world often characterized by chaos, injustice, and the apparent triumph of evil, this vision reminds us that ultimate authority rests not with earthly powers, but with the "Lamb as it had been slain." This means that God's plan is being unfolded by a Savior who understands suffering, who conquered through sacrifice, and who now reigns with perfect power and knowledge. We are called to place our trust in this Lamb, knowing that He sees all things, knows all things, and holds all power. Our hope is anchored in His finished work on the cross and His ongoing reign. This verse also reminds us that the Holy Spirit, in His fullness, is actively at work throughout the earth, guiding, empowering, and witnessing to Christ's reign, even in the darkest corners. This should inspire us to participate in His mission, knowing we are not alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the paradox of the "slain Lamb" who is standing challenge your understanding of power and victory in the Christian life?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you find in knowing that Jesus, the Lamb, has perfect power (seven horns) and perfect knowledge (seven eyes)?**
* **How does the active presence of the "seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth" encourage you in your daily walk or in facing global challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jesus depicted as a "Lamb as it had been slain" instead of a "Lion" as mentioned in the previous verse?**

Answer: The shift from "Lion of the tribe of Judah" in [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah Triumphs") to "a Lamb as it had been slain" in [Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb as it had been Slain") is a profound theological paradox, not a contradiction. The "Lion" symbolizes Christ's kingly power, conquering authority, and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (e.g., [Genesis 49:9-10](/genesis/49-9-10 "Genesis 49:9-10 - Judah as a Lion's Cub")). However, when John looks, he sees a "Lamb," which immediately evokes the sacrificial imagery of the Old Testament Passover lamb (e.g., [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")) and the Suffering Servant of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). The phrase "as it had been slain" emphasizes that Christ's victory and worthiness to open the scroll are achieved not through brute force, but through His atoning death on the cross. His standing posture, despite being "slain," signifies His resurrection and ongoing triumph over death. Thus, He is both the conquering Lion (in His kingly authority) and the sacrificial Lamb (in His redemptive work), revealing the unique nature of God's power and salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 5:6 stands as a glorious Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, revealing Jesus as the ultimate worthy one. The "Lamb as it had been slain" is the direct fulfillment of countless Old Testament types and prophecies, from the innocent [Passover lamb](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover") whose blood brought salvation, to the [Suffering Servant](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant") who was led "like a lamb to the slaughter" for the sins of His people. This verse unequivocally declares that Jesus's atoning death on the cross, His [crucifixion and resurrection](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ Died and Rose Again"), is the foundation of His cosmic authority and His ability to execute God's sovereign will. His position "in the midst of the throne" signifies His exaltation and co-equality with the Father, fulfilling prophecies of a [Messiah who would reign forever](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receiving Dominion"). The "seven horns" represent His absolute, perfect power, a power demonstrated in His [conquest over sin and death](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers"). The "seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth," reveal His perfect knowledge and the active, omnipresent work of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to [send to His disciples](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit") to continue His mission on earth. Thus, the vision of the Lamb in Revelation 5:6 encapsulates the entirety of Christ's redemptive work, His present reign, and the ongoing mission of the Spirit, all centered on His sacrificial triumph.

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

Zechariah 4:10

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel [with] those seven; they [are] the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

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.

John 1:29

¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Zechariah 3:9

For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone [shall be] seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

Revelation 13:8

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Isaiah 53:8

He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.