Revelation 5:9

KJV

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they sung {G103} a new {G2537} song {G5603}, saying {G3004}, Thou art {G1488} worthy {G514} to take {G2983} the book {G975}, and {G2532} to open {G455} the seals {G4973} thereof {G846}: for {G3754} thou wast slain {G4969}, and {G2532} hast redeemed {G59} us {G2248} to God {G2316} by {G1722} thy {G4675} blood {G129} out of {G1537} every {G3956} kindred {G5443}, and {G2532} tongue {G1100}, and {G2532} people {G2992}, and {G2532} nation {G1484};

Complete Jewish Bible

and they sang a new song,

“You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals;
because you were slaughtered;
at the cost of blood you ransomed for God
persons from every tribe, language, people and nation.

Berean Standard Bible

And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

American Standard Version

And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 5:9 encapsulates a profound moment of heavenly worship, where a diverse multitude of redeemed beings sings a "new song" in adoration of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. This pivotal verse articulates the unique worthiness of Christ to execute God's redemptive plan, a worthiness grounded in His sacrificial death and His act of purchasing humanity for God from every corner of the earth through His shed blood, thereby uniting a global community in worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 5:9 is situated at the climax of a dramatic scene in John's vision of the heavenly throne room. Preceding this verse, John witnesses God holding a scroll sealed with seven seals, representing divine judgment and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for history ([Revelation 5:1](/revelation/5-1 "Revelation 5:1 - The Sealed Scroll")). A mighty angel issues a challenge: "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" ([Revelation 5:2](/revelation/5-2 "Revelation 5:2 - The Search for One Worthy")). When no one in the cosmos is found worthy, John weeps bitterly. His sorrow is alleviated by an elder who announces the triumph of the "Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah Triumphs")), who has prevailed to open the scroll. This Lion, however, is revealed not as a conquering beast but as a Lamb "as it had been slain" ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb as if Slain")), standing in the midst of the throne. This Lamb then takes the scroll from God's hand, an act that immediately triggers the worship described in verse 9, confirming His unique authority and redemptive power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Revelation draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions, Jewish apocalyptic literature, and Roman imperial cult practices. The "book" or scroll (Greek: *biblíon*) would have been understood as a legal document, a will, or a title deed, signifying ownership and authority. The "seals" (Greek: *sphragís*) indicated its authenticity, security, and the necessity of a legitimate claimant to open it. The concept of "redemption" (Greek: *agorázō*) would resonate with the practice of purchasing slaves in the marketplace to grant them freedom, a common social reality in the Roman world. Furthermore, the mention of "kindred, tongue, people, and nation" reflects the diverse ethnic composition of the Roman Empire, emphasizing that the gospel's reach transcends all such human divisions. The "new song" is a recurring motif in the Psalms and prophetic books (e.g., [Psalm 33:3](/psalms/33-3 "Psalm 33:3 - Sing a New Song")), often celebrating a new act of divine deliverance or creation.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 5:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the **sovereignty of God** and the **Lamb's unique worthiness**. The sealed scroll represents God's ultimate plan, and only the Lamb is found worthy to execute it, establishing His centrality in divine eschatology. The verse also underscores the theme of **redemption through sacrifice**, explicitly linking Christ's worthiness to His being "slain" and redeeming humanity "by thy blood." This highlights the atoning nature of Christ's death as the foundation for salvation, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament, such as in [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood"). Furthermore, the declaration that the redeemed come "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" emphasizes the **universal scope of Christ's redemption**, demonstrating God's plan to gather a diverse multitude from all humanity, a vision consistent with the Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Finally, the "new song" itself signifies a **new covenant reality** and the profound, unprecedented nature of Christ's redemptive work, worthy of a unique and eternal celebration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **new (Greek, _kainós_):** This word signifies not merely recent in time, but fresh, unprecedented, and superior in quality or kind. The "new song" is therefore not just a recently composed tune, but a song that celebrates an unparalleled act of redemption, inaugurating a new spiritual reality that surpasses all previous experiences of God's deliverance.
* **slain (Greek, _spházō_):** This verb implies a violent, sacrificial death, often referring to the butchering of an animal for food or sacrifice. Its use here for the Lamb emphasizes the brutal reality of Christ's crucifixion, yet paradoxically, it is this very act of sacrificial death that makes Him worthy to open the seals and redeem humanity.
* **redeemed (Greek, _agorázō_):** Literally meaning "to buy in the marketplace," this term powerfully conveys the concept of being purchased out of bondage. In this context, it refers to Christ buying believers from the slavery of sin and death, paying the ultimate price—His own blood—to set them free and bring them into a relationship with God.
* **blood (Greek, _haîma_):** In biblical thought, blood often represents life itself and is central to atonement. Here, "thy blood" refers to the literal shedding of Christ's life-blood on the cross, which serves as the sacrificial payment for sin, making reconciliation with God possible. It underscores the preciousness and efficacy of Christ's atoning work.
* **nation (Greek, _éthnos_):** This term refers to a race or tribe, often implying a foreign or non-Jewish people, i.e., Gentiles. Its inclusion alongside "kindred, tongue, and people" highlights the comprehensive and global reach of Christ's redemption, encompassing all ethnic and national groups, breaking down barriers that once separated humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they sung a new song, saying,"**: This phrase introduces the content of the worship, emphasizing that the song is not merely a repetition of old praises but a fresh, profound acknowledgment of a new, unparalleled act of divine salvation. The "they" refers to the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, who represent all creation and the redeemed church, respectively, initiating the praise.
* **"Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:"**: This is the central declaration of the song. It affirms the Lamb's unique authority and fitness to execute God's sovereign plan, which no one else in the cosmos could do. His worthiness is the key to unlocking the future and revealing God's purposes.
* **"for thou wast slain,"**: This clause provides the foundational reason for the Lamb's worthiness. His qualification is not based on inherent power alone, but specifically on His sacrificial death. It highlights the paradox of triumph through suffering.
* **"and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood"**: This expands on the reason for His worthiness, specifying the *method* and *purpose* of His sacrifice. "Redeemed us" signifies a purchase, a buying back from bondage, and "by thy blood" points to the atoning, life-giving power of His shed life. The ultimate purpose is "to God," indicating reconciliation and restoration of relationship.
* **"out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;"**: This final clause describes the *scope* and *diversity* of the redeemed community. It emphasizes the universal reach of Christ's redemption, transcending all human-made boundaries of ethnicity, language, culture, and nationality, uniting a vast, global family under God.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 5:9 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "Lamb as it had been slain" is a powerful symbol of Jesus Christ, combining the vulnerability and sacrificial nature of a lamb with the enduring marks of His crucifixion. This image contrasts with the earlier mention of the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," creating a profound **Juxtaposition** that reveals the paradoxical nature of Christ's victory through self-sacrifice. The "new song" serves as a **Metaphor** for a fresh, unprecedented understanding and celebration of God's redemptive work, signifying a new era inaugurated by the Lamb's sacrifice. The enumeration of "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" employs **Merism** (or a form of **Synecdoche**), where a comprehensive whole is expressed by listing its constituent parts, powerfully conveying the universal and all-encompassing scope of Christ's redemption across all humanity. The entire passage is an act of **Worship**, demonstrating the appropriate response to the revelation of Christ's worthiness and redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 5:9 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the profound truth that Christ's sacrificial death is the sole basis for His authority and the redemption of humanity. It underscores the unique worthiness of Jesus, the Lamb of God, to execute God's ultimate plan for creation and history. This worthiness is not derived from raw power, but from His self-giving love demonstrated on the cross, which effectively "purchased" a people for God from every corner of the earth. The verse beautifully portrays the cosmic scope of salvation, revealing God's intention to gather a diverse, multi-ethnic family united by the blood of Christ, all joining in a new song of praise for His unparalleled redemptive act.

* [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption through His Blood")
* [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption and Forgiveness")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 5:9 offers a profound wellspring of encouragement and a powerful call to worship for believers today. It reminds us that our salvation is not an abstract concept but a costly redemption, secured by the precious, atoning blood of Jesus Christ. This truth should ignite within us a deep sense of gratitude and adoration, compelling us to declare His supreme worthiness in every aspect of our lives. Furthermore, this verse paints a glorious picture of the church's ultimate destiny: a diverse, unified multitude from every nation, tribe, and tongue, all worshipping the Lamb. This vision challenges us to embrace and celebrate the rich diversity within the body of Christ now, actively pursuing unity across cultural and ethnic lines. It also serves as a powerful impetus for global missions, reminding us that Christ's redeeming power is for "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation," and that we are called to participate in bringing this heavenly chorus to fruition on earth. Our worship, both individually and corporately, should reflect the "new song" of Christ's redemptive work, acknowledging His sacrifice as the foundation of all hope and the source of our eternal praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Lamb's worthiness, rooted in His sacrifice, deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ?**
* **In what ways can your personal worship and your church's corporate worship reflect the "new song" of redemption described in this verse?**
* **How does the universal scope of redemption ("every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation") challenge your perspective on cultural diversity within the church and your involvement in global missions?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "new song" in Revelation 5:9?**

Answer: The "new song" (Greek: *ōdēn kainēn*) is highly significant because it signifies a fresh, unprecedented, and superior act of divine salvation. Unlike previous songs of deliverance in the Old Testament, this song celebrates an unparalleled event: the Lamb's sacrificial death and His unique worthiness to execute God's ultimate plan. It marks a new era of redemption and reconciliation with God, made possible only through Christ's shed blood. It's a song of revelation, acknowledging the Lamb's supreme authority and the universal scope of His redemptive work, uniting all peoples.

**Why is the Lamb worthy to open the book and its seals?**

Answer: The Lamb, identified as Jesus Christ, is declared worthy to open the book and its seals for one explicit reason: "for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")). His worthiness is not merely an inherent attribute of His divine nature, but is specifically earned through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. By shedding His blood, He paid the ultimate price to redeem humanity from sin and death, thereby demonstrating His unparalleled love, power over evil, and unique qualification to unfold God's sovereign plan for history ([Revelation 5:6-7](/revelation/5-6-7 "Revelation 5:6-7 - The Lamb Takes the Scroll")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 5:9 is a profound declaration of Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "Lamb as it had been slain" ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb as if Slain")) is Jesus, whose sacrificial death on the cross is the pivotal event in cosmic history, making Him uniquely worthy to open the sealed scroll of God's purposes. His being "slain" directly fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the suffering servant (e.g., [Isaiah 53:5-7](/isaiah/53-5-7 "Isaiah 53:5-7 - The Suffering Servant")), who would bear the sins of many. The declaration that He "hast redeemed us to God by thy blood" points to the efficacy of His atonement, where His shed blood serves as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin, making reconciliation with God possible ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")). This act of redemption transcends all human divisions, gathering a people "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation," perfectly aligning with Christ's Great Commission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")) and fulfilling God's ancient promise to Abraham that "in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Promise to Abraham")). Thus, the "new song" sung in heaven is the eternal anthem of praise for the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who through His cross, has secured salvation for a global multitude and inaugurated the new creation.

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

1 Peter 1:18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Matthew 26:28

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Romans 3:24

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 3:26

To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Psalms 40:3

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.