Revelation 5:9

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;

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};

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.

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.

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,

Revelation 5:9 captures a pivotal moment of heavenly worship, where the focus shifts dramatically to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. This verse is central to understanding the worthiness of Christ and the scope of His redemptive work.

Context

This verse occurs within a profound vision of John in the heavenly throne room. Earlier in Revelation chapter 5, John sees a scroll sealed with seven seals in the hand of God, representing God's sovereign plan and judgment. A powerful angel asks, "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. However, an elder comforts him, announcing that the "Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David," has prevailed to open the book (Revelation 5:5). This Lion is then revealed as a Lamb "as it had been slain" (Revelation 5:6), who takes the scroll from the hand of God. This act immediately prompts the worship described in verse 9.

Key Themes

  • The Lamb's Worthiness: The central declaration is that Jesus, the Lamb, is uniquely "worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof." His worthiness is not inherent power alone, but directly linked to His sacrificial death.
  • Redemption Through Sacrifice: The reason for His worthiness is explicitly stated: "for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood." This highlights the core Christian doctrine that salvation and reconciliation with God are achieved through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. For more on this, see Ephesians 1:7.
  • Universal Scope of Redemption: The redeemed come "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." This emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice is not limited to one group or ethnicity but extends to all humanity, transcending all cultural and geographical boundaries. This theme echoes the universal call of the gospel, as seen in John 3:16.
  • The "New Song": The singing of a "new song" signifies a fresh, profound understanding and celebration of God's redemptive work through Christ. It's a song of revelation, acknowledging a new era of salvation and the Lamb's unique role in it.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "new song" in Greek is ōdēn kainēn. The word kainos (new) here implies not just something recently made, but something fresh, unprecedented, and superior in quality or kind. It's a song appropriate for a new and unparalleled act of redemption. The word "redeemed" comes from the Greek agorazō, which literally means "to buy in the marketplace," often referring to purchasing a slave to set them free. This powerfully conveys the idea of being bought back from the bondage of sin and death and brought into relationship with God.

Practical Application

Revelation 5:9 offers profound encouragement and a call to worship for believers today. It reminds us that our salvation is secured by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, making Him supremely worthy of all praise and adoration. This verse also underscores the glorious diversity within the body of Christ, uniting people from every background under the banner of His redemption. It inspires us to participate in the global mission of sharing the gospel, knowing that Christ's redeeming power is for "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation," and that one day, all the redeemed will join in this same heavenly chorus of praise.

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.

  • 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.
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