Devine Scripture

Revelation 5:1

What does Revelation 5:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 5:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 5:1 means

John sees a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. Written on both sides and sealed seven times, it pictures the complete and comprehensive plan of God for judgment and redemption. The double writing suggests nothing is missing or to be added; the seven seals show the plan is perfectly secured and must be opened only by one with rightful authority. Held in the right hand, it is under God’s sovereign control. History is not random; it rests in God’s grasp. Yet at this moment the contents remain hidden, emphasizing the need for a qualified mediator to unveil and execute God’s decrees for the world.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the back, close sealed with seven seals.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the back, close sealed with seven seals.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the high seat, a book with writing inside it and on the back, shut with seven stamps of wax.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And I saw upon the right hand of Him who is sitting upon the throne a scroll, written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I saw, in the right hand of him that sat on the throne, a book, written within and without, sealed with seven seals.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And I saw on the right hand of him that sat upon the throne a book, written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.

Context

Chapter 4 crowned the vision with the throne of God and ceaseless worship. Now the focus tightens to the scroll, the center of the drama in chapter 5. The scene moves from adoration to anticipation: not only who God is, but what God intends to do. This verse introduces the sealed scroll so that the following verses can raise the urgent question of who is worthy to open it. The coming search will highlight human and angelic inability, paving the way for the Lamb’s unique worthiness.

v.1This passage

v.2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 5:13

    And every created thing which is in the heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all things that are in them, heard I saying, Unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, be the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, for ever and ever.

  • Daniel 8:26

    And the vision of the evenings and mornings which hath been told is true: but shut thou up the vision; for it belongeth to many days to come.

  • Isaiah 29:11

    And all vision is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee; and he saith, I cannot, for it is sealed:

  • Isaiah 34:16

    Seek ye out of the book of Jehovah, and read: no one of these shall be missing, none shall want her mate; for my mouth, it hath commanded, and his Spirit, it hath gathered them.

  • Revelation 4:3

    and he that sat was to look upon like a jasper stone and a sardius: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, like an emerald to look upon.

  • Revelation 6:1

    And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, Come.

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