Revelation 5:6
What does Revelation 5:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 5:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 5:6 means
John beholds a Lamb standing, bearing the marks of slaughter, yet alive at the very center—amid the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders. The Lamb has seven horns, signifying complete royal power, and seven eyes, depicting perfect knowledge and vigilance, identified as the seven Spirits of God sent into all the earth. Here the Lion is revealed as the sacrificial Lamb: Jesus’ victory is through His atoning death and triumphant life. He is not distant from God’s reign; He stands in its midst. The Spirit’s worldwide mission proceeds from His finished work. This vision fuses sacrifice, sovereignty, and Spirit-filled mission in one glorious Person.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I saw in the middle of the high seat and of the four beasts, and in the middle of the rulers, a Lamb in his place, which seemed as if it had been put to death, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I saw, and lo, in the midst of the throne, and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb hath stood as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the Seven Spirits of God, which are sent to all the earth,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I saw: and behold in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures and in the midst of the ancients, a Lamb standing, as it were slain, having seven horns and seven eyes: which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And 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 slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits ofGod [which are] sent into all the earth:
Context
The elder’s titles in the previous verse now take visible form. The surprise is deliberate: the conquering Lion appears as a slain-yet-living Lamb. This paradox unlocks the logic of Revelation—power through sacrificial love. Positioned in the center of heaven’s throne room, the Lamb is ready to act. The next verse will show Him approaching and taking the scroll, moving from identity to action. Thus verse 6 grounds His worthiness in who He is and what He has accomplished, preparing for the decisive transfer of the scroll.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 1:29
On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!
- 1 Peter 1:19
but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ:
- Revelation 21:23
And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb.
- 2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
- Revelation 5:8
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
- John 1:36
and he looked upon Jesus as he walked, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God!
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