Revelation 5:7

What does Revelation 5:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 5:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 5:7 means

The Lamb approaches and receives the scroll from the right hand of the One seated on the throne. This simple act signals a monumental transfer of authority. The Father entrusts to the Son the execution of the divine plan—judgments to be rendered, promises to be fulfilled, and the earth to be claimed. The Lamb does not seize; He is given. His worthiness, proven by His sacrifice, is publicly acknowledged in heaven. With the scroll in His hand, history’s consummation is set to unfold. What was sealed is about to be revealed and enacted under the Lamb’s royal and priestly stewardship.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he came, and he taketh it out of the right hand of him that sat on the throne.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he came, and he taketh it out of the right hand of him that sat on the throne.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he came and took it out of the right hand of him who was seated on the high seat.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who is sitting upon the throne.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat on the throne.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and it came and took [it] out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

Context

Having seen who the Lamb is, we now see what He does. Taking the scroll is the trigger for all that follows in Revelation, especially the opening of the seals in the next chapter. Before those actions, heaven responds in worship to the Lamb’s worthiness and authority. Verses 8–10 will present the first of several hymns directed to the Lamb, explaining why He alone is worthy. The narrative thus pauses to let worship interpret the meaning of this transfer.

v.6And 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.

v.7This passage

v.8And 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.

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 5:1

    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.

  • Revelation 4:2

    Straightway I was in the Spirit: and behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting upon the throne;

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