Revelation 5:11 kjv

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Revelation 5:11 nkjv

Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands,

Revelation 5:11 niv

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.

Revelation 5:11 esv

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,

Revelation 5:11 nlt

Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.

Revelation 5 verses

Revelation 5 11 Meaning

Revelation 5:11 presents the Apostle John's vision of a vast and uncountable angelic host in the heavenly throne room. This immense multitude encircles God's throne, the four living creatures, and the twenty-four elders, indicating their united position in the hierarchy of divine worship and their adoration for the Lamb (Christ) who is deemed worthy to open the scroll. The verse emphasizes the staggering number of heavenly beings devoted to magnifying God's glory and the Lamb's authority.

Revelation 5 11 Context

Revelation 5:11 is deeply embedded within the climactic throne room scene in Revelation chapters 4 and 5. Chapter 4 establishes the majestic setting of God's throne, surrounded by the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures, engaged in perpetual worship. Chapter 5 intensifies this scene by introducing a scroll with seven seals that no one is found worthy to open, causing John distress. The breaking of this tension occurs when the Lamb (Christ) is declared worthy, having conquered through His sacrifice (Rev 5:6-9).

Following the initial praise from the living creatures and the elders, Revelation 5:11 broadens the scope of worship to include an unimaginably vast multitude of angels. This expansion of worship underscores the Lamb's supreme worthiness and the universal recognition of His divine authority and redemptive work. Historically, this vision served to strengthen early Christian believers facing persecution, reminding them that their suffering earthly reality was overshadowed by an eternal, victorious heavenly reality where God and the Lamb reigned supreme, utterly dominant over all earthly empires and deities, including the prevalent Roman imperial cult. The number and unified voice of the angels affirmed the overwhelming power and divine favor behind Christ.

Revelation 5 11 Word analysis

• Then I looked and heard: John, the prophet, is a direct witness to these divine events, emphasizing the authenticity and authority of the revelation. "Looked" (εἶδον - eidon) denotes observation, "heard" (ἤκουσα - ēkousa) indicates perception of sound. It highlights the dual nature of his prophetic experience – both visual and auditory.
• the voice (φωνὴν - phōnēn) of many angels (ἀγγέλων πολλῶν - angelōn pollōn): "Voice" singular indicates a unified, resounding praise from the collective angelic host, creating a powerful, single sound of adoration despite their innumerable number. "Angels" (angeloi) are celestial beings, God's messengers and servants.
• numbering myriads of myriads (μυριάδες μυριάδων - myriades myriadōn): This phrase translates literally to "ten thousands of ten thousands." A "myriad" is 10,000. So, 10,000 x 10,000 equals 100,000,000 (one hundred million). This is not intended as a precise count but as a powerful idiom for an utterly incalculable, unfathomable, and immense number, signifying infinitude. It draws a direct parallel with the ancient Aramaic vision in Daniel 7:10, emphasizing the continuity of divine revelation and the boundless nature of God's heavenly court.
• and thousands of thousands (χιλιάδες χιλιάδων - chiliades chiliadōn): Literally "thousands of thousands," which is 1,000 x 1,000, or 1,000,000 (one million). This phrase, used in conjunction with "myriads of myriads," further reinforces the concept of an immeasurable, countless multitude. It is an expression of hyperbole, conveying magnitude beyond human enumeration, serving to awe the reader and underscore the profound majesty of the divine presence.
• surrounding (κύκλῳ - kyklō) the throne: "Surrounding" indicates their physical positioning around the central point of God's authority. This circular formation signifies unity, a common focus on the throne, and possibly a protective cordon or guard of honor. Their posture implies reverence and constant attention to the One on the throne and the Lamb.
• and the living creatures and the elders: These are the key participants in the initial stages of worship in Revelation 4 and 5. The "living creatures" represent redeemed creation or the attributes of God. The "elders" represent the church or God's redeemed people in their completed state. The angels surrounding them demonstrates a hierarchical arrangement, with the angels positioned outward, all focused inward towards the divine center, affirming the primacy of God's presence and the Lamb's authority. Their combined presence forms a unified chorus of heavenly praise.

Revelation 5 11 Bonus section

The vision in Revelation 5:11 provides a counter-narrative to earthly displays of power, particularly the imperial cult of Rome. While earthly emperors claimed divine status and commanded vast legions, John's vision reveals the true King, God, and the Lamb, who are served by truly innumerable hosts that dwarf any earthly army or court. This was a profound message of hope and strength to Christians facing persecution, assuring them that ultimate power and worship belonged not to human rulers but to their divine Lord.

The use of "myriads of myriads" is a direct literary and theological link to Daniel 7:10, where similar terminology describes the heavenly court of the "Ancient of Days." This connection underscores the continuity of Old Testament prophetic visions with New Testament revelation, presenting a unified, eternal heavenly reality centered on God's sovereignty and judgment. It solidifies the idea that the unfolding events in Revelation are part of God's consistent plan through the ages.

Revelation 5 11 Commentary

Revelation 5:11 paints a breathtaking picture of the heavenly realm, showcasing the immensity of God's kingdom and the universal acclamation of the Lamb's worthiness. The hyper-numerical expression of "myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands" serves not as a mathematical equation but as an overwhelming descriptor of countlessness, meant to instill awe and convey the boundless reach of divine glory. This angelic chorus, distinct from the four living creatures and the elders, joins in worship, expanding the heavenly adoration to include every rank of created being in praise of God and the Lamb who secured salvation. Their unified voice, despite the staggering number, signifies a perfect harmony and alignment in their worship.

The angels' position "surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders" speaks volumes. It highlights the centrality of God and the Lamb as the ultimate focus of all creation's praise. It also subtly emphasizes the unique relationship of the redeemed (represented by the elders and perhaps the living creatures) with the throne, even while angels of far greater number participate reverently. This verse builds upon the theme of escalating worship, revealing the full scope of creation's response to the Lamb's redemptive act—a mighty symphony of praise for Him who conquered death and proved worthy to unlock God's purposes for the universe. The scene provides immense comfort and encouragement for believers, assuring them that ultimate victory and universal praise belong to their crucified and resurrected Lord, validating their faith and future hope in Him amidst earthly trials.