Revelation 5:2 kjv

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

Revelation 5:2 nkjv

Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?"

Revelation 5:2 niv

And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?"

Revelation 5:2 esv

And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?"

Revelation 5:2 nlt

And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: "Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?"

Revelation 5 verses

Revelation 5 2 Meaning

Revelation 5:2 captures a pivotal moment in John's vision of the heavenly throne room. A powerful angel publicly demands to know who possesses the divine authorization and merit to open a scroll sealed with seven seals, representing God's eschatological plan of judgment and redemption. This declaration highlights the immense importance and unparalleled challenge of revealing and executing God's ultimate purposes, setting the stage for the one uniquely qualified to do so.

Revelation 5 2 Context

Revelation 5:2 follows directly after John's description of God enthroned in glory (Rev 4) and the introduction of a scroll in God's right hand, sealed with seven seals (Rev 5:1). This scroll holds profound significance, often interpreted as containing God's divine will, decrees, and the unfolding of His end-time plan leading to final judgment and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The entire chapter focuses on finding one worthy to open this scroll, setting a scene of profound cosmic suspense.

Revelation 5 2 Word analysis

• And I saw: This phrase continues John's visionary experience, linking the specific event to the ongoing revelation given to him (Gr. kai eidon - καὶ εἶδον). It underscores John's role as the divinely appointed witness.
• a strong: The Greek ischyron (ἰσχυρόν) denotes power, might, and great authority. This is not merely any angel, but one imbued with significant capability, highlighting the gravitas of the question it is about to pose and the critical nature of the task at hand. The strength here is one of purpose and the authority to demand attention throughout the cosmos.
• angel: Greek angelon (ἄγγελον). A divine messenger or agent, often of immense power. The presence of a strong angel indicates the supreme importance of the moment and the universal scope of the ensuing proclamation.
• proclaiming: Greek kēryssonta (κηρύσσοντα). This term means "to preach, to proclaim as a herald, to announce publicly." It implies an official, public declaration with authority and universal significance, ensuring the question is heard by all entities in existence.
• with a loud voice: The Greek en phōnē megalē (ἐν φωνῇ μεγάλῃ) emphasizes the audibility and gravity of the angel's proclamation. It suggests a call intended to resonate throughout heaven, on earth, and under the earth, signifying that this matter concerns every living and spiritual being. It marks a moment of dramatic tension.
• "Who is": This interrogative opens a rhetorical question designed to elicit a profound and shocking absence of a worthy candidate. It intensifies the cosmic dilemma and highlights the unparalleled nature of the required qualification.
• worthy: The Greek axios (ἄξιος) signifies one who has merited, is fitting, or is appropriate for a task due to intrinsic quality or demonstrated achievement. This term is central to the passage, emphasizing that divine acts require divine worthiness—a combination of righteousness, power, authority, and often, a redemptive accomplishment. It poses a spiritual and moral qualification beyond mere strength or position.
• to open: The Greek anoixai (ἀνοῖξαι) literally means "to open" or "unseal." In this context, it signifies not only revealing the scroll's contents but also initiating the events detailed within it. It's an action of cosmic authority, allowing God's plans to unfold.
• the scroll: Refers to the "book" (Gr. biblion - βιβλίον) first seen in Revelation 5:1, which is in the right hand of God. This scroll contains God's secret will and the course of future divine judgments and blessings. It represents divine mystery and ultimate destiny.
• and to break its seals: The Greek lysai tas sphragidas autou (λῦσαι τὰς σφραγῖδας αὐτοῦ) specifies the method of opening. "To break" (or loosen/untie) indicates the necessity of individually addressing each of the seven seals mentioned in Rev 5:1. Breaking a seal symbolizes the progression of God's revealed plan, with each broken seal triggering specific events described in later chapters.

Words-group analysis:

• "a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice": This phrase establishes the authority and universal scope of the question being posed. The "strong angel" ensures the announcement has cosmic weight, not just heavenly, but affecting all creation. The "loud voice" ensures no entity, whether in heaven, on earth, or under the earth (as mentioned in Rev 5:3), can claim ignorance of this critical cosmic inquiry. This powerful delivery creates a universal expectation and tension.
• "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?": This core question embodies the central dilemma of Revelation 5. It is a universal challenge, demanding not only intellectual understanding or physical power but profound spiritual and moral worthiness. "To open the scroll" refers to initiating God's plan and revelation, while "to break its seals" signifies the sequential unfolding of that plan. The double action implies complete access and full execution, an ultimate authority that no ordinary being possesses. The answer to this question defines who has ultimate control over eschatological events and the destiny of creation.

Revelation 5 2 Bonus section

The rhetorical nature of the question in Revelation 5:2 is crucial. It’s not an inquiry seeking multiple potential answers, but one designed to establish the lack of any answer from traditional sources of authority. This deliberate silence (prior to the Lamb’s appearance) serves to emphasize the utter uniqueness of the one who eventually steps forward. It effectively prepares the reader and the heavenly scene for the shock and awe of the Lamb's worthiness, which comes not from inherent created might or earned status like an angel's, but from His redemptive work and conquering triumph (Rev 5:5). The cosmic search initiated by this question sets a profound backdrop for understanding Christ's singular role in God's redemptive plan.

Revelation 5 2 Commentary

Revelation 5:2 orchestrates a dramatic cosmic interrogation, designed to unveil the singular authority required to execute God's ultimate purposes. The strong angel, a celestial herald of immense power, publically shouts this crucial question across the universe, emphasizing that God's plan contained within the scroll is so profound and absolute that its unfolding demands an unparalleled level of divine authorization and merit. The very inability of anyone to respond immediately underscores the unique challenge and heightens the tension, setting the stage for the dramatic entrance and unique qualifications of the Lamb. It signifies that humanity or angelic beings cannot bring about ultimate redemption or judgment on their own power or merit; such a task requires an infinite, sinless, and divinely sanctioned worthiness achieved through sacrificial atonement and victorious conquest.