Revelation 5:8 kjv

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Revelation 5:8 nkjv

Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 5:8 niv

And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people.

Revelation 5:8 esv

And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 5:8 nlt

And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people.

Revelation 5 verses

Revelation 5 8 Meaning

Revelation 5:8 describes the immediate and profound response of celestial beings—the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders—when the Lamb, Jesus Christ, takes the sealed scroll from God the Father. They fall in deep reverence and worship, each possessing harps for praise and golden bowls full of incense, explicitly identified as the collected prayers of all the saints. This scene highlights the Lamb's ultimate worthiness, the centrality of worship in heaven, and the precious value and divine reception of believers' prayers.

Revelation 5 8 Context

Revelation chapter 5 immediately follows chapter 4, where John is transported into heaven and witnesses the glorious throne room of God, surrounded by the four living creatures and twenty-four elders. Chapter 5 begins with God holding a seven-sealed scroll, and a mighty angel challenging anyone in creation to open it. No one is found worthy, leading to John's great sorrow. However, one of the elders declares the Lamb, who is both the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" and a "Lamb standing as though it had been slain," to be worthy. It is at this pivotal moment, as the Lamb approaches and takes the scroll (Rev 5:7), that the scene described in Revelation 5:8 unfolds. This verse is the beginning of the ecstatic worship response to the Lamb's unique qualification to execute God's plan of redemption and judgment.

Revelation 5 8 Word analysis

• And when he had taken: The Greek kai hote elaben (καὶ ὅτε ἔλαβεν) indicates a precise moment of action. The verb elaben (ἔλαβεν, from lambanō) is in the aorist tense, highlighting the decisive and completed action of the Lamb grasping the scroll, which immediately triggers the worship. This act of taking possession confirms His authority and sets the stage for unfolding divine events.
• the book: The Greek to biblion (τὸ βιβλίον) refers to the specific scroll introduced in Rev 5:1, which holds immense significance as it contains God's sealed plan for end times, including judgment and redemption, accessible only by the Lamb.
• the four beasts: More accurately, "the four living creatures" (ta tessara zōa, τὰ τέσσαρα ζῷα). These are composite beings (described in Rev 4:6-8 as full of eyes, having faces of a lion, ox, man, and eagle) that represent creation in its highest form of worship and serve as guardians of God's throne, perpetually glorifying His holiness. Their response here underscores the Lamb's supreme worthiness, even from the perspective of creation itself.
• and four and twenty elders: (hoi eikosi tesserei presbyteroi, οἱ εἴκοσι τέσσαρες πρεσβύτεροι). These enthroned figures, wearing white robes and crowns, are widely understood to represent redeemed humanity—likely a symbolic totality of Old and New Testament saints, or the church, functioning as priestly kings. Their worship acknowledges the Lamb's authority and priestly mediation.
• fell down: The Greek epesan (ἔπεσαν, from piptō) denotes a posture of profound worship, adoration, humility, and submission. It is a recurring act of worship towards both God the Father and the Lamb throughout Revelation, signifying acknowledgment of ultimate divine authority and supreme worth.
• before the Lamb: This specifies the object of their worship. The Lamb (tou Arniou, τοῦ Ἀρνίου) is Jesus Christ, presented as the "Lamb that was slain" (Rev 5:6). His worthiness to take the scroll is due to His redemptive work on the cross and His victorious resurrection, making Him the unique recipient of this heavenly adoration alongside the Father.
• having every one of them harps: The Greek echontes hekastos kitharas (ἔχοντες ἕκαστος κιθάρας) signifies individual possession. Harps (kitharas) were stringed instruments used in ancient worship, particularly in the Old Testament Psalms, associated with joyous praise and making melody to God. Their presence indicates active, joyful worship of the Lamb.
• and golden vials: The Greek kai phialas chrysas (καὶ φιάλας χρυσᾶς) refers to broad, shallow golden bowls or censers, often used for libations or for carrying incense in Temple worship. The "golden" aspect highlights their sacredness, preciousness, and fitness for divine service, aligning with heavenly reverence.
• full of odours, which are the prayers of saints: The Greek gemousas thymiamatōn, hai eisin hai proseuchai tōn hagiōn (γεμούσας θυμιαμάτων, αἵ εἰσιν αἱ προσευχαὶ τῶν ἁγίων). This phrase offers a divine interpretation. Thymiamata (θυμιαμάτων), translated "odours" or "incense," symbolizes prayers ascending to God, particularly sweet and acceptable offerings, echoing OT priestly duties (Exo 30:8, Psa 141:2). The explicit declaration "which are the prayers of saints" (hai eisin hai proseuchai tōn hagiōn) means the incense is the prayers of God's holy people (believers). This emphasizes that God not only hears but also treasures, collects, and is pleased by the prayers of His church throughout history, bringing them into His very presence as a fragrant offering.

Revelation 5 8 Bonus section

The scene in Revelation 5:8 reinforces the truth that worship in heaven is not passive but an active, joyous, and responsive act, initiated by God's glorious revelation and the Lamb's worthy deeds. The detail of "every one of them" possessing the instruments for worship and the bowls of prayer suggests an individual yet unified participation in the heavenly liturgy. This verse beautifully bridges the gap between the church on earth (the "saints" and their prayers) and the heavenly throne room, demonstrating that earthly devotion has direct implications and reception in the divine presence, playing a part in the ultimate divine plan.

Revelation 5 8 Commentary

Revelation 5:8 paints a vivid scene of universal acclaim for the Lamb's worthiness. The immediate, synchronized "falling down" of the highest representatives of creation and redemption signifies total submission and profound adoration towards Christ, who alone is qualified to fulfill God's purposes. The harps underscore the joyful and musical nature of their heavenly praise. Crucially, the golden bowls filled with incense, explicitly identified as the "prayers of saints," reveal a profound truth about believers' prayers: they are collected, precious, and ascend directly to God's throne as a fragrant and highly valued offering. This affirms the efficacy and importance of prayer in God's eternal plan, linking earthly supplications to heavenly realities and the unfolding of prophetic events. It reassures believers that their prayers are not only heard but deeply cherished by God.