Revelation 5:9 kjv

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Revelation 5:9 nkjv

And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

Revelation 5:9 niv

And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Revelation 5:9 esv

And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,

Revelation 5:9 nlt

And they sang a new song with these words: "You are worthy to take the scroll
and break its seals and open it.
For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Revelation 5 verses

Revelation 5 9 Meaning

Revelation 5:9 declares the unique worthiness of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, to execute God's sovereign plan, symbolized by the sealed scroll. This worthiness stems from His atoning sacrifice on the cross, by which He purchased and redeemed people from every segment of humanity—all tribes, languages, peoples, and nations—making them God's own. This verse forms the central theme of a new song sung by heavenly beings, celebrating Christ's redemptive work as the foundation for His ultimate authority and impending reign.

Revelation 5 9 Context

Revelation 5:9 is embedded within a profound heavenly throne room vision (Rev 4-5) that establishes the divine authority for the unfolding events of Revelation. Chapter 4 depicts God the Father on His throne, receiving universal worship as the Creator and sustainer of all things. Chapter 5 then introduces a crucial problem: a seven-sealed scroll, representing God's eschatological plan of salvation and judgment, which no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy to open. This creates a moment of despair until an elder announces the arrival of the One who is worthy: "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" (Rev 5:5). John sees, not a lion, but a Lamb "standing, as though it had been slain" (Rev 5:6). This slain Lamb steps forward and takes the scroll. It is in response to this climactic act that the heavenly beings—the four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, and countless angels—break out into a new song of worship, the first lines of which are recorded in Revelation 5:9. The historical context for John's original audience was one of Roman persecution, where Caesar was worshipped as lord and god. The vision serves as a powerful counter-polemic, declaring that true worship belongs solely to the sovereign Creator and His Son, the sacrificial Lamb, not to any earthly ruler. This chapter reassures suffering believers that their King has paid the ultimate price and holds ultimate authority, guaranteeing the fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes despite present trials.

Revelation 5 9 Word analysis

• And they sang: The Greek word for "sang" is ᾄδω (adō), which specifically refers to singing songs, often sacred hymns. The use of "they" refers collectively to the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders from verse 8, highlighting their integral role in this heavenly worship.
• a new song: Greek: ᾠδὴν καινήν (ōdēn kainēn). "New" here is kainos, which implies something qualitatively new, fresh, unprecedented, or renewed in quality, rather than simply neos meaning new in time (recent). This signifies a fresh reason for praise based on a momentous new redemptive act—Christ's atoning sacrifice and His resultant worthiness. It echoes Old Testament calls for a new song celebrating God's deliverance and reign (e.g., Ps 33:3; 96:1; Isa 42:10).
• saying: Indicates the content of the song, articulating the reason for praise.
• Worthy are You: Greek: ἄξιος εἶ (axios ei). Axios means "of equal weight," "fitting," "deserving," or "having proper value." It emphasizes the inherent right and suitability of the Lamb, derived from His unique divine nature and, crucially, His sacrificial work. This stands in contrast to the earlier lament that no one was worthy to open the scroll (Rev 5:4).
• to take the scroll: This action symbolizes Christ's unique right and authority to appropriate and execute God's entire redemptive and judgmental plan for human history, previously kept sealed.
• and to open its seals: Refers to the execution and revelation of the divine plan. The breaking of the seals (chapters 6-8) unleashes God's judgments and further redemption, all initiated by the Lamb.
• for You were slain: Greek: ἐσφάγης (esphagēs). This verb means "to slaughter," "to butcher," often specifically used for animal sacrifice. It graphically and directly points to the violent, sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, specifically identifying Him as the "Lamb that was slain" (Rev 5:6). This phrase explicitly states the basis of His worthiness – His sacrificial death.
• and by Your blood: Greek: ἐν τῷ αἵματί σου (en tō haimati sou). "By means of" or "through" your blood. This highlights the indispensable role of Christ's shed blood as the vehicle and price of atonement and redemption. It points to the covenant established through His blood, reminiscent of Old Testament sacrificial rites and the Passover.
• You ransomed: Greek: ἠγόρασας (ēgorasas). This verb means "to buy in the marketplace," "to purchase," or "to acquire by paying a price." It conveys the idea of buying back or liberating from bondage through payment. Here, the payment is Christ's blood, and those ransomed were held captive by sin, death, and Satan. This speaks of redemption.
• people for God: Literally "from every tribe and language and people and nation, to God." The outcome of the ransom is that the redeemed belong to God, becoming His special possession and property, as distinct from their previous status as enslaved to sin. It emphasizes a transfer of ownership and allegiance.
• from every tribe and language and people and nation: Greek: ἐκ πάσης φυλῆς καὶ γλώσσης καὶ λαοῦ καὶ ἔθνους (ek pasēs phylēs kai glōssēs kai laou kai ethnous). This quadripartite phrase emphasizes the universality and comprehensive scope of Christ's redemptive work. It signifies that His salvation is not limited to any one ethnic, linguistic, or political group (like Israel or the Roman Empire) but extends to the entire world, encompassing all of humanity. It shatters any national or ethnic exclusivity and highlights God's global missionary purpose from the very beginning.

Revelation 5 9 Bonus section

• Atonement's Basis for Authority: The immediate recognition of the Lamb's authority stems directly from His atoning work, establishing a critical theological principle that Christ's universal Lordship is founded on His self-sacrifice.
• Polemics against Imperial Cult: This worship scene stands in stark contrast to the Roman imperial cult that demanded allegiance and worship of Caesar. Rev 5:9 declares the true Sovereign is the sacrificial Lamb, not any earthly emperor. This would have been a direct challenge and encouragement to persecuted believers to worship only Christ.
• Cosmic Acclamation: While "they" initially refers to the elders and living creatures, the following verses (5:11-14) show countless angels and indeed "every creature in heaven and on earth" joining in, highlighting that the Lamb's redemptive work elicits a universal, cosmic response of praise.
• Priesthood of Believers (implied): Although explicitly stated in Rev 5:10, the phrase "people for God" sets the stage for the understanding that these redeemed ones are not merely saved individuals but are formed into a collective, royal priesthood that will reign with Him (1 Pet 2:9).

Revelation 5 9 Commentary

Revelation 5:9 unveils the heart of Christian worship and eschatology: the absolute worthiness of the crucified and risen Christ. The "new song" signifies a profound, unprecedented understanding of God's redemptive plan, inaugurated and perfected through the Lamb. His worthiness to take the scroll—representing God's ultimate plan for history—is not based on inherent divine status alone, but specifically "because You were slain." This underscores the centrality of Christ's atonement. His sacrificial death is not merely an event but the very means "by Your blood You ransomed" humanity. The imagery of "ransoming" signifies a price paid to free humanity from slavery to sin and death, transforming them into "people for God," His exclusive possession. The profound declaration that this redemption is "from every tribe and language and people and nation" proclaims the magnificent, global reach of the Gospel, shattering all racial, cultural, or nationalistic barriers. It reveals that God's intention from the outset was to create a redeemed community drawn from all of humankind, uniting them under the victorious Lamb. This verse provides assurance that God's ultimate victory is guaranteed through the Lamb's completed work, comforting believers enduring persecution with the truth of His unparalleled authority and the cosmic scope of His reign.