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 5:11KJV
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Revelation 5:11 (KJV)

What does Revelation 5:11 mean?

Revelation 5:11 describes John seeing and hearing a vast number of angels gathered around God’s throne, along with living creatures and elders, all together in worship. The verse emphasizes the overwhelming size of this heavenly assembly, using phrases like “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” to show a number beyond counting.

In this scene, John is witnessing a vision in heaven where not only the elders and living creatures are present, but also an immense multitude of angels. The focus is on the majesty and scale of worship directed toward God and the Lamb, highlighting the importance of what is happening in the throne room. This moment comes right after the Lamb (Jesus) is found worthy to open the scroll, and the entire heavenly host responds in awe and praise.

The Greek behind Revelation 5:11

  • ἀγγέλων (angelōn, “angels”): The word means “messengers” and refers here to spiritual beings in God’s presence. The verse highlights their massive number, showing the greatness of the scene.
  • μυριάδες μυριάδων (myriades myriadōn, “ten thousand times ten thousand”): This phrase is a way of expressing an uncountable multitude, not a literal mathematical total. It stresses that the number of angels is beyond human calculation.
  • φωνὴν (phōnēn, “voice”): The use of “voice” in the singular, even though many angels are present, suggests a unified sound or message coming from the whole group together.

Why Revelation 5:11 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that worship in heaven is a small or private affair; instead, it is a grand, communal event involving countless beings.
  • The focus on the immense number of angels and their unity with the elders and living creatures shows the universal recognition of God’s greatness and the Lamb’s worthiness.
  • Revelation 5:11 connects to the wider passage by building up the sense of awe and anticipation as the Lamb prepares to open the scroll, underlining the significance of this moment in God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“about” Greek G2943 · used in 4 verses

  • Revelation 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
  • Revelation 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
  • Revelation 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

“thousand” Greek G3461 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
  • Acts 21:20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
  • Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

“thousands” Greek G5505 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • Revelation 7:5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
  • Revelation 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

“number” Greek G706 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
  • Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
  • Revelation 9:16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.