Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
REVELATION 5:12KJVWhat does Revelation 5:12 mean?
Revelation 5:12 describes a loud proclamation in heaven declaring that the Lamb who was slain is worthy to receive all power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing. This verse highlights the unique worthiness of the Lamb—Jesus—because of his sacrificial death.
In the vision, multitudes of angels and heavenly beings speak together with a powerful voice, focusing all attention on the Lamb. The verse lists seven qualities or gifts, showing completeness and the fullness of what the Lamb deserves. This moment comes after the Lamb is revealed as the only one worthy to open the scroll, setting the stage for the rest of the book’s events.
The Greek behind Revelation 5:12
- ἄξιος (axios, "Worthy"): This word means deserving or having the right to something. Here, it stresses that only the Lamb truly deserves these praises and honors.
- ἐσφαγμένος (esphagmenos, "slain"): This word refers to being slaughtered or sacrificed. It points to the Lamb’s death as the reason for his worthiness.
- δύναμις (dynamis, "power"): This word often means might or ability. The Lamb is recognized as having ultimate authority and strength.
- εὐλογία (eulogia, "blessing"): This word means praise or good words spoken about someone. The Lamb is to be spoken well of and honored by all.
Why Revelation 5:12 matters
- Revelation 5:12 clarifies that the Lamb’s worthiness is directly tied to his sacrificial death, not just his identity or power.
- The sevenfold list of what the Lamb is worthy to receive shows the totality and completeness of his honor in heaven.
- This verse connects the worship of the Lamb with the broader theme of Revelation: the victory and authority of Jesus as the one who fulfills God’s plan for history.