And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

REVELATION 5:13KJV
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What does Revelation 5:13 mean?

Revelation 5:13 describes every living being in all creation—whether in heaven, on earth, under the earth, or in the sea—joining together to praise and honor both the one who sits on the throne (God) and the Lamb (Jesus) forever. This verse shows a universal chorus of worship directed to God and the Lamb, recognizing their blessing, honor, glory, and power.

In the book of Revelation, John is witnessing a vision in heaven where he hears all creatures everywhere giving praise. The scene follows the presentation of the Lamb as worthy to open the scroll, and now all creation responds in worship. The language emphasizes the totality of creation, showing that nothing is left out of this act of praise.

The Greek behind Revelation 5:13

  • πᾶς (pas, "every" or "all"): This word stresses the absolute inclusiveness of the praise—every single creature, with no exceptions, is involved.
  • κτίσμα (ktisma, "creature"): This term refers to anything created, highlighting that not just people or angels, but all created beings are participating.
  • θρόνος (thronos, "throne"): The throne is a symbol of authority and kingship, making it clear that the praise is directed to the highest authority.
  • ἀμνός (amnos, "Lamb"): This word specifically points to Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb, central to the vision and the worship being offered.

Why Revelation 5:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that worship in Revelation is not limited to humans or heavenly beings but includes all of creation, showing the scope of God's authority and the Lamb's significance.
  • The verse connects the worship of God and the Lamb, emphasizing their shared honor and status in the vision, which is a key theme in the surrounding chapters.
  • By describing every creature's participation, Revelation 5:13 highlights the unity and completeness of praise in the new creation, offering a glimpse of the ultimate purpose and harmony of all things.

Where else these words appear

“creature” Greek G2938 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
  • James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
  • Revelation 8:9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

“under” Greek G5270 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
  • Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
  • Revelation 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

“power” Greek G2904 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
  • Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
  • 1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

“Blessing” Greek G2129 · used in 14 verses

  • Romans 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
  • Hebrews 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.