And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

REVELATION 5:7KJV
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Revelation 5:7 (KJV)

What does Revelation 5:7 mean?

Revelation 5:7 describes a figure approaching and taking a book (or scroll) from the right hand of the one seated on the throne. This moment shows someone worthy to receive and open the book, which no one else in heaven or earth could do.

In the scene, the one on the throne represents God, and the figure who takes the book is often understood as Jesus, pictured as the Lamb in the surrounding verses. The book or scroll is a symbol of God's plan or will, sealed and inaccessible until this moment. This act is central to the vision, marking a turning point where the contents of the scroll can finally be revealed.

The Greek behind Revelation 5:7

  • βιβλίον (biblion, "book" or "scroll"): This word refers to a rolled-up scroll, the common form of books in the ancient world. The scroll is a symbol of authority, destiny, or a divine plan that needs to be revealed.
  • ἐκ τῆς δεξιᾶς (ek tēs dexias, "out of the right hand"): The right hand in ancient imagery often represents power, authority, or favor. The act of taking the scroll from the right hand emphasizes the authority and trust given to the one who takes it.
  • ἐκάθιστο ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου (ekathisto epi tou thronou, "sat upon the throne"): This phrase identifies the one on the throne as the central figure of authority in the vision, underlining the significance of the transfer of the scroll.

Why Revelation 5:7 matters

  • This verse marks the moment when someone is finally found worthy to take the scroll, a key turning point after the search described earlier in the chapter.
  • The act of taking the scroll shows a transfer of authority or responsibility, setting the stage for the events that follow in Revelation.
  • Understanding who holds the scroll and who is able to take it highlights the unique role and worthiness of the Lamb (Jesus) in the vision, which is a central theme in the surrounding chapters.

Where else these words appear

“book” Greek G975 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 19:7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
  • Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come(in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
  • Revelation 6:14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

“throne” Greek G2362 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
  • Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

“sat” Greek G2521 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
  • 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.