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 5:9KJV
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Revelation 5:9 (KJV)

What does Revelation 5:9 mean?

Revelation 5:9 describes a group singing a new song to Jesus, declaring Him worthy to take the scroll and open its seals because He was killed and, by His blood, purchased people for God from every family, language, people group, and nation. This verse highlights Jesus’ unique worthiness based on His sacrificial death and the worldwide scope of those He has redeemed.

In this scene, heavenly beings are singing to Jesus (the Lamb) in the throne room of God. The “new song” celebrates what Jesus accomplished through His death—He is the only one worthy to open the mysterious scroll, a symbol of God’s plan. The song emphasizes that Jesus’ sacrifice brings together people from all backgrounds, not just one group.

The Greek behind Revelation 5:9

  • “New” (καινὴν, kainēn): This word means “fresh” or “never heard before.” The song is not just another hymn, but something unique, marking a new moment in God’s plan.
  • “Redeemed” (ἠγόρασας, ēgorasas): This word comes from the idea of buying in the marketplace. It pictures Jesus’ death as paying a price to set people free for God.
  • “Every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (ἐκ πάσης φυλῆς καὶ γλώσσης καὶ λαοῦ καὶ ἔθνους, ek pasēs phylēs kai glōssēs kai laou kai ethnous): The Greek lists four different ways to describe all humanity, stressing that Jesus’ redemption is truly global and not limited to any one group.

Why Revelation 5:9 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Jesus’ sacrifice was only for a select group; instead, it stresses that people from every background are included.
  • The focus on Jesus being “worthy” connects to the earlier question in Revelation about who can open the scroll, showing that only Jesus’ self-giving love qualifies Him.
  • The “new song” marks a turning point in the story, celebrating a new phase in God’s plan where redemption is offered to all peoples through Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“sung” Greek G103 · used in 5 verses

  • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
  • Revelation 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

“song” Greek G5603 · used in 5 verses

  • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
  • Revelation 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

“slain” Greek G4969 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 John 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
  • Revelation 5:12 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 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

“seals” Greek G4973 · used in 16 verses

  • Romans 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
  • Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
  • Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: