King James Version

What Does Revelation 5:1 Mean?

Revelation 5:1 in the King James Version says “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven s...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.”

Revelation 5:1 · KJV

Context

1

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

2

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

3

And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

Read Revelation 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.... This verse from Revelation's vision of the lamb who is worthy - christ's redemptive work, authority to open the scroll employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 5:1 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶδον2 of 18

“I saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἐπὶ3 of 18

“in”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν4 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δεξιὰν5 of 18

“the right hand”

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

τοῦ6 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καθημένου7 of 18

“of him that sat”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπὶ8 of 18

“in”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοῦ9 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θρόνου10 of 18

“the throne”

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

βιβλίον11 of 18

“a book”

G975

a roll

γεγραμμένον12 of 18

“written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ἔσωθεν13 of 18

“within”

G2081

from inside; also used as equivalent to g2080 (inside)

καὶ14 of 18

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὄπισθεν15 of 18

“on the backside”

G3693

from g3700) with enclitic of source; from the rear (as a secure aspect), i.e., at the back (adverb and preposition of place or time)

κατεσφραγισμένον16 of 18

“sealed”

G2696

to seal closely

σφραγῖσιν17 of 18

“seals”

G4973

a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or

ἑπτά18 of 18

“with seven”

G2033

seven

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 5:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 2:9-10Isaiah 29:11Revelation 5:7Daniel 12:4-9Revelation 10:2Revelation 6:1

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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