King James Version

What Does Revelation 5:13 Mean?

Revelation 5:13 in the King James Version says “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 a... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 5:13 · KJV


Context

11

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

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.

13

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.

14

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 ... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 5:13 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 · 53 words
καὶ1 of 53

And

G2532

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

πάντα2 of 53

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

κτίσμα3 of 53

creature

G2938

an original formation (concretely), i.e., product (created thing)

4 of 53

such as

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστίν5 of 53

are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐν6 of 53

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ7 of 53
G3588

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

οὐρανῷ8 of 53

heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

καὶ9 of 53

And

G2532

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

ἐν10 of 53

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ11 of 53
G3588

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

γῆς12 of 53

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ13 of 53

And

G2532

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

ὑποκάτω14 of 53

under

G5270

down under, i.e., beneath

τῆς15 of 53
G3588

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

γῆς16 of 53

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ17 of 53

And

G2532

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

ἐπὶ18 of 53

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

τῆς19 of 53
G3588

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

θαλάσσης20 of 53

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

21 of 53

such as

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστίν22 of 53

are

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ23 of 53

And

G2532

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

τὰ24 of 53
G3588

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

ἐν25 of 53

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτοῖς26 of 53

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πάντα27 of 53

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἤκουσα28 of 53

heard I

G191

to hear (in various senses)

λέγοντας29 of 53

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Τῷ30 of 53
G3588

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

καθημένῳ31 of 53

be unto him that sitteth

G2521

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

ἐπὶ32 of 53

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

τοῦ33 of 53
G3588

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

θρόνοῦ34 of 53

the throne

G2362

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

καὶ35 of 53

And

G2532

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

τῷ36 of 53
G3588

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

ἀρνίῳ37 of 53

unto the Lamb

G721

a lambkin

38 of 53
G3588

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

εὐλογία39 of 53

Blessing

G2129

fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr

καὶ40 of 53

And

G2532

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

41 of 53
G3588

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

τιμὴ42 of 53

honour

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

καὶ43 of 53

And

G2532

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

44 of 53
G3588

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

δόξα45 of 53

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

καὶ46 of 53

And

G2532

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

τὸ47 of 53
G3588

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

κράτος48 of 53

power

G2904

vigor ("great") (literally or figuratively)

εἰς49 of 53

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς50 of 53
G3588

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

αἰώνων51 of 53

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τῶν52 of 53
G3588

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

αἰώνων53 of 53

and ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)


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 5:13 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 5:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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