King James Version

What Does Revelation 5:14 Mean?

Revelation 5:14 in the King James Version says “And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and eve...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 5:14 · KJV

Context

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.

Read Revelation 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.... 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 5:14 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 · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

τὰ2 of 20
G3588

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

τέσσαρες3 of 20

“the four”

G5064

four

ζῷα4 of 20

“beasts”

G2226

a live thing, i.e., an animal

ἔλεγον,5 of 20

“said”

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

Ἀμήν,6 of 20

“Amen”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

καὶ7 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ8 of 20
G3588

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

εἴκοσι9 of 20

“and twenty”

G1501

a score

τέσσαρες10 of 20

“the four”

G5064

four

πρεσβύτεροι11 of 20

“elders”

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

ἔπεσαν12 of 20

“fell down”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

προσεκύνησαν14 of 20

“worshipped”

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

ζῶντι15 of 20

“him that liveth”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

εἰς16 of 20

“for”

G1519

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

τοὺς17 of 20
G3588

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

αἰώνων18 of 20

“and ever”

G165

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

τῶν19 of 20
G3588

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

αἰώνων20 of 20

“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 5:14 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 5:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 19:4Revelation 4:9-11Revelation 5:8Revelation 5:6Revelation 7:12

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