King James Version

What Does Revelation 5:9 Mean?

Revelation 5:9 in the King James Version says “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 5:9 · KJV


Context

7

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

8

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. odours: or, incense

9

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;

10

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

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;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 p... 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 5:9 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 · 35 words
καὶ1 of 35

And

G2532

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

ᾄδουσιν2 of 35

they sung

G103

to sing

ᾠδὴν3 of 35

song

G5603

a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially

καινὴν4 of 35

a new

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

λέγοντες5 of 35

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

Ἄξιος6 of 35

worthy

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

εἶ7 of 35

Thou art

G1488

thou art

λαβεῖν8 of 35

to take

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸ9 of 35
G3588

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

βιβλίον10 of 35

the book

G975

a roll

καὶ11 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἀνοῖξαι12 of 35

to open

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

τὰς13 of 35
G3588

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

σφραγῖδας14 of 35

the 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

αὐτοῦ15 of 35

thereof

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

ὅτι16 of 35

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐσφάγης17 of 35

thou wast slain

G4969

to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)

καὶ18 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἠγόρασας19 of 35

hast redeemed

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

τῷ20 of 35
G3588

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

θεῷ21 of 35

to God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἡμᾶς22 of 35

us

G2248

us

ἐν23 of 35

by

G1722

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

τῷ24 of 35
G3588

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

αἵματί25 of 35

blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

σου26 of 35

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

ἐκ27 of 35

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πάσης28 of 35

every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

φυλῆς29 of 35

kindred

G5443

an offshoot, i.e., race or clan

καὶ30 of 35

And

G2532

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

γλώσσης31 of 35

tongue

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

καὶ32 of 35

And

G2532

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

λαοῦ33 of 35

people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

καὶ34 of 35

And

G2532

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

ἔθνους35 of 35

nation

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)


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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study