Revelation 5:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγοντες
G3004
Saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
φωνῇ
G5456
voice
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
#3
μεγάλῃ
G3173
with a loud
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#4
Ἄξιόν
G514
Worthy
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
#5
ἐστιν
G2076
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#6
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἀρνίον
G721
the Lamb
a lambkin
#8
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἐσφαγμένον
G4969
that was slain
to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)
#10
λαβεῖν
G2983
to receive
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#11
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
δύναμιν
G1411
power
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#13
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#14
πλοῦτον
G4149
riches
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
#15
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
σοφίαν
G4678
wisdom
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
ἰσχὺν
G2479
strength
compare ?????, a form of g2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively)
#19
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
τιμὴν
G5092
honour
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
#21
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
δόξαν
G1391
glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#23
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#24
εὐλογίαν
G2129
blessing
fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood glory. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection