Revelation 5:13
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 53
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κτίσμα
creature
G2938
κτίσμα
creature
Strong's:
G2938
Word #:
3 of 53
an original formation (concretely), i.e., product (created thing)
ἅ
such as
G3739
ἅ
such as
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 53
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
8 of 53
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 53
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
the earth
G1093
γῆς
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
12 of 53
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 53
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
the earth
G1093
γῆς
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
16 of 53
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 53
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
18 of 53
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἅ
such as
G3739
ἅ
such as
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
21 of 53
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 53
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
26 of 53
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
λέγοντας
saying
G3004
λέγοντας
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
29 of 53
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τῷ
G3588
Τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
30 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθημένῳ
be unto him that sitteth
G2521
καθημένῳ
be unto him that sitteth
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
31 of 53
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
32 of 53
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
33 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θρόνοῦ
the throne
G2362
θρόνοῦ
the throne
Strong's:
G2362
Word #:
34 of 53
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
35 of 53
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
36 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
38 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὐλογία
Blessing
G2129
εὐλογία
Blessing
Strong's:
G2129
Word #:
39 of 53
fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
40 of 53
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
41 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τιμὴ
honour
G5092
τιμὴ
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
42 of 53
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
43 of 53
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
44 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξα
glory
G1391
δόξα
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
45 of 53
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
46 of 53
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
47 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
49 of 53
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
50 of 53
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰώνων
and ever
G165
αἰώνων
and ever
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
51 of 53
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
Cross References
Philippians 2:10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;Revelation 5:3And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.Revelation 5:12Saying 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.1 Chronicles 29:11Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.Romans 11:36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.Luke 2:14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.1 Peter 5:11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.Revelation 5:6And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.Revelation 6:16And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:Romans 9:5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 5:13 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.