Revelation 5:6
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 40
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδον
I beheld
G1492
εἶδον
I beheld
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 40
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 40
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θρόνου
of the throne
G2362
θρόνου
of the throne
Strong's:
G2362
Word #:
8 of 40
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 40
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 40
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβυτέρων
of the elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέρων
of the elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
17 of 40
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
ἑστηκὸς
stood
G2476
ἑστηκὸς
stood
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
19 of 40
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
20 of 40
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐσφαγμένον
it had been slain
G4969
ἐσφαγμένον
it had been slain
Strong's:
G4969
Word #:
21 of 40
to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)
ἔχον
having
G2192
ἔχον
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
22 of 40
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 40
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
G3788
ὀφθαλμοὺς
eyes
Strong's:
G3788
Word #:
26 of 40
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
οἵ
which
G3739
οἵ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
28 of 40
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
30 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
33 of 40
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πνεύματα
Spirits
G4151
πνεύματα
Spirits
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
34 of 40
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
35 of 40
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπεσταλμένα
sent forth
G649
ἀπεσταλμένα
sent forth
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
36 of 40
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
37 of 40
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Zechariah 4:10For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.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.John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.Zechariah 3:9For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.Revelation 13:8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.John 1:36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!Revelation 1:4John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;Daniel 7:14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.Acts 8:32The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:Revelation 22:3And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
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 5:6 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 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 Spir... 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.