Revelation 5:9

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ᾄδουσιν
G103
they sung
to sing
#3
ᾠδὴν
G5603
song
a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially
#4
καινὴν
G2537
a new
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
#5
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
#6
Ἄξιος
G514
worthy
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
#7
εἶ
G1488
Thou art
thou art
#8
λαβεῖν
G2983
to take
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#9
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
βιβλίον
G975
the book
a roll
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἀνοῖξαι
G455
to open
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#13
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
σφραγῖδας
G4973
the seals
a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or
#15
αὐτοῦ
G846
thereof
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
#16
ὅτι
G3754
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#17
ἐσφάγης
G4969
thou wast slain
to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)
#18
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἠγόρασας
G59
hast redeemed
properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem
#20
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
θεῷ
G2316
to God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#22
ἡμᾶς
G2248
us
us
#23
ἐν
G1722
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#24
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
αἵματί
G129
blood
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
#26
σου
G4675
thy
of thee, thy
#27
ἐκ
G1537
out of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#28
πάσης
G3956
every
all, any, every, the whole
#29
φυλῆς
G5443
kindred
an offshoot, i.e., race or clan
#30
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#31
γλώσσης
G1100
tongue
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
#32
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#33
λαοῦ
G2992
people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#34
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#35
ἔθνους
G1484
nation
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The divine name or title here functions within apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection