Revelation 5:9
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;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ᾠδὴν
song
G5603
ᾠδὴν
song
Strong's:
G5603
Word #:
3 of 35
a chant or "ode" (the general term for any words sung; while g5215 denotes especially a religious metrical composition, and g5568 still more specially
καινὴν
a new
G2537
καινὴν
a new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
4 of 35
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 35
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἄξιος
worthy
G514
Ἄξιος
worthy
Strong's:
G514
Word #:
6 of 35
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀνοῖξαι
to open
G455
ἀνοῖξαι
to open
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
12 of 35
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σφραγῖδας
the seals
G4973
σφραγῖδας
the seals
Strong's:
G4973
Word #:
14 of 35
a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or
αὐτοῦ
thereof
G846
αὐτοῦ
thereof
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 35
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
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
16 of 35
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐσφάγης
thou wast slain
G4969
ἐσφάγης
thou wast slain
Strong's:
G4969
Word #:
17 of 35
to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἠγόρασας
hast redeemed
G59
ἠγόρασας
hast redeemed
Strong's:
G59
Word #:
19 of 35
properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
21 of 35
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἵματί
blood
G129
αἵματί
blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
25 of 35
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
27 of 35
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
30 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γλώσσης
tongue
G1100
γλώσσης
tongue
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
31 of 35
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
32 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λαοῦ
people
G2992
λαοῦ
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
33 of 35
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
Cross References
1 John 1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.Matthew 26:28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.Psalms 40:3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.Revelation 14:6And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,1 Corinthians 6:20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.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.Revelation 4:11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.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.Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
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 5:9 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 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.