Revelation 5:12-13
saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The seven-fold list of attributes the Lamb is worthy to receive doesn't just describe his possessions, but highlights his inherent ability to rule and administer the universe perfectly, especially after conquering death. Notice how "power" is singled out with its own article, emphasizing that he's worthy to receive and wield the very authority that no one else could, due to his sacrificial victory.
The scene is set with celestial beings—elders and angels—prostrating themselves before the Lamb, who is revealed to be worthy to open the scroll. This follows the Lamb's unique ability to take the scroll and break its seals, a task no one else in heaven or on earth could accomplish. Now, a multitude of angels erupt in a powerful declaration, proclaiming the Lamb's worthiness to receive the highest honors.
We often talk about 'worthiness' as something you're born with, but what if it's something that's gained through sacrifice? This verse gives us a powerful clue.
This verse rings out with a declaration of the Lamb's absolute worthiness. But it's crucial to see why. The chorus of angels isn't just listing attributes; they're proclaiming that the Lamb deserves these accolades because of His sacrifice.
Earned Through the Cross
The core of their song is "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain." His death isn't an afterthought; it's the foundation of His worthiness. Because He willingly laid down His life, He has every right to receive the highest honors.
A Cosmic Verdict
This isn't just human opinion. The angels, representing the heavenly host, are declaring a divine verdict. His sacrificial act is so profound that it grants Him ultimate authority and deservingness for all that follows.
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Ever feel like you're just checking boxes? This verse offers a different perspective on praise – one that's overflowing and complete.
The list of accolades given to the Lamb – power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing – isn't just a random collection. It's a sevenfold expression of complete and perfect honor.
The Significance of Seven
In biblical language, the number seven often signifies completeness, perfection, and divine fullness. By showering the Lamb with these seven attributes, the heavenly beings are declaring that He is worthy of all possible forms of praise and dominion. Nothing is left out.
More Than Just Attributes
These aren't just static qualities. They represent the fullness of His being and the extent of His reign. He receives 'power' and 'might' as He takes His rightful place as ruler, 'wisdom' in His perfect governance, and 'wealth,' 'honor,' 'glory,' and 'blessing' as the redeemed universe acknowledges His supreme value and the blessings that flow from Him.
Understand the original words
arnion · Greek Noun
A title for Jesus Christ, emphasizing His sacrificial death as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. It denotes His innocence, humility, and role as the substitute who takes away the sin of the world.
axios · Greek Adjective
To be worthy means to possess the inherent excellence, character, and authority that merits worship, praise, and honor. It acknowledges that God and the Lamb alone possess the attributes necessary to accomplish the divine redemptive plan.
sphazō · Greek Verb
The act of suffering death, particularly through violence or sacrifice. In the context of Christ, it refers specifically to the voluntary surrender of His life on the cross.
doxa · Greek Noun
A term used in Scripture to denote supreme majesty, splendor, and the visible manifestation of God’s divine presence and character. It is the weightiness of God’s reputation that calls for human and angelic recognition.
This passage echoes Revelation 5:12 by describing how God exalted Jesus and gave Him a name above all names, leading to universal acknowledgment of His Lordship and glory.
Colossians 1:15-17Here, the Lamb's worthiness is rooted in His role as the Creator and sustainer of all things, highlighting the comprehensive authority and power He is declared worthy to receive in Revelation 5.
Hebrews 1:3This verse parallels Revelation 5:12 by stating that Jesus, after purifying sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much superior to the angels as to inherit a more excellent name, implying His ultimate authority and worthiness.
1 Timothy 6:15-16This passage describes Christ as the blessed and only Sovereign, King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, mirroring the ultimate power, glory, and blessing ascribed to Him in Revelation 5.
ellicottRevelation 5:12: "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."
(12) Saying with a loud voice . . .—The second chorus: the chorus of angels— “Worthy is the Lamb, That hath been slain, To receive the power. And riches, and wisdom, and might, And honour, and glory, and blessing.” The doxology is seven-fold. We have noticed (Revelation 1:6) the increasing strength of the doxologies in which…
barnesRevelation 5:12: "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."
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain - See the notes on Revelation 5:2 , Revelation 5:9 . The idea here is, that the fact that he was slain, or was made a sacrifice for sin, was the ground or reason for what is here ascribed to him. Compare the notes on Revelation 5:5 . To receive power - Power or autho…
The seven-fold list of attributes the Lamb is worthy to receive doesn't just describe his possessions, but highlights his inherent ability to rule and administer the universe perfectly, especially after conquering death. Notice how "power" is singled out with its own article, emphasizing that he's worthy to receive and wield the very authority that no one else could, due to his sacrificial victory.
The scene is set with celestial beings—elders and angels—prostrating themselves before the Lamb, who is revealed to be worthy to open the scroll. This follows the Lamb's unique ability to take the scroll and break its seals, a task no one else in heaven or on earth could accomplish. Now, a multitude of angels erupt in a powerful declaration, proclaiming the Lamb's worthiness to receive the highest honors.
The scene is set with celestial beings—elders and angels—prostrating themselves before the Lamb, who is revealed to be worthy to open the scroll. This follows the Lamb's unique ability to take the scroll and break its seals, a task no one else in heaven or on earth could accomplish. Now, a multitude of angels erupt in a powerful declaration, proclaiming the Lamb's worthiness to receive the highest honors.
"saying with a loud voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the…" — The seven-fold list of attributes the Lamb is worthy to receive doesn't just describe his possessions, but highlights his *inherent ability* to rule and administer the universe perfectly, especially…
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