New Testament
Revelation 5:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I saw a mighty angel calling out in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?"
Compare translations
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
What Revelation 5:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse from Revelation, John describes a powerful angel who loudly asks a crucial question: who is worthy to open a scroll and break its seals? The scroll symbolizes God's plan for the future, and the seals represent the unfolding of that plan. The angel's proclamation highlights the importance of worthiness in carrying out God's purposes. This moment sets the stage for the revelation of events that will lead to the fulfillment of God's promises. The question implies that there is a specific individual who possesses the authority and purity necessary to execute God's will. This scene emphasizes the themes of authority, worthiness, and divine revelation, inviting readers to reflect on who can truly fulfill God's plans and the significance of Jesus Christ in this context, as He is ultimately revealed as the one worthy to open the scroll.
How to apply Revelation 5:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of worthiness in our own lives. We should strive to align ourselves with God's will and seek to understand His plans for us. By acknowledging Jesus as the one who fulfills God's purposes, we can find hope and direction in our faith journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Revelation 5:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Revelation 5:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 5:2 mean?
Revelation 5:2 describes a mighty angel asking who is worthy to open a scroll and break its seals. This scroll represents God's plan for the future, and the question emphasizes the need for someone with the authority and purity to fulfill God's purposes.
What is the significance of the scroll in Revelation 5:2?
The scroll in Revelation 5:2 symbolizes God's plan for the future, containing the events that will unfold according to His will. The seals represent the barriers to understanding and executing this divine plan, highlighting the importance of worthiness in revealing it.
Who is the angel in Revelation 5:2?
The angel in Revelation 5:2 is described as mighty and strong, serving as a messenger of God. This angel's loud proclamation underscores the significance of the question about worthiness to open the scroll, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's revelation.
What does the question in Revelation 5:2 imply?
The question posed by the angel in Revelation 5:2 implies that there is a specific individual who possesses the necessary worthiness to open the scroll and execute God's plan. It highlights the themes of authority and divine revelation, inviting reflection on who can fulfill God's purposes.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.