New Testament
Revelation 5:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
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?
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
I saw a mighty angel calling out in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?"
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Revelation
Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
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