New Testament

Revelation 5:9

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 5:9, a group of heavenly beings sings a new song that praises Jesus for His worthiness to open a scroll, which symbolizes God's plan for the world.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

They sang a new song, saying, "You are worthy to take the book and open its seals, because you were slain and have redeemed us to God by your blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation."

KJVKing 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;

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 5:9, a group of heavenly beings sings a new song that praises Jesus for His worthiness to open a scroll, which symbolizes God's plan for the world. The reason they declare Him worthy is that He was sacrificed, shedding His blood to redeem people from all backgrounds—tribes, languages, and nations. This emphasizes the universal scope of Jesus' sacrifice, highlighting that salvation is available to everyone, regardless of their heritage. The act of singing a new song signifies a fresh revelation of God's glory and the joy of redemption. The imagery of the scroll and its seals represents the unfolding of God's purposes, which only Jesus, as the Lamb who was slain, can reveal. This passage invites believers to recognize the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the inclusivity of His redemptive work, encouraging worship and gratitude for the salvation offered to all humanity.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 5:9 to your life

This verse encourages us to appreciate the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the inclusivity of His love. We should celebrate our shared faith with people from diverse backgrounds, recognizing that we are all united in Christ. Let this inspire us to share the message of salvation with others.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 5:9 mean?

Revelation 5:9 describes a scene where heavenly beings sing a new song praising Jesus for His worthiness to open a scroll. This scroll represents God's plan, and they acknowledge that He was sacrificed to redeem people from all backgrounds, emphasizing the universal nature of His salvation.

What is the significance of the new song in Revelation 5:9?

The new song in Revelation 5:9 signifies a fresh revelation of God's glory and the joy of redemption. It highlights the importance of worshiping Jesus for His sacrifice and the inclusivity of His redemptive work for all people.

How does Revelation 5:9 relate to universal salvation?

Revelation 5:9 emphasizes universal salvation by stating that Jesus redeemed people from every tribe, language, people, and nation. This highlights that His sacrifice is available to everyone, regardless of their background.

What themes are present in Revelation 5:9?

Revelation 5:9 presents themes of worship, redemption, inclusivity, and sacrifice. It underscores the divine worthiness of Jesus and the universal nature of salvation offered to all humanity.

Book Summary

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.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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