Revelation – Chapter 5

New Testament • 14 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And I saw, in the right hand of him that sat on the throne, a book, written within and without, sealed with seven seals." — so begins Revelation 5. David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and prayer. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And I saw, in the right hand of him that sat on the throne, a book, written within and without, sealed with seven seals.

2And I saw a strong angel, proclaiming with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof?

3And no man was able, neither in heaven nor on earth nor under the earth, to open the book, nor to look on it.

4And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open the book, nor to see it.

5And one of the ancients said to me: Weep not: behold the lion of the tribe of Juda, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book and to loose the seven seals thereof.

6And I saw: and behold in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures and in the midst of the ancients, a Lamb standing, as it were slain, having seven horns and seven eyes: which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.

7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat on the throne.

8And when he had opened the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty ancients fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

9And they sung a new canticle, saying: Thou art worthy, O Lord, to take the book and to open the seals thereof: because thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God, in thy blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation:

10And hast made us to our God a kingdom and priests, and we shall reign on the earth.

11And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the ancients (and the number of them was thousands of thousands),

12Saying with a loud voice: The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power and divinity and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and benediction.

13And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard all saying: To him that sitteth on the throne and to the Lamb, benediction and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever.

14And the four living creatures said: Amen. And the four and twenty ancients fell down on their faces and adored him that liveth for ever and ever.

Important Verses in Revelation 5

“And I saw, in the right hand of him that sat on the throne, a book, written within and without, sealed with seven seals.”

Revelation 5:1

“And I saw: and behold in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures and in the midst of the ancients, a Lamb standing, as it were slain, having seven horns and seven eyes: which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.”

Revelation 5:6

“And hast made us to our God a kingdom and priests, and we shall reign on the earth.”

Revelation 5:10

“And the four living creatures said: Amen. And the four and twenty ancients fell down on their faces and adored him that liveth for ever and ever. ”

Revelation 5:14

Historical Context

Revelation belongs to the New Testament and was composed for persecuted churches, lifted to see Christ's final victory. Chapter 5 of 22 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a apocalyptic vision revealing God's ultimate victory over evil with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "And I saw, in the right hand of him that sat on the throne, a book, written within and without, sealed with seven seals." The final verse reads: "And the four living creatures said: Amen. And the four and twenty ancients fell down on their faces and adored him that…" The wider setting of Revelation is this: Written to seven churches of Asia suffering under Rome's demand for emperor worship, Revelation unveils history's hidden meaning through visions of heavenly liturgy: the Lamb who was slain stands victorious, and every… Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Revelation around About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian.

Who Wrote It

John, exiled on the island of Patmos; tradition identifies him with the Apostle

When It Was Written

About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian

Catholic Commentary

Apocalyptic language here speaks of judgment, hope, and the fulfillment of God's promises. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And I saw, in the right hand of him that sat on the throne, a book, written within and without, sealed with seven seals." The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1814). Here, Revelation reveals the Church's ultimate destiny (CIC 1042-1050). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize God's kingdom and kingship as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Behold, I am making all things new. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Revelation 5 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

Revelation Chapter 5 belongs to the New Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. Revelation reveals the Church's ultimate destiny (CIC 1042-1050). Here the believer is invited to ponder perseverance through trial.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 756) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Revelation Chapter 5 about?

Revelation 5 contains 14 verses. It opens with "And I saw, in the right hand of him that sat on the throne, a book, written within and without, sealed with seven seals." and closes with "And the four living creatures said: Amen. And the four and twenty ancients fell down on their faces and adored him that…". The book as a whole is apocalyptic prophecy and epistle.

What is a key verse in Revelation 5?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And I saw, in the right hand of him that sat on the throne, a book, written within and without, sealed with seven seals." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Revelation Chapter 5?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Revelation and when?

John, exiled on the island of Patmos; tradition identifies him with the Apostle. About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian.

Related Chapters

2 Samuel 6Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Kings 1Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Kings 16Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏The Our Father🙏Novena to Christ the King🙏Morning Offering🙏Gloria in Excelsis

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