The Opening of the Scroll

5:1 Then1 I saw in the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne a scroll written on the front and back2 and sealed with seven seals.3 5:2 And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming in a loud voice: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” 5:3 But4 no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look into it. 5:4 So5 I began weeping bitterly6 because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5:5 Then7 one of the elders said8 to me, “Stop weeping!9 Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered;10 thus he can open11 the scroll and its seven seals.”

5:6 Then12 I saw standing in the middle of the throne13 and of the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, a Lamb that appeared to have been killed.14 He had15 seven horns and seven eyes, which16 are the seven17 spirits of God18 sent out into all the earth. 5:7 Then19 he came and took the scroll20 from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne, 5:8 and when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders threw themselves to the ground21 before the Lamb. Each22 of them had a harp and golden bowls full of incense (which are the prayers of the saints).23 5:9 They were singing a new song:24

“You are worthy to take the scroll

and to open its seals

because you were killed,25

and at the cost of your own blood26 you have purchased27 for God

persons28 from every tribe, language,29 people, and nation.

5:10 You have appointed30 them31 as a kingdom and priests32 to serve33 our God, and they will reign34 on the earth.”

5:11 Then35 I looked and heard the voice of many angels in a circle around the throne, as well as the living creatures and the elders. Their36 number was ten thousand times ten thousand37—thousands times thousands—5:12 all of whom38 were singing39 in a loud voice:

“Worthy is the lamb who was killed40

to receive power and wealth

and wisdom and might

and honor and glory and praise!”

5:13 Then41 I heard every creature—in heaven, on earth, under the earth, in the sea, and all that is in them—singing:42

“To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb

be praise, honor, glory, and ruling power43 forever and ever!”

5:14 And the four living creatures were saying “Amen,” and the elders threw themselves to the ground44 and worshiped.