What does Revelation 5:6 mean?

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Revelation 5:6

Explanation

Revelation 5:6 presents a symbolic vision described by the apostle John. In this vision, John sees a “Lamb as it had been slain,” which is later understood to represent Jesus Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God. The reference to the Lamb having “seven horns and seven eyes” symbolizes complete power (horns often symbolize strength in biblical literature) and omniscience (the eyes symbolize knowledge and wisdom). The “seven Spirits of God” are interpreted as a symbol of the Holy Spirit in its perfect fullness, as the number seven is often associated with completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. The Lamb standing in the midst of the throne, the four beasts (or living creatures), and the elders signifies Christ’s central role in the divine plan and His authority over all creation.

Historical Context

This verse is a part of the Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, which is the final book of the New Testament. Revelation was written by John while he was in exile on the island of Patmos, likely around A.D. 95-96. The book addressed seven churches in Asia Minor and was written against the backdrop of intense persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire. Imagery such as beasts, elders, and the Lamb were infused with meaning drawn from an early Christian worldview, heavily influenced by Jewish apocalyptic literature and eschatological expectations.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this passage is rich in Christian symbolism. Protestants, Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox believers may see in the image of the Lamb as having been slain a clear depiction of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. The seven horns and seven eyes might be seen as representations of the attributes of Christ’s divinity, emphasizing His power and wisdom. The seven Spirits reference could be understood in various ways but generally aligns with the concept of the Holy Spirit’s perfect nature and the manifold ways it works in the world.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can inspire believers to remember the central role of Christ’s sacrifice in their faith. It can prompt meditation on the power and wisdom of Jesus, encouraging individuals to seek guidance and strength from the Holy Spirit. The imagery of the Lamb might also serve as a reminder for Christians to be humble and sacrificial in their own lives, emulating the character of Christ.

Cross-References

• John 1:29: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
• Zechariah 4:10: “For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”
• Isaiah 53:7: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Revelation 5:6 include:

• Lamb (Ἀρνίον – Arnion): a small, young lamb, which in Christian context symbolizes innocence and sacrifice.
• Slain (ἐσφαγμένον – esphagmenon): a perfect passive participle meaning to slaughter or kill, often used in sacrificial contexts.
• Horns (κέρατα – kerata): commonly a symbol of power or strength.
• Eyes (ὀφθαλμούς – ophthalmous): indicating sight and perception, in a metaphorical sense, wisdom or knowledge.
• Spirits of God (Πνεύματα τοῦ Θεοῦ – Pneumata tou Theou): “Spirits” is sometimes understood as aspects or emanations of the Holy Spirit.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The image of a sacrificial lamb is found in various ancient practices and religions, most notably in Judaism with the Passover lamb. However, the concept of a deity being sacrificed and then exalted is less common in other religions. The closest parallels might be found in tales of dying-and-rising gods in some mythologies, though these are generally dissimilar in purpose and meaning to the Christian narrative.

Scientific Perspectives

The apocalyptic imagery in Revelation 5:6 does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings since the text is steeped in symbolic and theological meaning. Science does not typically address metaphysical concepts such as omniscience, omnipotence, or spiritual existence.

commentaries

Various scholars and theologians have offered insights on Revelation 5:6:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes that the Lamb represents Christ’s sacrifice and its centrality to the Christian faith.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament suggests that the image of the Lamb combines the idea of a sacrificial victim with that of a triumphant warrior.
• In the Word Biblical Commentary, scholars agree that the seven horns and seven eyes symbolize the fullness of Christ’s power and His all-encompassing knowledge.
• The Interpreter’s Bible acknowledges the use of the number seven as a symbol of completeness and ties the “seven Spirits” to the Holy Spirit in its perfect form.