What does Revelation 5:8 mean?

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. Revelation 5:8

Explanation

Revelation 5:8 describes a powerful scene of worship and adoration in heaven. This passage occurs in a section of the Book of Revelation that narrates a vision experienced by the apostle John. The “Lamb” mentioned here is a representation of Jesus Christ, recognized by early Christians as the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

The “four beasts” (or four living creatures) and the “four and twenty elders” (representing the 24 elders, possibly a celestial representation of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles) prostrate themselves in reverence to the Lamb who is worthy to open the book/scroll with seven seals mentioned earlier in Revelation 5. The scroll symbolizes God’s ultimate plan for humanity and the universe.

The harps and “golden vials full of odours,” which are described as the prayers of saints, denote instruments of worship and intercession. The harps are associated with music and praise, while the vials, or bowls, with incense represent the prayers of believers rising up to God, a picture drawn from the Old Testament image of incense as prayer.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is traditionally ascribed to the apostle John and was likely written toward the end of the first century A.D. during the reign of Emperor Domitian. The book was addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and intended to provide hope and encouragement to Christians facing persecution.

The imagery utilized in Revelation often borrows from Old Testament prophetic books like Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah, and employs a rich symbolic language known as apocalyptic literature, common in Jewish and early Christian texts, which depicts the cosmic struggle between good and evil and the eventual triumph of God.

Theological Insights

Christian theologians have offered various interpretations of Revelation 5:8. Amillennialists see the scene as symbolizing the eternal worship that occurs in heaven. Premillennialists may interpret this as a precursor to end-time events. Postmillennialists might view it as a symbolic portrayal of Christ’s reign through the church’s influence on earth.

Within Evangelical thought, there is often a futurist perspective that treats Revelation’s visions as forecasting events that will literally occur. Alternatively, Idealists see these images as timeless truths about spiritual realities rather than future historical events.

Catholic and Orthodox traditions appreciate the liturgical and sacramental nature of the text, highlighting the connections to the Eucharist and the communion of saints. The incense is particularly significant in these traditions, symbolizing both the prayers of the saints on earth and the saints in heaven.

Practical Applications

Contemporary readers can find in Revelation 5:8 an encouragement to participate in worship and prayer. The depiction of prayer as incense can be an exhortation to believers to see their prayers as valuable and sacred before God. Additionally, the imagery of harps may inspire Christians to use music and art as forms of worship and expression of their faith.

Given the context of suffering and persecution that early Christians faced, the passage also offers comfort, reminding believers that their prayers are heard by God and that ultimately, they partake in the victory of Christ.

Cross-References

• Revelation 4:4 – “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.”
• Revelation 5:6 – “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…”
• Revelation 8:3-4 – “And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.”

Language Study

The Greek word for “vials” or “bowls” is “φιάλας” (phialas), which refers to a broad, shallow bowl used in the context of the temple worship for holding incense. “ὀσμὴν” (osmēn) translates as “odors” or “fragrances,” figuratively representing the prayers of saints. In ancient cultures, incense was often associated with prayer and was a symbol of the prayers of the faithful ascending to the divine.

The word for “elders” is “πρεσβυτέρους” (presbyterous), likely symbolizing authority and wisdom, with the elders often seen as representing the entirety of God’s people, both from the Old and New Testament periods.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The use of incense in religious ceremonies is not unique to Christianity and can be found in various religious traditions around the world, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous spiritual practices. Incense has often been used as a symbol of prayer, purification, or as an offering to deities. In ancient Egypt, the gods were often approached with offerings of incense, and in Greco-Roman society, it was customary to burn incense in honor of emperors or gods.

In Judaic tradition, incense had a significant role in temple rituals, symbolizing the prayers and petitions of the people of Israel. This cultural practice provides the backdrop to the symbolic use of incense in the Book of Revelation.

Scientific Perspectives

While Revelation 5:8 doesn’t lend itself directly to scientific analysis due to its symbolic nature, the use of incense can connect to studies on aromatherapy and the psychological effects of olfactory stimuli. Incense and fragrances have been examined for their ability to evoke emotional responses and enhance spiritual or meditative practices.

Modern science sees no empirical evidence for the existence of celestial beings like the four beasts or twenty-four elders as described here. Yet, the interdisciplinary field of neurotheology explores how religious experiences and practices might affect brain function.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry Commentary: Henry treats Revelation as a mix of historical and prophetic revelation, explaining that the actions of the living creatures and elders represent the honor and reverence due to Christ.

• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Albert Barnes emphasizes the beauty and propriety of representing the prayers of saints as incense, a concept deeply rooted in Scripture, that denotes their acceptance by God.

• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: This commentary points to the fullness and universality of Christ’s redemption, implied by the harps (symbols of praise), and the prayers as being central to the worship offered to Christ by all creation.