What does Revelation 5:9 mean?

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; Revelation 5:9

Explanation

Revelation 5:9 is part of the vision that the apostle John had while exiled on the island of Patmos. In this verse, he describes a scene in heaven where a new song is being sung to the Lamb, identified as Jesus Christ, who is deemed worthy to open a scroll sealed with seven seals. The significance of opening the seals relates to the unfolding events of the end times. In this context, the song praises the Lamb for His sacrificial death (being slain) and the redemption He provided. The mention of individuals from every “kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” indicates the universal scope of Christ’s redemption. This verse carries a deep message of salvation and recognizes the inclusive nature of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written toward the end of the first century A.D. during a time of persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire. John, believed to be the apostle, received this revelation while in exile. The symbolic imagery used in Revelation often speaks to the struggle between good and evil, the church’s persecution at the time, and the ultimate triumph of God. The cultural and historical context suggests that the book was meant to bring hope and encouragement to the early Christian community by assuring them of God’s sovereignty and the eventual victory of good over evil.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Revelation 5:9 reflects several key doctrines:

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• Christ’s Atonement: It speaks to the central Christian doctrine of atonement, where Christ’s death is seen as a necessary sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
• Eschatology: The opening of the seals on the book signifies forthcoming judgments and the culmination of history from a Christian eschatological perspective.
• Universal Redemption: This verse supports the theological concept that Christ’s sacrifice is available to all people, transcending ethnic, linguistic, and national boundaries.
• Worship: The scene illustrates the heavenly worship of Christ, aligning with Christian beliefs about the divinity of Jesus and His rightful place in receiving adoration.

Different Christian traditions interpret the Book of Revelation in various ways, ranging from literal interpretations of the end times to more symbolic readings that view these visions as timeless spiritual truths.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life in several ways:

• Inclusivity: It encourages believers to embrace a spirit of inclusivity, recognizing that salvation through Christ is offered to all.
• Worship: It invites Christians to join in worship, acknowledging the redeeming work of Christ.
• Hope: For those facing trials or persecution, the verse can provide hope and comfort, knowing that Christ’s victory is assured and redemption is available.
• Mission: It can also serve as a motivation for mission work, highlighting the breadth of Christ’s message and the call to spread it worldwide.

Cross-References

• Revelation 14:3 – “And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.”
• 1 Peter 1:18-19 – “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
• Revelation 7:9 – “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;”
• Ephesians 1:7 – “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

Language Study

The key phrases in the original Greek language include:

• “a new song” (καινὴν ᾠδήν, kainēn ōdēn): This phrase indicates a song that is fresh and signifies a new act of redemption different from the old covenants.
• “worthy” (ἄξιος, axios): This word is used to denote being deserving or fitting, emphasizing the Lamb’s suitability to perform a critical task.
• “slain” (ἐσφαγμένον, esphagmenon): This term is in the perfect passive participle form, pointing to the action of being slaughtered or sacrificed, having enduring effects.
• “redeemed us” (ἠγόρασας, ēgorasas): This verb from which we get the word “agorazo” means to purchase, especially in the context of the marketplace, and here it refers to the act of redemption as a transaction securing freedom.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural and religious context of the ancient world, various myths and rituals also featured concepts of a sacrificial victim, often a god or a divine figure, who dies and is reborn or accomplishes some form of redemption or renewal for the people. The idea of a “lamb” as a sacrificial animal is also deeply rooted in the Judaic Passover tradition.

Scientific Perspectives

The Book of Revelation is rich with symbolic and apocalyptic imagery, which is typically outside the realm of direct scientific analysis. However, scientific perspectives could consider the psychological impact of hope and belief in a greater purpose, as mentioned in this book, on human resilience and community cohesion, particularly during times of persecution or crisis.

commentaries

Commentaries on Revelation 5:9 reflect a variety of interpretations:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the worshipful response to Christ’s redemptive work and the diversity of those who are redeemed.
• The MacArthur Study Bible notes the new song as a representation of the new covenant and the fresh outpouring of praise that Christ’s sacrifice merits.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the symbolism of the Lamb as both the sacrificial victim and the victorious redeemer, worthy of opening the scroll and its seals.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament highlights the significance of the redemption theme and the universal scope represented by the fourfold description of humankind.

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