Revelation 5:12 - Exposition

Saying with a loud voice; a great voice (Revised Version); λέγοντες , "saying," is irregular construction, and to be referred to angels as being a nominative understood. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain; that hath been slain (Revised Version). Again, as in Revelation 5:9 , the worshippers give the reason for considering Christ worthy to receive their adoration. It is because he had been slain and thus redeemed the world. To receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. The sevenfold nature of the adoration attributed to the Lamb is probably indicative of its complete and perfect nature. (On the meaning of λαβεῖν , "to receive," to take as a right what is offered, see Thayer-Grimm.) Power ( δύναμις ) is the ability to perform which is inherent in one's nature. Strength ( ἰσχύς ) is the attribute by which that power is put into operation; it frequently denotes physical strength. Riches (cf. John 1:16 , "And of his fulness have all we received;" also Ephesians 3:8 , "The unsearchable riches of Christ;" also James 1:17 , "Every good gift and every perfect gilt is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights;" also Acts 17:25 , "He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things "). The whole sevenfold ascription is spoken as one, only one article being prefixed. In this respect it differs from Revelation 4:11 and Revelation 7:12 , where we have "the glory" and " the honour," etc. (see on Revelation 4:11 ).