Revelation 5:2
New International Version
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”

New Living Translation
And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?”

English Standard Version
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”

Berean Standard Bible
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”

Berean Literal Bible
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll, and to break its seals?"

King James Bible
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

New King James Version
Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”

New American Standard Bible
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?”

NASB 1995
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?”

NASB 1977
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?”

Amplified Bible
And I saw a strong angel announcing with a loud voice, “Who is worthy [having the authority and virtue] to open the scroll and to break its seals?”

Christian Standard Bible
I also saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I also saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”

American Standard Version
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Contemporary English Version
I saw a mighty angel ask with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?"

English Revised Version
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I saw a powerful angel calling out in a loud voice, "Who deserves to open the scroll and break the seals on it?"

Good News Translation
And I saw a mighty angel, who announced in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?"

International Standard Version
I also saw a powerful angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?"

Majority Standard Bible
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”

NET Bible
And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming in a loud voice: "Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?"

New Heart English Bible
I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll, and to break its seals?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose its seals?

Weymouth New Testament
And I saw a mighty angel who was exclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and break its seals?"

World English Bible
I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and I saw a strong messenger crying with a great voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”

Berean Literal Bible
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll, and to break its seals?"

Young's Literal Translation
and I saw a strong messenger crying with a great voice, 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose the seals of it?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose its seals?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I saw a strong angel, proclaiming with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I saw a strong Angel, proclaiming with a great voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?”

New American Bible
Then I saw a mighty angel who proclaimed in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”

New Revised Standard Version
and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And I saw another mighty Angel preaching with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loosen its seals?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And I saw a strong angel crying with a great voice: Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?

Godbey New Testament
And I saw a mighty angel crying with a great voice, Who is able to open the book, and to loose its seals?

Haweis New Testament
And I saw mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to break the seals thereon?

Mace New Testament
and I saw a powerful angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof."

Weymouth New Testament
And I saw a mighty angel who was exclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and break its seals?"

Worrell New Testament
And I saw a strong angel, proclaiming with a great voice, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose its seals!"

Worsley New Testament
and I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals of it?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Scroll with Seven Seals
1Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it.…

Cross References
Daniel 12:4
But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.”

Isaiah 29:11-12
And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.” / Or if the scroll is handed to one unable to read, he will say, “I cannot read.”

Ezekiel 2:9-10
Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and in it was a scroll, / which He unrolled before me. And written on the front and back of it were words of lamentation, mourning, and woe.

Zechariah 5:1-2
Again I lifted up my eyes and saw before me a flying scroll. / “What do you see?” asked the angel. “I see a flying scroll,” I replied, “twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide.”

Isaiah 41:22-23
“Let them come and tell us what will happen. Tell the former things, so that we may reflect on them and know the outcome. Or announce to us what is coming. / Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay.

Isaiah 42:9
Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”

Isaiah 44:7
Who then is like Me? Let him say so! Let him declare his case before Me, since I established an ancient people. Let him foretell the things to come, and what is to take place.

Isaiah 46:10
I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’

Jeremiah 23:18
But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it?

Jeremiah 32:10-14
I signed and sealed the deed, called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales. / Then I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy with its terms and conditions, as well as the open copy— / and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of my cousin Hanamel and the witnesses who were signing the purchase agreement and all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. ...

Daniel 7:10
A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

Daniel 7:13-14
In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Daniel 8:26
The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been spoken is true. Now you must seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.”

Matthew 24:36
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!


Treasury of Scripture

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

a strong.

Psalm 103:20
Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Who.

Revelation 5:5
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Isaiah 29:11,12
And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: …

Isaiah 41:22,23
Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come…

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Revelation 5
1. The book sealed with seven seals,
9. which only the Lamb that was slain is worthy to open.
12. Therefore the elders praise him, and confess that he redeemed them with his blood.














And I saw
The phrase "And I saw" indicates a continuation of John's visionary experience. The Greek word for "saw" is "eidon," which implies not just physical sight but a deeper, spiritual perception. This suggests that John is witnessing events of profound spiritual significance, beyond mere human understanding. The use of "saw" emphasizes the revelatory nature of the vision, as John is being shown divine truths that are being unveiled to him.

a mighty angel
The term "mighty angel" underscores the power and authority of this celestial being. The Greek word for "mighty" is "ischyros," which conveys strength and might. In the biblical context, angels are often messengers of God, and a "mighty angel" suggests one of high rank and importance. This angel's presence signifies the gravity of the message being proclaimed, as it pertains to the unfolding of God's divine plan.

proclaiming in a loud voice
The phrase "proclaiming in a loud voice" indicates the urgency and importance of the message. The Greek word for "proclaiming" is "kerusso," which means to herald or announce publicly. The "loud voice" ensures that the proclamation is heard by all in the heavenly realm, emphasizing the significance of the question being asked. This loud proclamation is a call to attention, highlighting the critical nature of the search for one who is worthy.

Who is worthy
The question "Who is worthy" is central to the passage. The Greek word for "worthy" is "axios," which denotes deserving or having the right qualifications. This question is not just about ability but about moral and spiritual worthiness. It reflects the need for someone who embodies perfect righteousness and holiness to execute God's plan. This search for worthiness underscores the uniqueness of Christ, who alone is found worthy.

to break the seals
The phrase "to break the seals" refers to the act of opening the scroll, which is sealed with seven seals. In ancient times, seals were used to secure documents, ensuring that only authorized individuals could open them. The breaking of the seals signifies the unveiling of God's hidden purposes and judgments. This act requires authority and legitimacy, which only the worthy one possesses.

and open the scroll?
The "scroll" represents the divine plan and revelation of God's will for the future. In the biblical context, scrolls were used to record important decrees and messages. The opening of the scroll signifies the revelation of God's ultimate plan for redemption and judgment. This act is pivotal in the unfolding of the events described in Revelation, as it sets in motion the fulfillment of God's promises and the culmination of history.

(2) And I saw a strong (better, mighty) angel proclaiming with (or, in) a loud voice, Who is worthy . . .--We must not let the word "worthy" pass as though it were simply equivalent to "strong enough." It seems to imply moral fitness (comp. Romans 1:4), which is the true strength in the heavenly world. It was not lack of intellectual capacity so much as the taint of moral unworthiness which hindered the reading of the book. This is in harmony with what we have noticed before. "To commune with God, there is need of no subtle thought, no foreign tongue, no newest philosophy: ' the pure in heart shall see Him:' and Fox and Bunyan can more truly make Him known than 'masters of sentences' and ' angelic doctors.'" Those who are willing to do God's will know of God's doctrine. This thought corresponds, too, with the stress which is laid (in Revelation 5:5) on the victory of Christ. It is not simply as divine Son of God, but also as victorious Saviour and King of His people, that He opens the book: His worthiness has been established in conflict and temptation (John 14:30; Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 4:15).

Verse 2. - And I saw (see on ver. 1). A strong angel; ἰσχυρόν, rendered "mighty" in Revelation 10:1. Possibly, as De Wette and others think, so called because of higher rank - De Lyra says Gabriel; but probably on account of the great voice, which sounded "as a lion roareth" (Revelation 10:3). Proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? with a great voice. "Worthy" is ἄξιος, fit morally, as in John 1:27.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

I saw
εἶδον (eidon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

a mighty
ἰσχυρὸν (ischyron)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2478: Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.

angel
ἄγγελον (angelon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 32: From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.

proclaiming
κηρύσσοντα (kēryssonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2784: To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

a loud
μεγάλῃ (megalē)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

voice,
φωνῇ (phōnē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5456: Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.

“Who is
Τίς (Tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

worthy
ἄξιος (axios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 514: Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.

to break
λῦσαι (lysai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3089: A primary verb; to 'loosen'.

the
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

seals
σφραγῖδας (sphragidas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4973: Probably strengthened from phrasso; a signet; by implication, the stamp impressed, literally or figuratively.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

open
ἀνοῖξαι (anoixai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 455: To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

scroll?”
βιβλίον (biblion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 975: A papyrus roll. A diminutive of biblos; a roll.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 5:2 I saw a mighty angel proclaiming (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 5:1
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