Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals
"Worthy" (ἄξιος, axios) denotes deserving or having the right to something. In the context of Revelation, it emphasizes the unique qualification of Christ to execute God's plan. The "scroll" represents God's ultimate plan for redemption and judgment, sealed and awaiting the one who is worthy to open it. The act of opening the seals signifies the unfolding of divine mysteries and the execution of God's will. This phrase underscores Christ's authority and central role in God's redemptive history.

because You were slain
The term "slain" (ἐσφάγης, esphagēs) refers to a sacrificial death, echoing the imagery of the Passover lamb. This highlights the sacrificial nature of Christ's death, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and typologies. Historically, the sacrificial system was central to Jewish worship, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. His death is the pivotal event that enables the redemption of humanity, underscoring the gravity and purpose of His sacrifice.

and by Your blood You purchased for God
The phrase "by Your blood" emphasizes the cost of redemption, with "blood" (αἷμα, haima) symbolizing life given sacrificially. The concept of being "purchased" (ἠγόρασας, ēgorasas) reflects the marketplace term for buying or redeeming, indicating a transaction that secures freedom. This imagery is rooted in the practice of redeeming slaves, illustrating the liberation from sin and death. Theologically, it affirms the efficacy of Christ's atonement, securing believers for God.

those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation
This phrase highlights the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work. "Every tribe and tongue and people and nation" signifies the inclusivity of the gospel, transcending ethnic, linguistic, and cultural barriers. In the Greek, these terms collectively emphasize the diversity of the redeemed community. Historically, this reflects the early church's mission to spread the gospel to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission. It underscores the unity and diversity of the body of Christ, a testament to the power of the gospel to unite humanity under God's kingdom.

"Worthy art Thou to take the roll,

And to open the seals thereof;

For Thou wast slain,

And didst buy to God in Thy blood

Out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,

And didst make them a kingdom and priests,

And they reign upon the earth."

The English version, "hast redeemed," and "hast made," weakens the reference to the completed character of Christ's redeeming work. It is the great victory in suffering and death which inspires the song, and makes them sing, "Thou art worthy;" and so they speak of that work of Christ as a work truly done: "Thou didst buy (omit "us") out of every tribe, &c., and didst make them," &c. The suffering Saviour has died, has broken the bond of the oppressor, has claimed, by right of purchase, mankind as His own; and the price was His blood. It is well to notice the harmony between this passage and the statements of other Apostles: "Ye are not your own;" "bought with a price." (See 1Corinthians 6:20; 1Corinthians 7:23; 1Peter 1:18-19; 2Peter 2:1.) Observe, also, the four terms (tribe, tongue, people, nation), employed as if to give emphasis to the universality of redemption, for four is the number of extension in all directions. With this compare Romans 5:15-19; Colossians 3:11; Hebrews 2:9. We have a right to teach all to say, "He redeemed me and all mankind." It is instructive to dwell on the climax "they reign," in contrast with "Thou wast slain." It is like an anticipation of the now familiar words-- . . .