Revelation 5:13

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: "To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!"

Study Bible

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying
And I heard
The phrase "And I heard" signifies the Apostle John's role as a witness to the divine revelation. The Greek word for "heard" is "ἤκουσα" (ēkousa), which implies not just the act of hearing but understanding and perceiving the significance of what is heard. This emphasizes the importance of the message being conveyed, as it is not merely a sound but a profound truth that John is entrusted to communicate.

every creature
The term "every creature" encompasses all of creation, indicating the universality of the worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. The Greek word "πᾶν κτίσμα" (pan ktisma) suggests the entirety of creation, both animate and inanimate. This reflects the biblical theme that all creation is designed to glorify God, as seen in passages like Psalm 148, where all elements of creation are called to praise the Lord.

in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea
This phrase describes the comprehensive scope of creation. "In heaven" refers to the celestial beings and the spiritual realm. "On earth" includes all living creatures and humanity. "Under the earth" is often interpreted as the realm of the dead or the subterranean world, possibly including demonic forces. "In the sea" encompasses marine life and the mysterious depths of the oceans. This all-encompassing description highlights the totality of creation's acknowledgment of God's authority and glory.

and all that is in them
This phrase reinforces the inclusivity of the previous statement, ensuring that nothing is left out of this universal chorus of praise. It emphasizes that every part of creation, down to the smallest detail, is involved in this act of worship. The Greek "πάντα τὰ ἐν αὐτοῖς" (panta ta en autois) underscores the completeness of this acknowledgment.

saying
The use of "saying" introduces the content of the praise that follows. It indicates that the act of worship is not just a passive acknowledgment but an active declaration. The Greek "λέγοντα" (legonta) implies a continuous and deliberate proclamation, suggesting that this is an ongoing and eternal act of worship. This sets the stage for the profound declaration of praise that follows in the subsequent verses, highlighting the central theme of Revelation: the ultimate victory and sovereignty of God and the Lamb.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Every Creature
This phrase encompasses all of creation, indicating a universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. It includes beings in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea.

2. Him who sits on the throne
This refers to God the Father, the sovereign ruler of the universe, who is often depicted as seated on a throne in heavenly visions.

3. The Lamb
This is a title for Jesus Christ, symbolizing His sacrificial role in redemption. The Lamb is central to the worship and adoration described in this passage.

4. Heaven, Earth, Under the Earth, and the Sea
These locations represent the entirety of creation, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the worship being described.

5. Praise, Honor, Glory, and Power
These are the attributes ascribed to God and the Lamb, highlighting their divine nature and authority.

Teaching Points

Universal Worship
The passage emphasizes that all of creation is called to worship God and the Lamb. This reminds us of the ultimate purpose of creation: to glorify God.

Christ's Central Role
The Lamb, representing Jesus, is central to the worship in heaven. This underscores the importance of Christ's redemptive work and His divine authority.

Attributes of God
Praise, honor, glory, and power are ascribed to God and the Lamb, reminding believers of the attributes of God that are worthy of worship.

Eternal Perspective
The phrase "forever and ever" points to the eternal nature of God's reign and the everlasting worship He deserves. This encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective in their daily lives.

Unity in Worship
The passage shows a unified worship from all creation, encouraging believers to seek unity in worship within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the universal worship described in Revelation 5:13 challenge or inspire your personal worship practices?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the attributes of praise, honor, glory, and power into your daily life to reflect the worship seen in this passage?

3. How does the depiction of Jesus as the Lamb in Revelation 5:13 deepen your understanding of His role in your life and in the world?

4. What practical steps can you take to maintain an eternal perspective, as suggested by the phrase "forever and ever"?

5. How can the unity in worship depicted in this passage influence your interactions and relationships within your church community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Philippians 2:10-11
This passage speaks of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, which parallels the universal worship seen in Revelation 5:13.

Psalm 148
This psalm calls upon all creation to praise the Lord, similar to the universal praise depicted in Revelation 5:13.

Isaiah 45:23
God declares that every knee will bow to Him, which is echoed in the worship scene of Revelation 5:13.