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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Revelation 5:8 When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/5-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/66_Rev_05_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 5:8 - The Lamb is Worthy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. 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Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God&#8217s people. <a href="/nlt/revelation/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. <a href="/esv/revelation/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/bsb/revelation/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/blb/revelation/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls being full of incenses, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/kjv/revelation/5.htm">King James Bible</a> And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. <a href="/nkjv/revelation/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/nasb_/revelation/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/nasb/revelation/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/nasb77/revelation/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/lsb/revelation/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/amp/revelation/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb (Christ), each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of fragrant incense, which are the prayers of the saints (God’s people). <a href="/csb/revelation/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/asv/revelation/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/cev/revelation/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> After he had taken it, the four living creatures and the 24 elders knelt down before him. Each of them had a harp and a gold bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people. <a href="/erv/revelation/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/gwt/revelation/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When the lamb had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 leaders bowed in front of him. Each held a harp and a gold bowl full of incense, the prayers of God's holy people. <a href="/gnt/revelation/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> As he did so, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people. <a href="/isv/revelation/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> When the lamb had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders bowed down in front of him. Each held a harp and a gold bowl full of incense, the prayers of the saints. <a href="/msb/revelation/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/net/revelation/5.htm">NET Bible</a> and when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders threw themselves to the ground before the Lamb. Each of them had a harp and golden bowls full of incense (which are the prayers of the saints). <a href="/nheb/revelation/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/wbt/revelation/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when he had taken the book, the four living beings, and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. <a href="/wey/revelation/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four Elders fell down before the Lamb, having each of them a harp and bringing golden bowls full of incense, which represent the prayers of God's people. <a href="/web/revelation/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And when He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each one having harps and golden bowls full of incenses, which are the prayers of the holy ones, <a href="/blb/revelation/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls being full of incenses, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/ylt/revelation/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And when he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, having each one harps and golden vials full of perfumes, which are the prayers of the saints, <a href="/slt/revelation/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And when he took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, having each harps, and golden bowls full of incenses, which are the prayers of the holy.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when he had opened the book, the four living creatures, and the four and twenty ancients fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints: <a href="/cpdv/revelation/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when he had opened the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having stringed instruments, as well as golden bowls full of fragrances, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/nabre/revelation/5.htm">New American Bible</a> When he took it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones. <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And as he took the book, the four wild beasts and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, and everyone of them had a harp and a cup of gold full of incense, and these were the prayers of the saints. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And when he had received the scroll, The Four Beasts and 24 Elders fell down before the Lamb, while each one of them had a stringed instrument and a vessel of gold full of sweet spices, which are the prayers of The Holy Ones,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures, and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having, each of them, harps, and golden cups full of incense, which is the prayers of the saints. <a href="/godbey/revelation/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And when he took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each a harp, and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/haweis/revelation/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And when he had taken the book, the four living beings and the four and twenty presbyters prostrated themselves before the lamb, having each harps, and vases of gold, full of perfumes smoaking, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/mace/revelation/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> when he had taken the book, the four animals, and the four and twenty elders fell down before the lamb, every one of them having harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/wey/revelation/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four Elders fell down before the Lamb, having each of them a harp and bringing golden bowls full of incense, which represent the prayers of God's people. <a href="/worrell/revelation/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, when He took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having, each, a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/worsley/revelation/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when He had taken the book, the four animals, and the twenty four elders, fell down before the Lamb, having every one harps and golden vials full of perfumes, which are the prayers of the saints. <a href="/parallel/revelation/5-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=1089" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/5.htm">The Lamb is Worthy</a> …7And He came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One seated on the throne. 8<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3753.htm" title="3753: hote (Adv) -- When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.">When</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: elaben (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">He had taken</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/975.htm" title="975: biblion (N-ANS) -- A papyrus roll. A diminutive of biblos; a roll.">scroll,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5064.htm" title="5064: tessara (Adj-NNP) -- Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four.">four</a> <a href="/greek/2226.htm" title="2226: zōa (N-NNP) -- An animal, living creature. Neuter of a derivative of zao; a live thing, i.e. An animal.">living creatures</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1501.htm" title="1501: eikosi (Adj-NMP) -- Twenty. Of uncertain affinity; a score.">twenty-four</a> <a href="/greek/5064.htm" title="5064: tessares (Adj-NMP) -- Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four."></a> <a href="/greek/4245.htm" title="4245: presbyteroi (Adj-NMP) -- Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian presbyter.">elders</a> <a href="/greek/4098.htm" title="4098: epesan (V-AIA-3P) -- A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall.">fell down</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/721.htm" title="721: Arniou (N-GNS) -- (originally: a little lamb, but diminutive force was lost), a lamb. Diminutive from aren; a lambkin.">Lamb.</a> <a href="/greek/1538.htm" title="1538: hekastos (Adj-NMS) -- Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.">Each one</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">had</a> <a href="/greek/2788.htm" title="2788: kitharan (N-AFS) -- A harp, lyre. Of uncertain affinity; a lyre.">a harp,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and they were holding</a> <a href="/greek/5552.htm" title="5552: chrysas (Adj-AFP) -- Golden, made of gold, adorned with gold. From chrusos; made of gold.">golden</a> <a href="/greek/5357.htm" title="5357: phialas (N-AFP) -- A shallow and flat bowl. Of uncertain affinity; a broad shallow cup.">bowls</a> <a href="/greek/1073.htm" title="1073: gemousas (V-PPA-AFP) -- To be full of. A primary verb; to swell out, i.e. Be full.">full</a> <a href="/greek/2368.htm" title="2368: thymiamatōn (N-GNP) -- Incense. From thumiao; an aroma, i.e. Fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning itself.">of incense,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hai (RelPro-NFP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4335.htm" title="4335: proseuchai (N-NFP) -- From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.">prayers</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: hagiōn (Adj-GMP) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">saints.</a> 9And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/141-2.htm">Psalm 141:2</a> May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands, like the evening offering. <a href="/daniel/7-10.htm">Daniel 7:10</a> 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. <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Hebrews 9:4</a> containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. <a href="/exodus/30-8.htm">Exodus 30:8</a> When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come. <a href="/1_chronicles/25-1.htm">1 Chronicles 25:1</a> Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: <a href="/1_samuel/10-5.htm">1 Samuel 10:5</a> After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying. <a href="/2_chronicles/29-25.htm">2 Chronicles 29:25-30</a> Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. ... <a href="/psalms/33-2.htm">Psalm 33:2-3</a> Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. / Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy. <a href="/psalms/98-5.htm">Psalm 98:5-6</a> Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, in melodious song with the harp. / With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn shout for joy before the LORD, the King. <a href="/psalms/149-1.htm">Psalm 149:1-6</a> Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise in the assembly of the godly. / Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. / Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. ... <a href="/isaiah/6-6.htm">Isaiah 6:6-7</a> Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. / And with it he touched my mouth and said: “Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.” <a href="/isaiah/56-7.htm">Isaiah 56:7</a> I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” <a href="/jeremiah/33-11.htm">Jeremiah 33:11</a> the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those bringing thank offerings into the house of the LORD, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.’ For I will restore the land from captivity as in former times, says the LORD. <a href="/ezekiel/8-11.htm">Ezekiel 8:11</a> Before them stood seventy elders of the house of Israel, with Jaazaniah son of Shaphan standing among them. Each had a censer in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising. <a href="/luke/1-10.htm">Luke 1:10</a> And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints.the four.<a href="/revelation/5-14.htm">Revelation 5:14</a> And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.See on ch.<a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">Revelation 4:4,8,10</a> And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold… <a href="/revelation/7-10.htm">Revelation 7:10-12</a> And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb… <a href="/revelation/19-4.htm">Revelation 19:4</a> And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.having.<a href="/revelation/14-2.htm">Revelation 14:2,3</a> And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: … <a href="/revelation/15-2.htm">Revelation 15:2</a> And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.<a href="/psalms/33-2.htm">Psalm 33:2</a> Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.golden.<a href="/revelation/15-7.htm">Revelation 15:7</a> And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.odours.<a href="/revelation/8-3.htm">Revelation 8:3,4</a> And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne… <a href="/psalms/141-2.htm">Psalm 141:2</a> Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Beings</a> <a href="/revelation/5-7.htm">Book</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-20.htm">Bowls</a> <a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Creatures</a> <a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/revelation/1-17.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Four</a> <a href="/revelation/4-8.htm">Full</a> <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">Golden</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-7.htm">Harps</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Incense</a> <a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Lamb</a> <a href="/daniel/2-46.htm">Odours</a> <a href="/jude/1-20.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">Represent</a> <a href="/jude/1-14.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/revelation/4-10.htm">Twenty</a> <a href="/revelation/4-10.htm">Twenty-Four</a> <a href="/revelation/21-9.htm">Vials</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/5-11.htm">Beasts</a> <a href="/revelation/5-11.htm">Beings</a> <a href="/revelation/5-9.htm">Book</a> <a href="/revelation/15-7.htm">Bowls</a> <a href="/revelation/5-11.htm">Creatures</a> <a href="/revelation/5-11.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/revelation/5-14.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/revelation/5-14.htm">Four</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Full</a> <a href="/revelation/8-3.htm">Golden</a> <a href="/revelation/18-22.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/revelation/14-2.htm">Harps</a> <a href="/revelation/8-3.htm">Incense</a> <a href="/revelation/5-13.htm">Lamb</a> <a href="/revelation/18-13.htm">Odours</a> <a href="/revelation/8-3.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/exodus/18-19.htm">Represent</a> <a href="/revelation/8-3.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/revelation/5-14.htm">Twenty</a> <a href="/revelation/5-14.htm">Twenty-Four</a> <a href="/revelation/15-7.htm">Vials</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 5</div>1. <a href="/revelation/5-1.htm">The book sealed with seven seals,</a> 9. <a href="/revelation/5-9.htm">which only the Lamb that was slain is worthy to open.</a> 12. <a href="/revelation/5-12.htm">Therefore the elders praise him, and confess that he redeemed them with his blood.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/revelation/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When He had taken the scroll This phrase refers to the moment when the Lamb, identified as Jesus Christ, takes the scroll from the right hand of Him who sits on the throne, symbolizing His authority and worthiness to execute God's plan. The scroll represents God's ultimate plan for redemption and judgment, sealed with seven seals, indicating its completeness and divine origin. This act signifies the transition of power and the unfolding of end-time events.the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb The four living creatures are often understood as angelic beings or cherubim, representing all of creation, while the twenty-four elders symbolize the redeemed people of God, possibly representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. Their act of falling down before the Lamb is an expression of worship and acknowledgment of His divine authority and worthiness. This scene reflects the heavenly worship and the recognition of Christ's central role in God's redemptive plan.Each one had a harp The harp is a traditional instrument of worship in biblical times, often associated with praise and prophecy. In the context of Revelation, it symbolizes the worship and adoration offered to God and the Lamb. The use of harps in this heavenly scene underscores the joy and reverence of the worshippers, aligning with the Old Testament tradition of using music in temple worship.and they were holding golden bowls full of incense Golden bowls signify the precious and sacred nature of their contents. Incense in the Bible is often associated with prayer and worship, as seen in the tabernacle and temple practices where incense was burned as a pleasing aroma to God. The use of incense here symbolizes the prayers of the faithful reaching God, indicating that the prayers of believers are valued and cherished in the heavenly realm.which are the prayers of the saints This phrase explicitly identifies the incense as the prayers of the saints, emphasizing the importance and power of prayer in the spiritual realm. The saints refer to all believers who are set apart for God. This imagery connects to the Old Testament practice where incense represented the prayers of the people rising to God, as seen in <a href="/psalms/141-2.htm">Psalm 141:2</a>. It highlights the role of prayer in the unfolding of God's plan and the active participation of believers in the divine narrative.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_four_living_creatures.htm">The Four Living Creatures</a> These are heavenly beings that surround the throne of God, often understood as cherubim, representing all of creation in worship. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_twenty-four_elders.htm">The Twenty-Four Elders</a> These elders are often interpreted as representing the redeemed people of God, possibly symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, thus encompassing the Old and New Covenants. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lamb.htm">The Lamb</a> This is Jesus Christ, depicted as a Lamb who was slain, symbolizing His sacrificial death and victory over sin and death. 4. <a href="/topical/g/golden_bowls_full_of_incense.htm">Golden Bowls Full of Incense</a> These bowls represent the prayers of the saints, indicating that the prayers of believers are precious and continually before God. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_harps.htm">The Harps</a> Instruments used in worship, symbolizing the praise and adoration offered to God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a> The imagery of golden bowls full of incense teaches us that our prayers are valuable and cherished by God. We should be encouraged to pray continually, knowing that our prayers are heard and treasured. <a href="/topical/w/worship_in_spirit_and_truth.htm">Worship in Spirit and Truth</a> The presence of harps and the act of worship by the living creatures and elders remind us of the importance of worshiping God with sincerity and reverence, both individually and corporately. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_mediator.htm">Christ as the Mediator</a> The Lamb's role in this scene underscores Jesus' unique position as the mediator between God and humanity. We can approach God with confidence because of Christ's sacrifice and ongoing intercession. <a href="/topical/u/unity_of_believers.htm">Unity of Believers</a> The representation of both the Old and New Covenants through the twenty-four elders encourages us to see the unity and continuity of God's people throughout history, urging us to live in harmony with fellow believers. <a href="/topical/t/the_eternal_perspective.htm">The Eternal Perspective</a> This passage invites us to view our lives and prayers from an eternal perspective, recognizing that our actions and prayers have significance in the heavenly realm.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_revelation_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Revelation 5</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_prayers_of_the_saints.htm">What are the Prayers of the Saints?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_the_24_elders_in_revelation.htm">Who are the 24 Elders in Revelation?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_patron_saint.htm">What defines a patron saint?</a> <a href="/q/what_do_the_seals,_trumpets,_bowls_mean.htm">What do the Seven Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls signify?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) And when he had taken . . .--Better, And when He took the roll, the four living beings and the twenty four elders fell before the Lamb, having each a harp, and golden vials (or, censers) full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints (or, the holy ones). It is not the Church alone which is interested in the revelation which will throw light on life's mysteries and the delay of the kingdom: the whole creation groaneth, waiting for the reign of righteousness; and therefore the four living beings, who represent creation, join with the elders, who represent the Church, in the adoration of the Lamb who holds the secret of life's meaning in His hand. The vials (which seem to be censers, as they hold the incense) and the harps, it is perhaps more natural to suppose, were in the hands of the four-and-twenty elders, and not of the living creatures. Here, then, we have the praises (represented by the harps), and the prayers (represented by the censers) of the world-wide and age-long Church of Christ. The comparison of prayer with incense is in strict accordance with Old Testament language. "Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense" (<a href="/psalms/141-2.htm" title="Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.">Psalm 141:2</a>). The incense held a conspicuous place in the ritual of the Temple. The greatest care was to be taken in the composition of the incense, and the same compound was not to be used anywhere but in the sanctuary. These precautions suggest its typical character. The true odours are the heart-prayers of God's children. "Of these three sweet ingredient perfumes," says Archbishop Leighton, alluding to the composition of the Temple-incense, "namely, petition, confession, thanksgiving, is the incense of prayer, and by the divine fire of love it ascends unto God, the heart and all with it; and when the hearts of the saints unite in joint prayer, the pillar of sweet smoke goes up the greater and the fuller." Every prayer which broke out in sob from an agonising heart, every sigh of the solitary and struggling Christian, every groan of those groping God- ward, mingles here with the songs of the happy and triumphant.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - And when he had taken the book. "Had taken" (ἔλαβε) is here aorist, not perfect, as in ver. 7. The text should probably read, when he took the book; that is to say, the adoration offered coincides in point of time with the act of taking the book. The four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb. The four beasts as representing animated creation; the four and twenty elders as representative of the Church (see on Revelation 4:4, 6). Having every one of them harps. (On the difficulty of how each one could hold harps and bowls, see on ver. 6.) It is possible that the phrase refers only to the elders; for these seem more suitably employed in offering the prayers of the saints than the representatives of all creation. If, however, as Wordsworth considers, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders together symbolize the Church, the phrase would apply to both. The κινύρα of <a href="/1_samuel/16-16.htm">1 Samuel 16:16, 23</a> (the κιθάρα of this passage) was played with the hand, and the instrument indicated was probably more of the nature of a guitar than the modern harp. And golden vials full of odours. The Revised Version "bowls" is better than "vials." The idea is, no doubt, taken from the shallow bowls which were placed upon the golden altar (<a href="/exodus/30-1.htm">Exodus 30:1-10</a>), and in which incense was burned. The odours are the incense. In the same chapter of Exodus directions are given concerning the preparation and use of the incense, which was always a symbol of prayer, and always offered to God alone (cf. <a href="/psalms/141-2.htm">Psalm 141:2</a>, "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense;" also <a href="/luke/1-9.htm">Luke 1:9, 10</a>; <a href="/isaiah/6-3.htm">Isaiah 6:3, 4</a>). Which are the prayers of saints. The saints; that is, the members of the Church of God. Some authorities consider "vials" the antecedent of" which;" but it seems best to refer "which" to "odours," though the sense is not materially different, since the former includes the latter. <a href="/commentaries/revelation/5-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>When ὅτε (hote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3753.htm">Strong's 3753: </a> When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When. He had taken ἔλαβεν (elaben) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> 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 <a href="/greek/strongs_975.htm">Strong's 975: </a> A papyrus roll. A diminutive of biblos; a roll. the τὰ (ta) Article - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. four τέσσαρα (tessara) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5064.htm">Strong's 5064: </a> Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four. living creatures ζῷα (zōa) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2226.htm">Strong's 2226: </a> An animal, living creature. Neuter of a derivative of zao; a live thing, i.e. An animal. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. twenty-four εἴκοσι (eikosi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1501.htm">Strong's 1501: </a> Twenty. Of uncertain affinity; a score. elders πρεσβύτεροι (presbyteroi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4245.htm">Strong's 4245: </a> Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'. fell down ἔπεσαν (epesan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4098.htm">Strong's 4098: </a> A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall. before ἐνώπιον (enōpion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lamb. Ἀρνίου (Arniou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_721.htm">Strong's 721: </a> (originally: a little lamb, but diminutive force was lost), a lamb. Diminutive from aren; a lambkin. Each one ἕκαστος (hekastos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1538.htm">Strong's 1538: </a> Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every. had ἔχοντες (echontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. a harp, κιθάραν (kitharan) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2788.htm">Strong's 2788: </a> A harp, lyre. Of uncertain affinity; a lyre. and they were holding καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. golden χρυσᾶς (chrysas) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5552.htm">Strong's 5552: </a> Golden, made of gold, adorned with gold. From chrusos; made of gold. bowls φιάλας (phialas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5357.htm">Strong's 5357: </a> A shallow and flat bowl. Of uncertain affinity; a broad shallow cup. full γεμούσας (gemousas) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1073.htm">Strong's 1073: </a> To be full of. A primary verb; to swell out, i.e. Be full. of incense, θυμιαμάτων (thymiamatōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2368.htm">Strong's 2368: </a> Incense. From thumiao; an aroma, i.e. Fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning itself. which αἵ (hai) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. are εἰσιν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the αἱ (hai) Article - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. prayers προσευχαὶ (proseuchai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4335.htm">Strong's 4335: </a> From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. saints. ἁγίων (hagiōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/5-8.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 5:8 Now when he had taken the book (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/5-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 5:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 5:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/5-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 5:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 5:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>