And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
This verse comes from a vision the apostle John received while exiled on the island of Patmos. In the vision, a sealed scroll representing God's plan for history cannot be opened by anyone — until Jesus steps forward. He is described as a Lamb who was slain, a reference to his death on the cross. The assembled worshipers in heaven burst into song, celebrating that Jesus alone is worthy to open the scroll — not because of rank or power, but because of his sacrifice. The phrase "purchased men for God" means his death paid the price to bring people from every culture, background, and nation into relationship with God.
Lord, you are worthy — not for what you conquered, but for what you endured. Thank you for being slain so that I might be found, and for gathering people from every corner of the earth into your song. Help me live today as someone who has been bought back, not by gold, but by grace. Amen.
Imagine a courtroom where a document of cosmic importance sits sealed, and no one — not the greatest human, not the mightiest angel — has the authority to open it. That's the scene in Revelation 5, and it reduces John to tears. Then the Lamb steps forward. What's striking is what earns the worship: not conquest by a sword, but surrender to one. The song celebrates a wound. The credential is a scar. In a world that rewards strength, this vision flips the script entirely — worthiness flows from sacrifice, not superiority. You live in a culture that measures worth by output, influence, and achievement. But this song says the most worthy being in all of creation earned that title by being broken open. Whatever you're carrying today — whatever makes you feel disqualified or overlooked — this Lamb sees you. And more than that: his song includes people from "every tribe and language and people and nation." That means the room where this song is sung has a seat with your name on it. You were not an afterthought in his sacrifice.
What does it mean that Jesus' worthiness is tied specifically to his being "slain"? Why might a wound be a more powerful credential than strength or authority?
Is there an area of your life where you still feel like you have to earn your place before God or others? How does this verse speak into that feeling?
The song says Jesus purchased people "from every tribe and language and people and nation." How does that challenge any tendency — subtle or overt — to see Christianity as belonging to one culture or group?
Knowing you were "purchased for God" — chosen and paid for at great cost — how does that change the way you see other people who were purchased the same way?
If you genuinely believed you were fully worthy to stand before God — not because of what you've done but because of what the Lamb did — what would you do differently this week?
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Ephesians 1:3
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
1 Peter 1:19
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Isaiah 43:1
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Matthew 26:28
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1 Peter 1:18
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another , and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:7
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Revelation 5:12
And they sang a new song [of glorious redemption], saying, "Worthy and deserving are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slain (sacrificed), and with Your blood You purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
AMP
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,
ESV
And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood [men] from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
NASB
And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
NIV
And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
NKJV
And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
NLT
And they sang a new song: Worthy! Take the scroll, open its seals. Slain! Paying in blood, you bought men and women, Bought them back from all over the earth, Bought them back for God.
MSG