KJV: 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.
YLT: and one of the elders saith to me, 'Weep not; lo, overcome did the Lion, who is of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, to open the scroll, and to loose the seven seals of it;
Darby: And one of the elders says to me, Do not weep. Behold, the lion which is of the tribe of Juda, the root of David, has overcome so as to open the book, and its seven seals.
ASV: and one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not; behold, the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath overcome to open the book and the seven seals thereof.
| εἷς | one |
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Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: εἷς Sense: one. |
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| πρεσβυτέρων | elders |
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Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Plural Root: πρεσβύτερος Sense: elder, of age,. |
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| λέγει | says |
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Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular Root: λέγω Sense: to say, to speak. |
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| μοι | to me |
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Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Singular Root: ἐγώ Sense: I, me, my. |
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| κλαῖε | do weep |
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Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular Root: κλαίω Sense: to mourn, weep, lament. |
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| ἰδοὺ | Behold |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular Root: ἰδού Sense: behold, see, lo. |
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| ἐνίκησεν | has overcome |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular Root: νικάω Sense: to conquer. |
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| Λέων | Lion |
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Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: λέων Sense: a lion. |
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| ὁ | - |
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Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| φυλῆς | tribe |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: φυλή Sense: a tribe. |
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| Ἰούδα | of Judah |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: Ἰουδά Sense: the fourth son of the patriarch Jacob. |
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| Ῥίζα | root |
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Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular Root: ῥίζα Sense: a root. |
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| Δαυίδ | of David |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: Δαβίδ Sense: second king of Israel, and ancestor of Jesus Christ. |
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| ἀνοῖξαι | to open |
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Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active Root: ἀνοίγω Sense: to open. |
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| βιβλίον | scroll |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular Root: βιβλίον Sense: a small book, a scroll, a written document. |
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| ἑπτὰ | seven |
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Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Plural Root: ἑπτά Sense: seven. |
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| σφραγῖδας | seals |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural Root: σφραγίς Sense: a seal. |
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| αὐτοῦ | of it |
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Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular Root: αὐτός Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself. |
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Greek Commentary for Revelation 5:5
“One from among the elders” of Revelation 4:4, Revelation 4:10 No particular reason for one elder as the agent over another (Revelation 7:13). [source]
Dramatic vivid present.Weep not (μη κλαιε mē klaie). “Cease weeping” (prohibition with μη mē and the present active imperative of κλαιω klaiō Lion (ο λεων ho leōn). Satan is called a lion by Peter (1 Peter 5:8), but the metaphor belongs to Jesus also. Judah is called a lion in the blessing of Jacob (Genesis 49:9) and Jesus as the greatest of the tribe of Judah, “the Root of David” (η ριζα Δαυειδ hē riza Daueid Isaiah 11:1, Isaiah 11:10) or the Branch from this root (the Messiah).Hath overcome First aorist active indicative of νικαω nikaō “did overcome,” coming first in the sentence as “the great historical fact of the victory of the Christ” (Swete). [source]
“Cease weeping” (prohibition with μη mē and the present active imperative of κλαιω klaiō Lion Satan is called a lion by Peter (1 Peter 5:8), but the metaphor belongs to Jesus also. Judah is called a lion in the blessing of Jacob (Genesis 49:9) and Jesus as the greatest of the tribe of Judah, “the Root of David” (η ριζα Δαυειδ hē riza Daueid Isaiah 11:1, Isaiah 11:10) or the Branch from this root (the Messiah). [source]
First aorist active indicative of νικαω nikaō “did overcome,” coming first in the sentence as “the great historical fact of the victory of the Christ” (Swete). [source]
Strictly, from among the elders. [source]
See Genesis 49:9. [source]
See on Nazarene, Matthew 2:23. [source]
Or overcame. [source]
Omit. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 5:5
In its pervasive power. Curiously enough some people deny that Jesus here likens the expanding power of the Kingdom of heaven to leaven, because, they say, leaven is the symbol of corruption. But the language of Jesus is not to be explained away by such exegetical jugglery. The devil is called like a lion by Peter (1 Peter 5:8) and Jesus in Revelation is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). The leaven permeates all the “wheaten meal” (αλευρου aleurou) till the whole is leavened. There is nothing in the “three measures,” merely a common amount to bake. Dr. T.R. Glover in his Jesus of History suggests that Jesus used to notice his mother using that amount of wheat flour in baking bread. To find the Trinity here is, of course, quite beside the mark. The word for leaven, ζυμη zumē is from ζεω zeō to boil, to seethe, and so pervasive fermentation. [source]
Rather here, as in Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16, the sprout from the root. From Isaiah 11:10. [source]
Augustine says, “Christ is called 'a lion' (Revelation 5:5) because of his courage: the devil, because of his ferocity. The one lion comes to conquer, the other to hurt.” Seven Hebrew words are used for this animal; six to describe his movements and four to describe his roar. He is mentioned in the Bible about one hundred and thirty times. In Job 4:10, Job 4:11, five different words are used for him. In Judges 14:5; 103:21 (Sept.), the same word as here is used for the roaring of the lion as a translation of the Hebrew word for the thunder in Job href="/desk/?q=job+37:4&sr=1">Job 37:4. [source]
Old word for opponent in a lawsuit (Matthew 5:25).The devil (διαβολος diabolos). Slanderer. See note on Matthew 4:1.As a roaring lion But Jesus is also pictured as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). But Satan roars at the saints. Present middle participle ōruomai old verb, here only in N.T., to howl like a wolf, dog, or lion, of men to sing loud (Pindar). See Psalm 22:13.Whom he may devour (ως ωρυομενος λεων katapiein). Second aorist active infinitive of ωρυομαι katapinō to drink down. B does not have καταπιειν tina Aleph has καταπινω tina (somebody), “to devour some one,” while A has interrogative τινα tina “whom he may devour” (very rare idiom). But the devil‘s purpose is the ruin of men. He is a “peripatetic” (τινα peripatei) like the peripatetic philosophers who walked as they talked. Satan wants all of us and sifts us all (Luke 22:31). [source]
But Jesus is also pictured as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). But Satan roars at the saints. Present middle participle ōruomai old verb, here only in N.T., to howl like a wolf, dog, or lion, of men to sing loud (Pindar). See Psalm 22:13.Whom he may devour (ως ωρυομενος λεων katapiein). Second aorist active infinitive of ωρυομαι katapinō to drink down. B does not have καταπιειν tina Aleph has καταπινω tina (somebody), “to devour some one,” while A has interrogative τινα tina “whom he may devour” (very rare idiom). But the devil‘s purpose is the ruin of men. He is a “peripatetic” (τινα peripatei) like the peripatetic philosophers who walked as they talked. Satan wants all of us and sifts us all (Luke 22:31). [source]
The word is used originally of seniority in age. So Luke 15:25. Afterward as a term of rank or office. Applied to members of the Sanhedrim (Matthew 16:21; Acts 6:12). Those who presided over the Christian assemblies or churches (Acts 11:30; 1 Timothy 5:17, 1 Timothy 5:19). The twenty-four members of the heavenly court in John's vision (Revelation 4:4, Revelation 4:10; Revelation 5:5, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:11, Revelation 5:14). Here, with reference to official position, coupled, presumably, with age. [source]
More correctly, tribes. The word used of the true Israel in Revelation 5:5; Revelation 7:4-8; Revelation 21:12. As the tribes of Israel are the figure by which the people of God, Jew or Gentile, are represented, so unbelievers are here represented as tribes, “the mocking counterpart of the true Israel of God.” Compare Matthew 24:30, Matthew 24:31. [source]
First aorist active indicative of νικαω nikaō the verb used by Jesus of his own victory (John 16:33) and about him (Revelation 3:21; Revelation 5:5). “The victory of the martyrs marks the failure of Satan‘s endeavours” (Swete). [source]
Dative of the present (continuous victory) active articular participle of νικαω nikaō a common Johannine verb (John 16:33; 1 John 2:13; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4.; Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:26; Revelation 3:5, Revelation 3:12, Revelation 3:21; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 21:7). Faith is dominant in Paul, victory in John, faith is victory (1 John 5:4). So in each promise to these churches. [source]
This epithet comes from Isaiah 22:22, where Eliakim as the chief steward of the royal household holds the keys of power. Christ as the Messiah (Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16) has exclusive power in heaven, on earth, and in Hades (Matthew 16:19; Matthew 28:18; Romans 14:9; Philemon 2:9.; Revelation 1:18). Christ has power to admit and exclude of his own will (Matthew 25:10.; Ephesians 1:22; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 22:16). [source]
Instrumental case of σπραγις sphragis old word used in various senses, proof or authentication (1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11), signet-ring (Revelation 7:2), impression made by the seal (Revelation 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:19), the seal on books closing the book (Revelation 5:1, Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 5:9; Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5, Revelation 6:7, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:1). “A will in Roman law bore the seven seals of the seven witnesses” (Charles). But this sealed book of doom calls for no witnesses beyond God‘s own will. Alford sees in the number seven merely the completeness of God‘s purposes. [source]
Stirred by the words of the elder in Revelation 5:5 “I beheld.” [source]
Repetition of “the grave irony” (Swete) of Revelation 5:5. The Lamb is the Lion again in the terribleness of his wrath. Recall the mourning in Revelation 1:7. See Matthew 25:41. where Jesus pronounces the woes on the wicked. [source]
The Holy Spirit as in Revelation 14:13; Revelation 22:17. Both Christ and the Holy Spirit deliver this message. “The Spirit of Christ in the prophet is the interpreter of Christ‘s voice” (Swete).To him that overcometh (τωι νικωντι tōi nikōnti). Dative of the present (continuous victory) active articular participle of νικαω nikaō a common Johannine verb (John 16:33; 1 John 2:13; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4.; Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:26; Revelation 3:5, Revelation 3:12, Revelation 3:21; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 21:7). Faith is dominant in Paul, victory in John, faith is victory (1 John 5:4). So in each promise to these churches.I will give Future active of διδωμι didōmi as in Revelation 2:10, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:23, Revelation 2:26, Revelation 2:28; Revelation 3:8, Revelation 3:21; Revelation 6:4; Revelation 11:3; Revelation 21:6.To eat (παγειν phagein). Second aorist active infinitive of εστιω esthiō the tree of life (εκ του χυλου της ζωης ek tou xulou tēs zōēs). Note εκ ek with the ablative with παγειν phagein like our “eat of” (from or part of). From Genesis 2:9; Genesis 3:22. Again in Revelation 22:2, Revelation 22:14 as here for immortality. This tree is now in the Garden of God. For the water of life see Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:17 (Cf. John 4:10, John 4:13.).Which The χυλον xulon (tree).In the Paradise of God (εν τωι παραδεισωι του τεου en tōi paradeisōi tou theou). Persian word, for which see Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4. The abode of God and the home of the redeemed with Christ, not a mere intermediate state. It was originally a garden of delight and finally heaven itself (Trench), as here. [source]
First aorist active indicative of πεμπω pempō used here in the same sense as αποστειλας aposteilas in Revelation 1:1 as his personal messenger. It is the Jesus of history here speaking, who is also the Christ of theology and the Lamb of God.For the churches (επι ταις εκκλησιαις epi tais ekklēsiais). For this use of επι epi see Revelation 10:11; John 12:16. It is not just for the seven churches (Revelation 1:4), but for all the churches in the world then and now.I am the root and the offspring of David See Revelation 5:5 for “the root of David,” to which John now adds το γενος to genos in the sense of “offspring” (Acts 17:28.), not of family or race (Acts 4:6; Acts 7:13). Cf. Matthew 22:42-45.The bright, the morning star (ο αστηρ ο λαμπρος ο πρωινος ho astēr ho lampros ho prōinos). The Davidic King is called a star in Numbers 24:17; Luke 1:78. This “day-star” (πωσπορος phōsphoros) is interpreted as Christ (2 Peter 1:19). In Revelation 2:28 the phrase “the morning star” occurs in Christ‘s words, which is here interpreted. Christ is the Light that was coming into the world (John 1:9; John 8:12). [source]
See Revelation 5:5 for “the root of David,” to which John now adds το γενος to genos in the sense of “offspring” (Acts 17:28.), not of family or race (Acts 4:6; Acts 7:13). Cf. Matthew 22:42-45.The bright, the morning star (ο αστηρ ο λαμπρος ο πρωινος ho astēr ho lampros ho prōinos). The Davidic King is called a star in Numbers 24:17; Luke 1:78. This “day-star” (πωσπορος phōsphoros) is interpreted as Christ (2 Peter 1:19). In Revelation 2:28 the phrase “the morning star” occurs in Christ‘s words, which is here interpreted. Christ is the Light that was coming into the world (John 1:9; John 8:12). [source]
Separate articles (four in all) for each item in this description. “The holy, the genuine.” Asyndeton in the Greek. Latin Vulgate, Sanctus et Verus. αγιος Hosea hagios is ascribed to God in Revelation 4:8; Revelation 6:10 (both αλητινος hagios and αλητινος alēthinos as here), but to Christ in Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34; John 6:69; Acts 4:27, Acts 4:30; 1 John 2:20, a recognized title of the Messiah as the consecrated one set apart. Swete notes that αλητης alēthinos is verus as distinguished from verax So it is applied to God in Revelation 6:10 and to Christ in Revelation 3:14; Revelation 19:11 as in John 1:9; John 6:32; John 15:1.He that hath the key of David (και ουδεις κλεισει ho echōn tēn klein Daueid). This epithet comes from Isaiah 22:22, where Eliakim as the chief steward of the royal household holds the keys of power. Christ as the Messiah (Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16) has exclusive power in heaven, on earth, and in Hades (Matthew 16:19; Matthew 28:18; Romans 14:9; Philemon 2:9.; Revelation 1:18). Christ has power to admit and exclude of his own will (Matthew 25:10.; Ephesians 1:22; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 19:11-16; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 22:16).And none shall shut Charles calls the structure Hebrew (future active indicative of ο ανοιγων kleiō), and not Greek because it does not correspond to the present articular participle just before και ουδεις ανοιγει ho anoigōn (the one opening), but it occurs often in this book as in the very next clause, “and none openeth” (κλειων kai oudeis anoigei) over against κλειει kleiōn (present active participle, opening) though here some MSS. read kleiei (present active indicative, open). [source]
Diminutive of βιβλος biblos but no longer so used, βιβλαριδιον biblaridion occurring instead (Revelation 10:2).Written (γεγραμμενον gegrammenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of γραπω graphō and on the back (εσωτεν και οπιστεν esōthen kai opisthen). “Within and behind.” Description of a roll like that in Luke 4:17, not a codex as some scholars think. Usually these papyrus rolls were written only on the inside, but this one was so full of matter that it was written also on the back side (οπιστεν opisthen), and so was an οπιστογραπον opisthographon like that in Ezekiel 2:10. There are many allegorical interpretations of this fact which are all beside the point.Sealed Perfect passive predicate participle of κατασπραγιζω katasphragizō old compound (perfective use of κατα kata), to seal up (down), here only in N.T.With seven seals (σπραγισιν επτα sphragisin hepta). Instrumental case of σπραγις sphragis old word used in various senses, proof or authentication (1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11), signet-ring (Revelation 7:2), impression made by the seal (Revelation 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:19), the seal on books closing the book (Revelation 5:1, Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 5:9; Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5, Revelation 6:7, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:1). “A will in Roman law bore the seven seals of the seven witnesses” (Charles). But this sealed book of doom calls for no witnesses beyond God‘s own will. Alford sees in the number seven merely the completeness of God‘s purposes. [source]
Perfect passive predicate participle of κατασπραγιζω katasphragizō old compound (perfective use of κατα kata), to seal up (down), here only in N.T.With seven seals (σπραγισιν επτα sphragisin hepta). Instrumental case of σπραγις sphragis old word used in various senses, proof or authentication (1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11), signet-ring (Revelation 7:2), impression made by the seal (Revelation 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:19), the seal on books closing the book (Revelation 5:1, Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 5:9; Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5, Revelation 6:7, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:1). “A will in Roman law bore the seven seals of the seven witnesses” (Charles). But this sealed book of doom calls for no witnesses beyond God‘s own will. Alford sees in the number seven merely the completeness of God‘s purposes. [source]
Second aorist (first aorist ending) imperative of πιπτω piptō tense of urgency, do it now.And hide us (και κρυπσατε ημας kai krupsate hēmās). Same tense of urgency again from κρυπτω kruptō (verb in Revelation 6:15). Both imperatives come in inverted order from Hosea 10:8 with καλυπσατε kalupsate (cover) in place of κρυπσατε krupsate (hide), quoted by Jesus on the way to the Cross (Luke 23:30) in the order here, but with καλυπσατε kalupsate not κρυπσατε krupsate the face of him that (απο προσωπου του apo prosōpou tou etc.). “What sinners dread most is not death, but the revealed Presence of God” (Swete). Cf. Genesis 3:8.And from the wrath of the Lamb Repetition of “the grave irony” (Swete) of Revelation 5:5. The Lamb is the Lion again in the terribleness of his wrath. Recall the mourning in Revelation 1:7. See Matthew 25:41. where Jesus pronounces the woes on the wicked. [source]