Robertson Word Pictures - Revelation 5:1 - 5:1

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com

Robertson Word Pictures - Revelation 5:1 - 5:1


(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)

This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

In the right hand (epi tēn dexian). “Upon the right hand” (epi, not en), the open palm. Anthropomorphic language drawn from Eze 2:9.

A book (biblion). Diminutive of biblos, but no longer so used, biblaridion occurring instead (Rev 10:2).

Written (gegrammenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of graphō.

Within and on the back (esōthen kai opisthen). “Within and behind.” Description of a roll like that in Luk 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 (opisthen), and so was an opisthographon like that in Eze 2:10. There are many allegorical interpretations of this fact which are all beside the point.

Sealed (katesphragismenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of katasphragizō, old compound (perfective use of kata), to seal up (down), here only in N.T.

With seven seals (sphragisin hepta). Instrumental case of sphragis, old word used in various senses, proof or authentication (1Co 9:2; Rom 4:11), signet-ring (Rev 7:2), impression made by the seal (Rev 9:4; 2Ti 2:19), the seal on books closing the book (Rev 5:1, Rev 5:2, Rev 5:5, Rev 5:9; Rev 6:1, Rev 6:3, Rev 6:5, Rev 6:7, Rev 6:9, Rev 6:12; Rev 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.