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Rev 5:4. Ἔκλαιον, I wept) By an excellent example, John places himself as an eager and teachable learner of the Apocalypse. Comp. ch. Rev 10:10, Rev 17:1, Rev 21:9, Rev 22:8. They are far from perceiving the meaning of John, in this part at any rate, who seek anything rather than the argument of this book, as opened by the Lamb; and who think themselves indulgent, if they concede a pardon to others who do seek it. The very things which even angels had desired to look into during the time of the Divine silence, now, after they have been brought to light and shine forth in the word of prophecy, though they ought to be known and admired to the glory of God, are despised by wayfaring men as circumstantial and useless.-πολὺ) So πολὺ, Luk 7:47.-ἀνοῖξαι) See App. Crit., Ed. ii., on this passage. An inelegant arrangement of the words is produced, not to open, not to read, not to see. In Rev 5:1, John saw the book; in Rev 5:4, he says that the book could not be seen, an expression which itself means, be read: although the language, without the word read (ἀναγνῶναι[65]), is more royal, and better adapted to the majesty of the Lamb.
[65] So Rec. Text, without good authority, reads. B Vulg. Orig. 2,525c, Cypr. Hil. omit ἀναγνῶναι.-E.