Revelation 5:9
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;
Study Note
Study Note
The 'new song' before the Lamb who was slain celebrates redemption drawn from 'every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation' — the fourfold formula for universal human diversity that recurs throughout Revelation (7:9; 13:7; 14:6). The Lamb's worthiness to open the scroll rests entirely on his death ('thou wast slain') and ransoming work, not on inherent divine prerogative alone — a startling christological affirmation that power flows through sacrificial love. The scene has shaped Christian worship profoundly: Handel's Worthy Is the Lamb, countless hymns, and liturgical texts build on this heavenly template.
Other Translations
And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,
and they sing a new song, saying, `Worthy art thou to take the scroll, and to open the seals of it, because thou wast slain, and didst redeem us to God in thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,
And their voices are sounding in a new song, saying, It is right for you to take the book and to make it open: for you were put to death and have made an offering to God of your blood for men of every tribe, and language, and people, and nation,
Cross References
Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down …
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation …
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the …
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and …
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that …
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb …
And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: …
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life …
And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an …