Revelation of John 5:5 · Bible study
Revelation 5:5 Commentary: The Lion of Judah Has Overcome
Greek · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does the elder say the Lion of Judah has overcome, yet John sees a Lamb? This study explores the paradox and Christ's true victory.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The elder announces that Christ, as Lion of Judah and Root of David, has won the decisive victory that qualifies him to open God's sealed scroll of judgment and redemption.
- Key words: enikēsen (aorist 'has overcome'), leōn (lion), rhiza (root), biblion (scroll), sphragidas (seals).
- Main debate: Whether the textual variant 'and to loose' is original and whether 'root of David' primarily means David's source or his descendant (the text supports both).
- Theological theme: Christ's victory is accomplished through sacrificial death, redefining power as self-giving love. He alone is worthy.
- Best use: Preaching or teaching on the paradox of divine power, the fulfillment of messianic prophecy, and the comfort of Christ's completed work.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
One of the elders said to me, “Don’t weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome: he who opens the book and its seven seals.”
KJV King James Version 1769
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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
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.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
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 Darby Bible 1890
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.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And one of the ancients said to 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.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y uno de los ancianos me dice: No llores: he aquí el león de la tribu de Judá, la raíz de David, que ha vencido para abrir el libro, y desatar sus siete sellos.
E um dos anciãos me disse: Não chores; eis que o Leão da tribo de Judá, a raiz de Davi, venceu, para abrir o livro e soltar seus sete selos.
Et l’ un des vieillards me dit: Ne pleure point; voici, le lion de la tribu de Juda, le rejeton de David, a vaincu pour ouvrir le livre et ses sept sceaux.
Und einer von den Ältesten spricht zu mir: Weine nicht! Siehe, es hat überwunden der Löwe, der da ist vom Geschlecht Juda, die Wurzel Davids, aufzutun das Buch und zu brechen seine sieben Siegel.
En een van de ouderlingen zeide tot mij: Ween niet; zie, de Leeuw, Die uit den stam van Juda is, de Wortel Davids, heeft overwonnen, om het boek te openen, en zijn zeven zegelen open te breken.
E uno degli anziani mi disse: Non piangere; ecco, il Leone che è della tribù di Giuda, il Rampollo di Davide, ha vinto per aprire il libro e i suoi sette suggelli.
Tedy mi jeden z onych starców rzekł: Nie płacz! Oto zwyciężył lew, który jest z pokolenia Judowego, korzeń Dawidowy, aby otworzył księgi i odpieczętował siedm pieczęci ich.
И один из старцев сказал мне: не плачь; вот, лев от колена Иудина, корень Давидов, победил, и может раскрыть сию книгу и снять семь печатей ее.
長老 中 有一位 對我 說：「不要 哭！看哪，猶大 支派 中 的獅子，大衛 的根，他已得勝，能以展開 那書卷， 揭開那 七 印。」
And one of the rulers said to me, Do not be sad: see, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome, and has power to undo the book and its seven stamps.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · Revelation of John 5:5
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that the elder's words announce Christ as the one worthy to open the scroll. The titles 'Lion of the tribe of Judah' and 'Root of David' point directly to Old Testament prophecies. Genesis 49:9 calls Judah a lion's cub, and the royal line of David finds its fulfillment in Jesus. Barnes notes that the lion is an emblem of kingly power, appropriate for the one who rules over all events. Clarke adds that Christ 'hath prevailed' by the merit of his incarnation, passion, and death.
The Greek verb enikēsen (aorist active indicative) signals a completed, decisive victory. The Cambridge Bible states that this victory has the consequence that he can open the scroll. John's weeping is answered not by a display of raw force, but by a slain Lamb (verse 6). The paradox is the core: the Lion overcomes through becoming the Lamb. The consensus holds that Christ's authority to open God's purposes comes from his sacrificial death, not from worldly conquest.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Lion as Conqueror: Emphasizes the aorist verb <em>enikēsen</em> and the royal titles, viewing Christ's resurrection and ascension as his decisive victory over all powers.
- Lamb as the Means of Victory: Points to verse 6 where the Lion appears as a slain Lamb, arguing that the conquest is achieved through sacrificial death, not force.
- Both Titles as Complementary: Sees the Lion and Lamb as two aspects of the same identity: Christ's rule is rooted in his self-giving. This is the most common view across traditions.
What is clear: Christ alone is worthy to open the scroll because of his victory, and that victory is inseparably linked to his sacrificial death and resurrection.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Identity of the elder | The elder is one of the twenty-four heavenly elders, representing God's redeemed people. | Some suggest a specific individual (Matthew, Jacob, or other patriarch), but most commentators regard the identity as symbolic rather than personal. |
| 'Root of David' as source or descendant | Christ is connected to David and fulfills the Davidic covenant. | Some emphasize David as the root from which Christ grows (human lineage); others emphasize Christ as the divine root from which David sprang. Both are affirmed in the text. |
| Textual variant of 'to loose' | The scroll has seven seals that need opening. | A few manuscripts omit 'to loose' (Greek <em>lusai</em>), but the weight of ancient authorities includes it. The meaning is not significantly affected. |
| Content of the scroll | The scroll contains God's purposes for history, particularly judgment and redemption. | Some identify it as the Book of Life, the Old and New Testaments, or the entire plan of Providence. The main view is the divine decree. |
| Nature of Christ's victory | Christ's victory qualifies him to open the scroll. | The paradox of Lion and Lamb is not debated; all see the slain Lamb as the means. But how to apply this to Christian life (suffering vs. triumph) is interpreted differently across traditions. |
Historical & Cultural Context
John stands in the heavenly throne room, overwhelmed by a vision of God holding a scroll sealed with seven seals. No one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth is worthy to open it. John weeps in despair. Then one of the twenty-four elders, representatives of God's people, perhaps the patriarchs or apostles, speaks to him. The elder commands John to stop weeping and directs his attention to a conqueror.
The titles used are saturated in Israel's story. 'Lion of the tribe of Judah' echoes Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:9-10, where Judah is called a lion's whelp and promised a scepter. The lion was the emblem of the tribe, and the messianic king was expected from Judah. 'Root of David' draws from Isaiah 11:1 and 11:10, where a shoot springs from Jesse's stump and a root stands as a banner for the nations. These two titles together identify Jesus as both the promised descendant of David and the divine source of David's line.
The elders, already in heaven, know what John does not: that Christ's victory has already been won. Their role is to comfort and to reveal. The scroll itself likely represents God's sovereign plan for history, judgments and redemption. The seven seals mean its contents are fully hidden until the worthy one breaks them. By announcing that the Lion has overcome, the elder declares that the key to all of history rests in the hands of the Messiah. This is why John's tears can stop.
Textual Notes
The principal textual question in Revelation 5:5 is whether the phrase kai lusai ('and to loose') is original. The Cambridge Bible and Vincent's Word Studies note that some early manuscripts and versions omit it, considering it a later gloss added from verse 2. However, the majority of ancient witnesses, including Codex Alexandrinus and the Vulgate, include it. The meaning of the verse is not affected: the Lion has overcome for the purpose of opening the scroll, whether the loosening of seals is stated explicitly or implied. The consulted sources note no other significant variants.
Reception History
Christians across the centuries have found in this verse a powerful declaration of Christ's unique authority. The title 'Lion of the tribe of Judah' has been used in hymns and liturgies to celebrate Christ's kingship and victory. Early interpreters, such as those reflected in the commentaries of Victorinus and later in the medieval era, read the verse as the fulfillment of Genesis 49 and Isaiah 11. The paradox of the Lion and Lamb has been a staple of Christian art and preaching, emphasizing that divine power looks different than human expectations. In times of persecution and doubt, believers have drawn comfort from the elder's command to stop weeping, trusting that Christ alone holds the key to history.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The crisis of tears. John weeps because no one is worthy. The scene confronts us with our inability to unlock God's purposes on our own. Despair is real when human resources fail.
- The announcement of victory. The elder does not argue or explain. He simply points: 'Behold, the Lion ... has overcome.' The aorist tense means it is already done. Christ's victory is past, settled, complete.
- The paradox of the Lamb. When John looks for a Lion, he sees a Lamb standing as slain. The victory was not military power but willing sacrifice. This redefines what 'overcoming' means for the church.
Five-point outline
- Setting the scene: the throne, the scroll, the search for someone worthy.
- John's tears: honest grief at a closed future.
- The elder's word: authoritative comfort from heaven.
- The titles of Christ: Lion of Judah (royal power) and Root of David (covenant faithfulness).
- The method of victory: overcome through sacrifice, not force.
Illustration hooks
- A locked safe with a combination no one knows. Then one person steps forward, the owner, and opens it easily. The Lion has the authority that no one else possesses.
- A war movie where the hero wins by surrendering himself as a hostage. His defeat becomes the victory. Christ's death looks like failure but is the triumph.
- A child crying over a broken toy, and a parent says 'Don't cry, I can fix it.' The elder's words cut through John's helplessness with a promise of rescue.
Questions your congregation is asking
- If Jesus is a Lion, why do I see so little evidence of his power in my life or in the world?
- How can a slaughtered Lamb be the same as a conquering Lion? Does the Bible contradict itself?
- What does it mean that Christ 'overcame'? Did he overcome death, sin, evil, and what does that have to do with my daily struggles?
Leading a Discussion
John's tears represent the human crisis when no one seems able to make sense of God's plan. The elder's announcement shatters that despair by pointing to the Lion who is also the Lamb. This passage invites us to reconsider what true victory looks like.
Discussion questions
- Observation: What causes John to weep in verse 4? Why does the elder tell him to stop?
- Interpretation: Why do you think the elder describes Jesus as both 'Lion of Judah' and 'Root of David'? What does each title emphasize about Christ?
- Interpretation: The Greek word for 'has overcome' is enikēsen, an aorist verb. What difference does it make that this victory is described as a completed past event?
- Interpretation: When John turns to see the Lion, he sees a Lamb that looks as if it had been slain (verse 6). How does this paradox shape our understanding of Christ's power?
- Application: In what areas of your life do you feel like weeping because no one can 'open the scroll'? How does Christ's victory address that situation?
- Application: The elder brings a word of comfort from heaven. How can we be 'elders' for one another, people who speak hope into despair?
- Application: The congregation around the throne includes representatives from every tribe and nation. How does this vision expand our view of who is included in God's plan?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 49:9 | Judah is a lion’s cub. From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down, he crouched as a lion, as a lioness. Who will rouse him up? |
| Genesis 49:10 | The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs. The obedience of the peoples will be to him. |
| Numbers 24:9 | He couched, he lay down as a lion, as a lioness; who shall rouse him up? Everyone who blesses you is blessed. Everyone who curses you is cursed.” |
| Isaiah 11:1 | A shoot will come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots will bear fruit. |
| Isaiah 11:10 | It will happen in that day that the nations will seek the root of Jesse, who stands as a banner of the peoples; and his resting place will be glorious. |
| Jeremiah 23:5 | “Behold, the days come,” says Yahweh, “that I will raise to David a righteous Branch; and he will reign as king and deal wisely, and will execute justice and righteousness in the land. |
| Jeremiah 23:6 | In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely. This is his name by which he will be called: Yahweh our righteousness. |
| Jeremiah 31:16 | Yahweh says: “Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” says Yahweh. “They will come again from the land of the enemy. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke highlights that Christ is called both the Lion of Judah and the Root of David, connecting his divine nature as David's source and his human descent from Jesse. He explains that Christ prevailed to open the scroll through the merit of his incarnation, suffering, and death, not by mere power.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes explains that Christ is called the Lion of Judah to signify His kingly authority and power over all events, and the Root of David to connect Him to the royal line. His ability to open the scroll is the direct result of His victorious conflict, having overcome the powers of evil.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible notes that the titles "Lion of Judah" and "Root of David" point to two phases of Christ's work: the first from obscure Jesse relates to His humiliation, the second from royal David to His exaltation. It also explains that "prevailed" means "conquered," emphasizing Christ's victory as the basis for opening the seals. The phrase "to loose" is considered a later addition.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes emphasize John's intense weeping because no creature anywhere was worthy to open the scroll or even glance at it. This utter lack of worthiness underscores the desperate predicament that only the Lamb can resolve.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill identifies the elder as a member of the Christian church, not a patriarch or prophet, speaking to comfort John. He then explains Christ as the Lion of Judah—mighty, courageous in battle against evil, yet gentle to those who obey—and as the Root of David, signifying both his human descent and divine lordship, from whom all the elect draw life and blessings.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB identifies the elder as Matthew, since Matthew's Gospel emphasizes Christ's royal, lion-like character. He stresses that Christ is not merely a descendant of David but also David's origin, both branch and root. His past victory over the powers of darkness is what now entitles Him to open the scroll.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry sees the sealed book as representing God's fixed decrees and plans for the church and the world—settled, recorded, and held in God's hand as a sign of authority. Until God allows it to be opened, its contents remain hidden, known to none but Him.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent notes that the Greek phrase rendered "of the elders" literally means "from among the elders," specifying a selection. He also observes that "hath prevailed" translates a Greek verb meaning "overcame," and he indicates that the words "to loose" should be omitted from the text.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley suggests the elder speaking may be Jacob himself, whose prophecy first gave Christ the lion imagery. He interprets "Lion of the tribe of Judah" as a victorious prince who destroys all enemies, and "Root of David" as Christ being God, the origin of David's lineage.