Revelation 5:11

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Revelation 5:11 (KJV)

Context

John received this vision while exiled on the island of Patmos. In Revelation 5, he sees a scroll sealed with seven seals in the right hand of God, representing the title deed to the earth and its ultimate fulfillment. No one is found worthy to open it, and John weeps. Then one of the elders tells him that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. In verse 6, John sees a Lamb standing as though it had been slain, symbolizing Jesus Christ, who is both Lion and Lamb. The Lamb takes the scroll from God’s hand, and the heavenly host responds with praise.

Meaning

In this verse, John describes what he sees and hears: the voice of many angels surrounding the throne, along with the living creatures and the elders. The angels are immaterial spirits created by Christ, who worship Him and serve as ministering spirits to Him and to His people. Their presence emphasizes their role as heavenly beings who worship and serve God. The phrase “ten thousand times ten thousand” expresses an exceedingly large number, signifying countless multitudes or an innumerable host. The Greek term often translated as “myriads of myriads” reinforces this idea of an uncountable multitude. The additional phrase “thousands of thousands” further emphasizes the magnitude of the angelic gathering, as their praises resound throughout the heavenly realm. The number is not meant to be calculated literally but to evoke the overwhelming, majestic, and glorious nature of the worship taking place.

Biblical connections

This verse follows the Lamb’s taking of the scroll (Revelation 5:7) and the worship of the Lamb by the living creatures and elders (Revelation 5:8-10). The voice of the many angels in verse 11 is the next wave of praise, joining the worship of the Lamb. The scene is one of universal, cosmic praise directed toward the Lamb who was slain. The focus is on the Lamb’s worthiness to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing, which is the theme that immediately follows in verse 12.

Application

This verse serves as a reminder of the unparalleled glory and worship that awaits believers in the presence of God. It encourages believers to join in the praise and adoration of the Lamb, who has triumphed over sin and death and is worthy of all honor and reverence. The vastness of the angelic host highlights the immense praise and adoration being offered to God, calling us to participate in worship and acknowledge the worthiness of Jesus Christ, who is central to God’s redemptive plan.

Reflection

Revelation 5:11 showcases the majestic worship of the angelic host in response to the triumph of the Lamb. It reminds us of the incomparable greatness of God and calls us to join the heavenly chorus in exalting the Lamb who is worthy to carry out God’s redemptive plan.