Revelation 5:2

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 5:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
Revelation 5:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, etc.] This was not the uncreated angel, Jesus Christ; for he is after spoken of as the lion of the tribe of Judah, and as the Lamb in the midst of the throne, but a created one; though who he was, whether Gabriel, as some say, because his name signifies the strong or mighty One of God, is not material to be known; angels are said to be mighty, and to excel in strength: this is called so here, chiefly with respect to his voice, which he, by reason of his great strength, exerted so loudly, as to be heard by all the creatures in heaven, and in earth, and under the earth however, this was not John the Baptist, but if a minister of the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“strong-- (Psa 103:20). His voice penetrated heaven, earth, and Hades (Rev 10:1-3).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And I saw a strong angel - An angel endowed with great strength, as if such strength was necessary to enable him to give utterance to the loud voice of the inquiry. “Homer represents his heralds as powerful, robust men, in order consistently to attribute to them deep-toned and powerful voices” (Prof. Stuart). The inquiry to be made was one of vast importance; it was to be made of all in heaven, all on the earth, and all under the earth, and hence an angel is introduced so mighty that his voice could be heard in all those distant worlds. Proclaiming with a loud voice - That is, as a herald or crier. He is rather introduced here as appointed to this office than as self-moved. The design…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I saw a strong angel - This proclamation to every creature was too great for a man to make, and yet not becoming the Lamb himself. It was therefore made by an angel, and one of uncommon eminence. Revelation 5:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:2-3 At first, no one in the entire universe seemed to have the divine authority or power to answer the angel’s call.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“a strong: Psa 103:20 Who: Rev 5:5; Isa 29:11, Isa 29:12, Isa 41:22, Isa 41:23 Revelation 5:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification