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Revelation 5:3

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 5:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And no one in the heaven, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book, or to look thereon.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And no one in the heaven, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book, or to look thereon.
Revelation 5:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the back, close sealed with seven seals.
2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3And no one in the heaven, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book, or to look thereon.
4And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look thereon:
5and 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.
6And I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent forth into all the earth.
← Revelation 5:2Revelation 5:4 →
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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 no man in heaven, etc.] Or “no one in heaven”, whether angels, or the souls of departed saints; neither the one nor the other know anything of what is to come, until it is revealed unto them: nor in earth: among all the men on earth, even those of the greatest sagacity and penetration, the wise, the prudent, the scribe, the disputer of this world, such who are most conversant with books, and have the greatest reach into the things of nature, or of grace: neither under the earth; the dead buried there, good or bad; which may be said agreeably to the notions of the ancient Jews, who believed the immortality of souls, and that they were rewarded or punished, upo cyonov, “under the earth”,…”
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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
“no man--Greek, "no one." Not merely no man, but also no one of any order of beings. in earth--Greek, "upon the earth." under the earth--namely, in Hades. look thereon--to look upon the contents, so as to read them.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And no man in heaven - No one - οὐδεὶς oudeis. There is no limitation in the original to man. The idea is, that there was no one in heaven - evidently alluding to the created beings there - who could open the volume. Is it not taught here that angels cannot penetrate the future, and disclose what is to come? Are not their faculties limited in this respect like those of man? Nor in earth - Among all classes of people - sages, divines, prophets, philosophers - who among those have ever been able to penetrate the future, and disclose what is to come? Neither under the earth - These divisions compose, in common language, the universe: what is in heaven above; what is on the earth; and whatever…”
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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 none - No creature; no, not Mary herself. In heaven, or in earth, neither under the earth - That is, none in the universe. For these are the three great regions into which the whole creation is divided. Was able to open the book - To declare the counsels of God. Nor to look thereon - So as to understand any part of it. Revelation 5:4”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Rev 5:13; Isa 40:13, Isa 40:14, Isa 41:28; Rom 11:34 Revelation 5:4”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification