Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
In the right hand (epi thn decian). "Upon the right hand" (epi, not en), the open palm. Anthropomorphic language drawn from Ezekiel 2:9 f.
A book (biblion). Diminutive of biblov, but no longer so used, biblaridion occurring instead (Revelation 10:2).
Written (gegrammenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of grafw.
Within and on the back (eswqen kai opisqen). "Within and behind." Description of a roll like that in Luke 4:17, not a codex as some scholars think. Usually these papyrus rolls were written only on the inside, but this one was so full of matter that it was written also on the back side (opisqen), and so was an opisqografon like that in Ezekiel 2:10. There are many allegorical interpretations of this fact which are all beside the point.
Sealed (katesfragismenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of katasfragizw, old compound (perfective use of kata), to seal up (down), here only in N.T.
With seven seals (sfragisin epta). Instrumental case of sfragiv, old word used in various senses, proof or authentication (1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11), signet-ring (Revelation 7:2), impression made by the seal (Revelation 9:4; 2 Timothy 2:19), the seal on books closing the book (Revelation 5:1-2, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 5:9; Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5, Revelation 6:7, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 6:12; Revelation 8:1). "A will in Roman law bore the seven seals of the seven witnesses" (Charles). But this sealed book of doom calls for no witnesses beyond God's own will. Alford sees in the number seven merely the completeness of God's purposes.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Romans 4:11
Revelation 1:4
Revelation 5:1
Revelation 5:2
Revelation 6:1
Revelation 10:2
Revelation 20:11
Revelation 21:5
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