² And I saw a mighty angel^(A) proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” ³ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. ⁴ I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. ⁵ Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion^(B) of the tribe of Judah,^(C) the Root of David,^(D) has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

⁶ Then I saw a Lamb,^(E) looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures^(F) and the elders.^(G) The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes,^(H) which are the seven spirits^[a](I) of God sent out into all the earth. ⁷ He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.^{(J) 8} And when he had taken it, the four living creatures^(K) and the twenty-four elders^(L) fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp^(M) and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers^(N) of God’s people. ⁹ And they sang a new song, saying:^(O)