5:5a

Then: The Greek word here is usually translated “and” or “but.” However, this verse tells of the one exception to “no one” in 5:4. In some languages this connection must be made clear. For example:

But then
-or-
Except that

one of the elders: The word elders refers to the leaders who were worshiping God in 4:10. See how you translated the word elders there.

5:5b

Behold: The word emphasizes or calls attention to the words that follow. In some languages it will be more natural to translate it as:

Listen

Other ways to translate this word are:

Look (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
See (New International Version)

the Lion of the tribe of Judah: This phrase is a title for the Christ. In Genesis 49:9–10, Jacob prophesied that Judah would be like a lion. Jacob also said that one day all nations would obey the person with this title. Therefore, the Jews used this title for the Christ. Jesus is that descendant of Judah. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

The Lion from Judah’s tribe (Good News Translation)
-or-
the one titled The Lion Who Descended From Judah

Lion: A lion is a large, fierce, four-legged animal. It weighs about 200 kilograms (450 pounds) and is about 2 meters (6.5 feet) in length. See how you translated this word in 4:7.

tribe: Here the word tribe refers to one of the twelve groups in the nation of Israel. The groups were founded by the twelve sons of the man named Jacob, or Israel. The name “Israel” is the name for the nation of the Jews. Another way to translate this word is:

clan

the Root of David: Here the word Root probably refers to a new shoot that grows from the root of a plant after the main plant has been cut off. This phrase combines the thoughts in Isaiah 11:1 and 11:10. For example, the Revised English Bible says:

the shoot growing from David’s stock

It refers to the promised leader of God’s people who descended from King David. He was David’s heir. In some languages the meaning of the Root of David will not be clear. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate the meaning without the metaphor. For example:

the ⌊special/unique⌋ Descendant of David
-or-
the ⌊promised⌋ Heir of David
-or-
the one who renews/restores David’s kingship

• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. For example:

This phrase combines the thoughts in Isaiah 11:1 and 11:10. It indicates that one who could open the scroll was the promised leader of God’s people who descended from King David.

But if your word for “shoot” refers to ancestors, you should translate as in the first option above.

has triumphed: This phrase refers to winning a victory over enemies. Jesus followed God’s plan to redeem mankind by dying on a cross for their sins. By that act, Jesus defeated sin and death. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

has won the victory (Good News Translation)
-or-
has conquered (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
has surpassed ⌊all⌋

These verses do not say over which enemies Jesus triumphed. It is best not to add this information. But in some languages it is necessary to say over what Jesus triumphed. If that is true in your language, use a phrase that can refer generally to what he triumphed over. For example:

has triumphed ⌊over all things⌋
-or-
has prevailed ⌊over all his enemies⌋

5:5c

to open the scroll and its seven seals: The Greek clause indicates that 5:5c is the result of 5:5b. Jesus conquered his enemies, and that deed showed that he had the authority to open the scroll. For example:

so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals. (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
thus he can open the scroll and its seven seals. (NET Bible)

It is implied here that Jesus is worthy to open the scroll. In some languages this implied information must be explicit for the correct meaning. For example:

He is ⌊worthy and⌋ able to open the scroll and its seven seals
-or-
He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals

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