Then one of the elders: for elders see 4.4.

Weep not: better, “Stop crying,” as a translation of the present imperative of the verb.

Lo: see comments on “Behold” in 1.7.

The Lion of the tribe of Judah: this is a Messianic title (see Gen 49.9). The fact that it is a title may be made clear by translating “the one who is called ‘The Lion of the tribe of Judah.’ ” The lion was a symbol of power and dominion, and if in a given culture the lion is not considered “the king of beasts,” some other animal with that reputation should be chosen. Or else the figurative language may have to be partially discarded, and something like “The Lion, that mighty ruler from the tribe of Judah, …” may be said. The word translated tribe has already been used (in 1.7) in the general sense of an ethnic group; here it is specifically one of the twelve tribes of Israel (see 7.4-8). Instead of of the tribe of Judah, it may be better to say “from the tribe of Judah” or “who belongs to the tribe of Judah.”

The Root of David: this is another Messianic title (also 22.16). It means “a famous descendant of David,” the one whose coming was prophesied (see Isa 11.1, 10, where the family line is traced to David’s father, Jesse). In the Gospels the title “the Son of David” has the same meaning (see Mark 10.47; 12.35). In very few languages will Root or “shoot” make much sense in a title like this, so something like “the one who is a ruling (or, powerful) descendant of King David” may have to be said. In certain languages this phrase will be expressed as “the famous one whose great ancestor (or, big grandfather) was King David.”

Has conquered: this implies a battle or struggle of some sort against his enemies (see 3.21); but nothing definite is said. If the verb “to conquer” requires a definite object, “his enemies” should be added.

So that he can open the scroll and its seven seals: Revised English Bible has translated the whole verbal clause “… has won the right to open the scroll….” But it is better to assign a separate meaning to has conquered which gives the reason why this one can open the scroll. The one verb in Greek, “to open,” is applied both to the scroll and to its seven seals; in some languages it may be necessary to say “to break (or, unstick) the seven seals and open (or, unroll) the scroll.”

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• Then one of the important leaders said to me, “Stop crying! Look! The Lion, that mighty ruler from the tribe of Judah, the famous one whose big ancestor was King David, has won the victory (or, is victorious). Therefore he can break the seven pieces of wax and unroll the paper document (or, scroll).”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Revelation to John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .