Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 27:2 (Fall 2023)
Article: Dispensational Implications Of The Revelation 5:9–10 Textual Variants
Author: Jeremiah Mutie

JMAT 27:2 (Fall 2023) p. 51

Dispensational Implications Of The Revelation 5:9–10 Textual Variants

Jeremiah Mutie1

Abstract: Revelation 5:9–10 presents a set of textual variants that have proved troublesome for interpreters of this passage. Through an examination of both external and internal evidence, this article will argue that the omission of τῷ θεῷ in many manuscripts and most major English translations has affected the text’s succeeding variants, and that, once this is resolved, the evidence points to the future tense of βασιλεύω as the preferable reading. Additionally, through the examination of the larger context of Revelation 5, it will be argued that the resolution of these variants lends support to dispensational hermeneutics, resulting in a pretribulational timeline embedded in the pericope.

Key Words: Revelation, Textual Criticism, Kingdom, Dispensationalism, Elders, Rapture

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Introduction

Νearly all key exegetical commentators of the book of Revelation note the intricate textual variants in Revelation 5:9–10. While a few conveniently avoid the issues, many have attempted to deal with them in one way or another. Most commentators, however, fail to emphasize the immense significance of these variants to the major eschatological theological systems held by various ecclesial traditions.

A notable exception to this general trend is Paige Patterson’s commentary on Revelation.2 After noting that many textual variants “have little impact on crucial interpretive

JMAT 27:2 (Fall 2023) p. 52

conclusions,” Patterson argues that on rare occasions, some variants “may, in fact, exercise considerable impact.”3 His assessment is that the variants in Revelation 5:9–10 belong to the latter category. He is correct in this assessment. Indeed, as this article seeks to demonstrate, it can justifiably be argued that the way these variants are resolved has significant implications for dispensationalism. So, what are the issues and how have scholars attempted to resolve them?

The Textual Variants Of Revelation 5:9–10

The first of these variants pertains to the wording of Revelation 5:9...