{In the right hand} (epi t(886e) dexian). "Upon the right hand"
(epi, not en), the open palm. Anthropomorphic language drawn
from  Eze 2:9f . {A book} (iblion). Diminutive of iblos,
but no longer so used, iblaridion occurring instead ( 10:2 ).
{Written} (gegrammenon). Perfect passive predicate participle
of graph(935c). {Within and on the back} (es(9374)hen kai opisthen).
"Within and behind." Description of a roll like that in  Lu
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 (opisthen),
and so was an opisthographon like that in  Eze 2:10 . There are
many allegorical interpretations of this fact which are all
beside the point. {Sealed} (katesphragismenon). Perfect passive
predicate participle of katasphragiz(935c), old compound (perfective
use of kata), to seal up (down), here only in N.T. {With seven
seals} (sphragisin hepta). Instrumental case of sphragis, old
word used in various senses, proof or authentication ( 1Co 9:2  Ro 4:11 ), signet-ring ( Re 7:2 ), impression made by the seal
( Re 9:4  2Ti 2:19 ), the seal on books closing the book ( Re
5:1,2,5,9  6:1,3,5,7,9,12  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.