What does Revelation 5:10 mean?

This verse continues a "new song" being sung by the twenty-four elders who surround the throne of God in heaven (Revelation 4:4). Here we see confirmation of what John said in Revelation 1:6: that verse teaches that Jesus has made all the redeemed a kingdom and priests.

Kings have a responsibility to provide leadership for others. The Lord promises conquerors—those who "hold fast" through faith (Hebrews 4:14)—that they will share His throne (Revelation 3:21). This will happen after the tribulation, when Jesus returns to earth and establishes His kingdom (Revelation 20:4–6). During Jesus' reign on earth, corrupt governments and evil dictators will not be allowed to continue. King Jesus will use the redeemed to guard His righteous rule over the nations. The redeemed are also priests. As such, they have a responsibility to direct people to God, to teach the Word of God, to counsel, and to pray for others.

Jesus did not create an exclusive order of priests, such as the Levites. Instead, He made all believers priests unto God. The apostle Peter wrote: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).