Revelation Chapter 4 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
Revelation Chapter 4 (New Testament)
7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
| Greek Word + Transliteration | Verse + Snippet | Meaning | Scholarly Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| θύρα — thyra | Verse 1 — “A door was opened in heaven…” | “Door,” entrance. | Thyra (“door”) signifies revealed access (“door/opening”). Heaven is unveiled to John. The term signifies divine invitation into mystery. — J. H. Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| φωνή — phōnē | Verse 1 — “…the first voice which I heard…” | “Voice,” sound. | Phōnē (“voice”) marks authoritative summons (“voice”). The trumpet-like tone signals divine majesty. The term frames vision as revelation. — B. F. Westcott, Revelation of the Risen Lord (1898) |
| θρόνος — thronos | Verse 2 — “…a throne was set in heaven…” | “Throne,” seat of rule. | Thronos (“throne”) symbolizes divine sovereignty (“throne”). Everything in Revelation centers around God's authority. The term structures all cosmic events. — Richard Trench, Commentary on the Seven Churches (1861) |
| ὅρασις — horasis | Verse 3 — “…like a jasper and a sardine stone…” | “Vision,” appearance. | Horasis (“vision/appearance”) describes radiant manifestation (“appearance”). The imagery communicates glory beyond description. The term blends symbolism and transcendence. — Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| κύκλος — kyklos | Verse 4 — “…round about the throne…” | “Circle,” surrounding. | Kyklos (“circle”) expresses heavenly order (“around”). It indicates structured worship. The term reinforces celestial hierarchy. — Schaff, History of the Christian Church (1890) |
| στεφανηφόρος — stephanēphoros | Verse 4 — “…had on their heads crowns of gold.” | “Crown-wearer,” crowned one. | Stephanēphoros (“crown-bearer”) depicts ruling dignity (“crowned”). The elders share in royal honor. The term reflects priest-king imagery. — Westcott, Epistles of St. John (1883) |
| ἀστραπή — astrapē | Verse 5 — “…lightnings and thunderings…” | “Lightning,” flash. | Astrapē (“lightning”) signals divine majesty (“lightning”). It evokes Sinai-like theophany. The term heightens awe. — Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| λαμπάς — lampas | Verse 5 — “…seven lamps of fire burning…” | “Lamp,” torch. | Lampas (“torch”) symbolizes the Spirit's illuminating presence (“lamp/torch”). It manifests divine activity. The term enhances temple imagery. — Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| κρύσταλλος — krystallos | Verse 6 — “…a sea of glass like unto crystal…” | “Crystal,” clear stone. | Krystallos (“crystal”) symbolizes purity and transcendence (“crystal”). The sea represents separation from God now made peaceful. The term evokes serene majesty. — Franz Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary (1884) |
| ζῷον — zōon | Verse 6 — “…four living creatures…” | “Living creature,” animated being. | Zōon (“living being”) depicts angelic worshipers (“living creature/being”). They reflect divine attributes. The term connects with Ezekiel’s vision. — Carl Friedrich Keil, Commentary on Ezekiel and Revelation (1872) |
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar | Work | View on Chapter 4 |
|---|---|---|
| R. H. Charles (University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, 1855–1931) | The Revelation of St. John | The vision emphasizes God’s supreme authority and the worshipful order of the heavenly court. |
| Adolf von Harnack (University of Berlin, Germany, 1851–1930) | History of Dogma | Harnack interprets the imagery as reflecting early Christian understanding of divine majesty and cosmic order. |
| Alfred Plummer (University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, 1841–1926) | A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Revelation of St. John | Plummer highlights the symbolic representation of divine sovereignty and eternal praise. |
| Charles B. Williams (Yale University, United States, 1860–1929) | A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Revelation of St. John | The chapter portrays worship, holiness, and God’s transcendence as central themes. |
| Ferdinand Christian Baur (University of Tübingen, Germany, 1792–1860) | Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ | Baur notes the visionary style conveys theological ideals of divine order and authority. |
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Revelation Chapter 4
Verse: "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" - Revelation 4:8b
Lesson: The chapter describes the magnificent scene of God's throne in heaven, surrounded by four living creatures and 24 elders who constantly worship God. This verse emphasizes the holiness of God and His eternal nature.
What's Next? Read Our Bible Verses About Life With Purpose and Encouragement
Conclusion: As we meditate on God's holiness, we are reminded of our own sinfulness and need for His grace. We must approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His sovereignty and majesty.
Prayer points: Let us pray that we may have a deeper understanding of God's holiness and be filled with a reverent fear of Him. May we approach Him with humility and surrender, seeking His will and His glory above all else.
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