Back to Revelation 4

Revelation 4:2-10

Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads. Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”

When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying,

World English Bible · Public Domain
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Revelation 4:2-10 sits inside this longer paragraph.

Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads. Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”

When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One, to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed, and were created!”

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Parallel Translations

  • WEB World English Bible

    Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne

    that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.

    Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads.

    Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

    Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.

    The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle.

    The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”

    When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever,

    the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying,

  • TYNDALE Tyndale New Testament (1534)

    And immediatly I was in the sprete: and beholde a seate was put in heven and one sate on the seate.

    And he that sat was to loke apon like vnto a iaspar stone and a sardyne stone: And there was a rayne bowe aboute the seate in syght lyke to an Emeralde.

    And aboute the seate were.xxiiii. seates. And upon the seates.xxiiii. elders syttinge clothed in whyte rayment and had on their heddes crounes of gold.

    And out of the seate proceded lightnynges and thundrynges and voyces and there wer vii. lampes of fyre burninge before the seate which are the vii. sprettes of God.

    And before the seate there was a see of glasse lyke vnto cristall and in the myddes of the seate and rounde aboute the seate were iiii. bestes full of eyes before and behynde.

    And the fyrste best was lyke a lion the seconde best lyke a calfe and the thyrde beste had a face as a man and the fourthe beste was like a flyinge egle.

    And the iiii. bestes had eche one of them vi. wynges aboute him and they were full of eyes with in. And they had noo reste daye nether nyght sayinge: holy holy holy lorde god almyghty which was and is and is to come.

    And when those beestes gave glory and honour and thankes to him that sat on the seate which lyveth for ever and ever:

    the xxiiii. elders fell doune before him that sat on the trone and worshipped him that lyveth for ever and caste their crounes before the trone sayinge:

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  • GNV Geneva Bible (1599)

    And immediatly I was rauished in the spirit, and behold, a throne was set in heauen, and one sate vpon the throne.

    And he that sate, was to looke vpon, like vnto a iasper stone, and a sardine, and there was a rainbowe rounde about the throne, in sight like to an emeraude.

    And round about the throne were foure and twentie seates, and vpon the seates I sawe foure and twentie Elders sitting, clothed in white raiment, and had on their heads crownes of golde.

    And out of the throne proceeded lightnings, and thundrings, and voyces, and there were seuen lampes of fire burning before the throne, which are the seuen spirits of God.

    And before the throne there was a sea of glasse like vnto chrystall: and in the middes of the throne, and round about the throne were foure beasts full of eyes before and behinde.

    And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calfe, and the thirde beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying Eagle.

    And the foure beasts had eche one of them sixe wings about him, and they were full of eyes within, and they ceased not day nor night, saying, Holy, holy, holy Lord God almighty, Which Was, and Which Is, and Which Is to come.

    And when those beasts gaue glorie, and honour, and thanks to him that sate on the throne, which liueth for euer and euer,

    The foure and twentie Elders fell downe before him that sate on the throne and worshipped him that liueth for euermore, and cast their crownes before the throne, saying,

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Cross-references (154)

  • Isaiah 6:2-13 (v8) Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew. One…
  • Ezekiel 1:28 (vv2–3) As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the…
  • Ezekiel 10:14 (vv6–7) Every one them had four faces. The first face was the face of the cherub. The second face was the face of a man. The third face was the…
  • Ezekiel 1:10 (v7) As for the likeness of their faces, they had the face of a man. The four of them had the face of a lion on the right side. The four of them…
  • Revelation 1:8 (v8) “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Show all 100 cross-references
  • 1 Kings 22:19 (v2) Micaiah said, “Therefore hear Yahweh’s word. I saw Yahweh sitting on his throne, and all the army of heaven standing by him on his right…
  • Revelation 1:10 (v2) I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet
  • Revelation 5:8 (vv4, 10) Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and…
  • Hebrews 13:8 (v8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
  • Revelation 19:4 (vv2, 4, 6, 10) The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying, “Amen! Hallelujah!”
  • Psalms 95:6 (v10) Oh come, let’s worship and bow down. Let’s kneel before Yahweh, our Maker,
  • Isaiah 6:1 (v2) In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and his train filled the temple.
  • Matthew 19:28 (v4) Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the…
  • Revelation 11:19 (v5) God’s temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an…
  • Revelation 11:16 (vv4, 10) The twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God’s throne, fell on their faces and worshiped God,
  • Revelation 8:5 (v5) The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, then threw it on the earth. Thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an…
  • Revelation 4:6 (vv7–8) Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle of the throne, and around the throne were four…
  • Exodus 15:11 (v8) Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • 1 Chronicles 29:11-16 (v10) Yours, Yahweh, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty! For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is…
  • Revelation 15:2 (v6) I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name, standing on…
  • Revelation 7:11 (vv4, 6, 10) All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne,…
  • Revelation 4:4 (vv8, 10) Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold…
  • Revelation 5:6 (vv5–6) I saw in the middle of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been…
  • Revelation 5:14 (vv4, 10) The four living creatures said, “Amen!” Then the elders fell down and worshiped.
  • Ezekiel 3:12-14 (v2) Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great rushing, saying, “Blessed be Yahweh’s glory from his place.” I…
  • Ezekiel 1:26 (vv2–3) Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone. On the likeness of the…
  • Revelation 1:4 (vv5, 8) John, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven…
  • Ezekiel 10:21-22 (v8) Every one had four faces, and every one four wings. The likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. As for the likeness of their…
  • Revelation 21:11 (vv3, 6) having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, as if it were a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
  • Genesis 9:13-16 (v3) I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it will be a sign of a covenant between me and the earth. When I bring a cloud over the earth, that the…
  • Revelation 4:9 (vv2, 10) When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever,
  • Psalms 72:11 (v10) Yes, all kings shall fall down before him. All nations shall serve him.
  • Daniel 7:9 (v2) “I watched until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like…
  • Revelation 4:5 (v2) Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven…
  • Revelation 5:1 (v2) I saw, in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, a book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals.
  • Revelation 5:13 (v2) I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits…
  • Revelation 5:13-14 (v9) I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits…
  • Revelation 10:1 (v3) I saw a mighty angel coming down out of the sky, clothed with a cloud. A rainbow was on his head. His face was like the sun, and his feet…
  • Revelation 15:3 (v8) They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the…
  • Revelation 15:4 (v10) Who wouldn’t fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your…
  • Revelation 16:7 (v8) I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments.”
  • Revelation 16:17-18 (v5) The seventh poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” There…
  • Exodus 19:16 (v5) On the third day, when it was morning, there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an…
  • Psalms 91:1 (v8) He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
  • Ezekiel 1:6 (v8) Everyone had four faces, and each one of them had four wings.
  • Ezekiel 10:21 (v7) Every one had four faces, and every one four wings. The likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.
  • Hebrews 8:1 (v2) Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of…
  • Revelation 3:1 (v5) “And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write: “He who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars says these things: “I know…
  • Revelation 4:8-9 (v6) The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying,…
  • Revelation 7:11-12 (v9) All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne,…
  • Revelation 10:6 (v9) and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and…
  • Revelation 11:17 (v8) saying: “We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was; because you have taken your great power and reigned.
  • Revelation 14:3 (v6) They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one…
  • Revelation 15:7 (vv6, 9) One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.
  • Genesis 17:1 (v8) When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty. Walk before me and be blameless.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:20 (v10) Then David said to all the assembly, “Now bless Yahweh your God!” All the assembly blessed Yahweh, the God of their fathers, and bowed down…
  • Ezekiel 10:12 (v6) Their whole body, including their backs, their hands, their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes all around, even the wheels that the…
  • Ezekiel 28:13 (v3) You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise,…
  • Zechariah 4:2 (v5) He said to me, “What do you see?” I said, “I have seen, and behold, a lamp stand all of gold, with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven…
  • Matthew 4:9-10 (v10) He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan!…
  • Revelation 3:7 (v8) “To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: “He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one…
  • Revelation 4:10 (v4) the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns…
  • Revelation 5:14–6:1 (v6) The four living creatures said, “Amen!” Then the elders fell down and worshiped. I saw that the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I…
  • Revelation 21:10 (v2) He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
  • Exodus 20:18 (v5) All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they…
  • Psalms 47:8 (v9) God reigns over the nations. God sits on his holy throne.
  • Ezekiel 1:4-28 (v6) I looked, and behold, a stormy wind came out of the north: a great cloud, with flashing lightning, and a brightness around it, and out of…
  • Ezekiel 10:1 (v2) Then I looked, and see, in the expanse that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the…
  • Revelation 3:21 (v2) He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.
  • Revelation 20:4 (v4) I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of…
  • Revelation 20:11 (v2) I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:3 (v10) All the children of Israel looked on, when the fire came down, and Yahweh’s glory was on the house. They bowed themselves with their faces…
  • Ezekiel 1:8 (v7) They had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides. The four of them had their faces and their wings like this:
  • Daniel 7:4 (v7) “The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to…
  • Joel 3:16 (v5) Yahweh will roar from Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth will shake; but Yahweh will be a refuge to his…
  • Matthew 2:11 (v10) They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they…
  • Luke 22:30 (v4) that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 (v4) From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to…
  • Revelation 3:4-5 (v4) Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that didn’t defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He who…
  • Revelation 5:6-7 (v2) I saw in the middle of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been…
  • Revelation 7:15 (v8) Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his…
  • Revelation 22:1 (v6) He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,
  • Exodus 37:23 (v5) He made its seven lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, of pure gold.
  • 2 Chronicles 4:20 (v5) and the lamp stands with their lamps, to burn according to the ordinance before the inner sanctuary, of pure gold;
  • Psalms 18:13-14 (v5) Yahweh also thundered in the sky. The Most High uttered his voice: hailstones and coals of fire. He sent out his arrows, and scattered…
  • Psalms 68:35 (v5) You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to God!
  • Psalms 115:1 (v10) Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to your name give glory, for your loving kindness, and for your truth’s sake.
  • Isaiah 62:6-7 (v8) I have set watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem. They will never be silent day nor night. You who call on Yahweh, take no rest, and give him…
  • Ezekiel 1:13 (v5) As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches. The fire went…
  • Luke 24:52 (v10) They worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
  • Hebrews 12:18-29 (v5) For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, storm, the sound of a…
  • Revelation 1:18 (v9) and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.
  • Revelation 12:5 (v2) She gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. Her child was caught up to God, and to his throne.
  • Revelation 17:3 (v2) He carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast, full of blasphemous names, having…
  • Revelation 19:15 (v8) Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He…
  • Revelation 21:5 (v2) He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” He said, “Write, for these words of God are faithful and true.”
  • Revelation 21:21 (v6) The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent…
  • Revelation 21:22 (v8) I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple.
  • Job 1:20 (v10) Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshiped.
  • Psalms 21:3 (v4) For you meet him with the blessings of goodness. You set a crown of fine gold on his head.

100 distinct cross-references across this passage (154 total citations).

Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)

Explain this passage (22 sources)

Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.

Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 The manner of revelation, as before, 1:10.

The manner of revelation, as before, 1:10.

A description of God the Father, and of his glory in the heavens, framed unto the manner of men, by his office, nature, company, attending, effect, instruments and events that follow afterwards. In this verse, he is presented in office a judge, as Abraham said, Gen. 18, which is declared by his throne, as an ensign of judgment, and his sitting thereupon.

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See Rev. 1:12.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.

John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and,…
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv2–10 In the Spirit; in an ecstasy, as Paul, 2Co…
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On vv2, 4, 5, 6, 9 I was in the Spirit; that is, in an…
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v8 We have considered the sights that the apostle saw…
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv2–10 And immediately I was in the Spirit,.... As he…
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv2–9 And immediately I was in the spirit - Even…
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 Verse 2. I was in the Spirit] Rapt up…
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 Rev 4:2. Immediately I was in the Spirit —…
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv2–10 And immediately I was in the Spirit - See…
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 I was in the spirit, rapt as it were…
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv2–10 And--omitted in the two oldest manuscripts, Vulgate, Syriac.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv2–10 2. Immediately—On ascending and entering the door.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv2–9 2. I was in the spirit] As Rev_1:10 q.v.…
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv2–9 (2) And immediately I was in the spirit.— Comp.…
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv2–10 And immediately I was in the Spirit. Omit "and"…
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv2, 4, 6, 9 A throne was set in heaven.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv2–10 2. I was in the spirit. At once he…
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On vv6–9 living creatures. (See Scofield "Eze 1:5").
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v6 The sea of glass, the beasts, and the hymn…
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv4, 6, 7, 9 twenty-four elders
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv2–9 4:2 By being in the Spirit, John could experience…
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