Revelation 4:6

Revelation 4:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

and before the throne, as it were a sea of glass like unto crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And before the high seat there was, as it seemed, a clear sea of glass; and in the middle of the high seat, and round about it, four beasts full of eyes round about.

Free Bible Version FBV

Stretching out in front of the throne was a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center and all around the throne were four living creatures covered in eyes, both front and back.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

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.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and before the throne [is] a sea of glass like to crystal, and in the midst of the throne, and round the throne, [are] four living creatures, full of eyes before and behind;

World English Bible WEB

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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And before the throne there was a sea of glass like crystal: And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living beings full of eyes before and behind.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And in the sight of the throne was, as it were, a sea of glass like to crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four living creatures, full of eyes before and behind.

Translation for Translators T4T

In front of the throne there was what looked like an ocean made of glass. It was clear, like crystal. On each of the four sides of the throne there was a living creature. Each one was covered with eyes in front and behind.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Revelation 4:6

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Revelation 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και ενωπιον του θρονου ως θαλασσα υαλινη ομοια κρυσταλλω και εν μεσω του θρονου και κυκλω του θρονου τεσσαρα ζωα γεμοντα οφθαλμων εμπροσθεν και οπισθεν

και kai G2532 and Conj

ενωπιον enōpion G1799 before Prep

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

θρονου thronos G2362 throne Noun-GSM

ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv

θαλασσα thalassa G2281 sea Noun-NSF

υαλινη hualinos G5193 glass Adj-NSF

ομοια homoios G3664 like Adj-NSF

κρυσταλλω krustallos G2930 crystal Noun-DSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

μεσω mesos G3319 midst Adj-DSN

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

θρονου thronos G2362 throne Noun-GSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

κυκλω kuklō G2945 surrounding Noun-DSM

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

θρονου thronos G2362 throne Noun-GSM

τεσσαρα tessares G5064 four Adj-NPN

ζωα zōon G2226 living thing Noun-NPN

γεμοντα gemō G1073 be full Verb-PAP-NPN

οφθαλμων ophthalmos G3788 eye Noun-GPM

εμπροσθεν emprosthen G1715 before Adv

και kai G2532 and Conj

οπισθεν opisthen G3693 after Adv

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Revelation 4:6

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

ενωπιον enōpion G1799 "before" Prep

In the presence of or before someone, as seen in Luke 1:19 where the angel Gabriel appears before Zechariah. This word means being in someone's sight or presence. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe being in God's presence.

Definition: ἐνώπιος, -ον (ὤψ), [in LXX for פָּנִים, etc. ;] face to face, in sight (Theocr.; ἄρτοι ἐ., Exo.25:29): neut., ἐνώπιον, in vernacular, with force of prep. with genitive [in LXX for פָּנִים, עַיִן, etc., cf. Dalman, Words, 31 f., 209 f., and Deiss., BS., 213], in NT, most frequently in Lk, Ac, Re, never in Mt, Mk, before, in the presence of: Luk.1:19 Luk.4:7, Act.4:10 Act.6:5, Rev.1:4 2:14, al.; esp. ἐ. Κυρίου (θεοῦ), in the sight of God, or with God as witness or as judge, Rom.14:22, 1Co.1:29, 1Ti.2:3, Jas.4:10, 1Pe.3:4, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 88 NT verses. KJV: before, in the presence (sight) of, to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:29; Luke 12:6; 1 Peter 3:4.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θρονου thronos G2362 "throne" Noun-GSM

A throne refers to a seat of power or authority, often used to describe God's power or a king's rule, as seen in Matthew 5:34 and Revelation 1:4.

Definition: θρόνος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for כִּסֵּא, Exo.11:5, al. ;] in Hom., a seat, chair. Later, a throne, chair of state, seat of authority; of kings: metaphorically, of God, Mat.5:34, Act.7:49" (LXX), Rev.1:4, al.; by meton., for kingly power, sovereignty, Luk.1:32, 52, Act.2:30; for an angelic hierarchy, Col.1:16; of Christ, Mat.19:28, Rev.3:21, al.; of Satan, Rev.2:13; τ. θηρίου, Rev.16:10; of the Apostles, Mat.19:28, Luk.22:30, cf. Rev.20:4; of πρεσβύτεροι, Rev.4:4 11:16 (on θ. τῆς χάριτος, Heb.4:16, see Westc., in l; Deiss., BS, 135) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 50 NT verses. KJV: seat, throne See also: Acts 2:30; Revelation 5:6; Hebrews 1:8.

ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv

This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.

Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.

θαλασσα thalassa G2281 "sea" Noun-NSF

The Greek word for sea, used in the Bible to describe large bodies of water like the Mediterranean or Red Sea, as seen in Acts 10:6 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-2.

Definition: θάλασσα, -ης, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for יָם ;] the sea: Mat.23:15, Mrk.11:23, Luk.21:25, Rom.9:27, Heb.11:12, Jas.1:6, Ju 13, Rev.7:1, al.; τὸ πέλαγος τῆς θ. (see Tr., ut infr.), Mat.18:6; ὁ οὐρανὸς κ. ἡ γῆ κ. ἡ θ., of the whole world, Act.4:24, al. (Hag.2:7); θ. ὑαλίνη, Rev.4:6 15:2; of the Mediterranean, Act.10:6, 32 17:14; of the Red Sea, ἐρυθρὰ θ., Act.7:36, 1Co.10:1-2, Heb.11:20; of an inland lake (as Heb. יָם), θ. τ. Γαλιλαίας, Mat.4:18 15:29, Mrk.1:16 7:31; τ. Τιβεριάδος, Jhn.21:1; τ. Γ. τ. T., Jhn.6:1; of the same, simply ἡ θ., Mat.4:15, Mrk.2:13, al SYN.: πέλαγος, the vast expanse of open water"; θ., "the sea as contrasted with the land" (Tr., Syn., xiii) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 83 NT verses. KJV: sea See also: 1 Corinthians 10:1; Mark 7:31; Hebrews 11:12.

υαλινη hualinos G5193 "glass" Adj-NSF

This word means glassy or transparent, like the material we know today. It is used in Revelation 4:6 and 15:2 to describe a sea of glass before the throne of God.

Definition: ὑάλινος, -η, -ον (ὕαλος), of glass, glassy Rev.4:6 15:2.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: of glass See also: Revelation 4:6; Revelation 15:2.

ομοια homoios G3664 "like" Adj-NSF

This word means similar in appearance or character, like something or someone else. It is used in John 9:9 and Revelation 1:13 to describe someone or something that resembles another. It can also describe a similarity in nature or condition.

Definition: ὅμοιος, -οία, -οιον [in LXX for כְּמוֹ, etc. ;] like, resembling, such as, the same as: with dative, of form or appearance, Jhn.9:9, Rev.1:13 (WH, mg., R, but see infr.) Rev.1:15 2:18 4:6-7 9:7, 10 (B1., § 37, 62) Rev_9:19; Rev_11:1; Rev_13:2; Rev_13:11; ὁράσει, Rev_4:3; of nature, condition, ability, etc., Mat_22:39, Act_17:29, Gal_5:21, 1Jn_3:2, Rev_13:4; Rev_18:18; Rev_21:11; Rev_21:18; of comparison in parables, Mat_13:31 ff. Mat_20:1, Luk_13:18-19; Luk_13:21; of thinking, acting, etc., Mat_11:16; Mat_13:52, Luk_6:47-49; Luk_7:31-32 (T, with genitive; 131., § 36, 11) Luk_12:36, Joh_8:55, Jud_1:7; with accusative, Rev_1:13 (WH, txt.; Swete, Hort, in l) Rev_14:14.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: like, + manner See also: 1 John 3:2; Matthew 13:47; Revelation 1:13.

κρυσταλλω krustallos G2930 "crystal" Noun-DSM

Crystal refers to a clear, transparent rock, like ice, and is mentioned in Revelation 4:6 and 22:1 as part of God's throne and the new Jerusalem. It symbolizes purity and beauty. In the Bible, crystal is associated with heaven and God's presence.

Definition: κρύσταλλος, -ου, ὁ (κρύος, frost), [in LXX: Job.38:29, Psa.147:17, Eze.1:22 (קֶרַח), etc. ;] crystal: Rev.4:6 22:1.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: crystal See also: Revelation 4:6; Revelation 22:1.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

μεσω mesos G3319 "midst" Adj-DSN

Middle or midst, referring to a central position, is used in Luke 23:45 and John 19:18 to describe a location.

Definition: μέσος, -η, -ον [in LXX chiefly for תָּוֶךְ ;] middle, in the middle or midst; __1. prop., as an adj.: Luk.23:45, Jhn.19:18, Act.1:18; with genitive pl., Luk.22:55, Jhn.1:26; genitive temp. (Bl., § 36, 13), μέσης νυκτός, Mat.25:6; μ. ἡμέρας, Act.26:13. __2. In adverbial phrases, neut., μέσον, τὸ μ., as subst.: ἀνὰ μέσον, with genitive, between (cl.; in LXX: Gen.1:4, al.), elliptically (but see M, Pr., 99), 1Co.6:5; = ἐν μ., among, in the midst of (El., § 39, 2; 40, 8; cf. in LXX: Jos.19:1, Sir.27:2), Mat.13:25, Mrk.7:31, Rev.7:17; διὰ μέσου, with genitive, Luk.4:30; διὰ μέσον (Rec. -ου, see 81., § 42, 1), between, Luk.17:11 (ICC, in l); εἰς τὸ μ. (see: εἰς), Mrk.3:3, Luk.4:35 5:19 6:8, Jhn.20:19, 26; εἰς μ., Mrk.14:60; ἐν τῷ μ., Mat.14:6; ἐν μ., Jos.8:3, 9, Act.4:7; with, genitive loc., Mrk.6:47, Luk.21:21 22:55, Act.17:22, Heb.2:12" (LXX), Rev.4:6 5:6 22:2. with genitive pl., Mat.10:16 18:2, 20, Mrk.9:36, Luk.2:46 8:7 10:3 22:27 24:36, Act.1:15 2:22 27:21, 1Th.2:7, Rev.1:13 2:1 5:6 6:6; κατὰ μέσον τ. νυκτός, Act.27:27 (Bl., § 47, 6); ἐκ τοῦ μ. (Lft., in l; Deiss., BS, 252 f.), Col.2:14; ἐκ μ.., 2Th.2:7; ἐκ τοῦ μ., with genitive, Mat.13:49, Act.17:33 23:10, 1Co.5:2, 2Co.6:17. __3. Neut., μέσον, adverbially, with genitive, in the midst of, Mat.14:24 (WH, txt., R, mg., aliter), Php.2:15 (διὰ μέσουsee supr.-also Jhn.8:50, R, mg.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 58 NT verses. KJV: among, X before them, between, + forth, mid(-day, -night), midst, way See also: 1 Corinthians 5:2; Luke 8:7; Hebrews 2:12.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θρονου thronos G2362 "throne" Noun-GSM

A throne refers to a seat of power or authority, often used to describe God's power or a king's rule, as seen in Matthew 5:34 and Revelation 1:4.

Usage: Occurs in 50 NT verses. KJV: seat, throne See also: Acts 2:30; Revelation 5:6; Hebrews 1:8.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

κυκλω kuklō G2945 "surrounding" Noun-DSM

Describes something that is surrounding or all around, like in Mark 3:34 where Jesus looks around at his disciples. It can also mean in a circle or on all sides.

Definition: κύκλος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for סָבִיב ;] a ring, circle. Dat., κύκλῳ, as adverb., round about, around: Mrk.3:34 6:6, 36, Luk.9:12, Rom.15:19; with genitive, Rev.4:6 5:11 7:11† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: round about See also: Luke 9:12; Revelation 4:6; Revelation 5:11.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θρονου thronos G2362 "throne" Noun-GSM

A throne refers to a seat of power or authority, often used to describe God's power or a king's rule, as seen in Matthew 5:34 and Revelation 1:4.

Usage: Occurs in 50 NT verses. KJV: seat, throne See also: Acts 2:30; Revelation 5:6; Hebrews 1:8.

τεσσαρα tessares G5064 "four" Adj-NPN

This word simply means the number four. It appears in Matthew 24:31, Mark 2:3, and Luke 2:37, among other places. The KJV translates it as 'four'.

Definition: τέσσαρες (and Ion. and late -ερεν, and late accusative -εν; see WH, App., 150; M, Pr., 36, 45 f.), οἱ, αἱ, -αρα, τά, genitive, -ων, four: Mat.24:31, Mrk.2:3, Luk.2:37, Jhn.11:17 19:23, Act.10:11, Rev.4:4, 6, al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 35 NT verses. KJV: four See also: Acts 10:11; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 4:4.

ζωα zōon G2226 "living thing" Noun-NPN

A living thing, like an animal, is what this word describes. In Revelation 4-6, it talks about strange creatures that are alive. In 2 Peter 2:12, it describes people who act like animals.

Definition: ζῷον (Rec. ζῶον, see LS, see word), -ου, τό (ζωός, alive), [in LXX for חַי (chiefly) and cognate forms; frequently in Wis ;] a living creature, an animal: Rev.4:6-9 5:6 ff. Rev.6:1 ff. Rev.7:11 14:3 15:7 19:4; ζῴων τ. αἷμα, Heb.13:11; ἄλογα ζ., 2Pe.2:12, Ju 10.† SYN.: θηρίον, in which the brutal, bestial element is emphasized, and which is never used of sacrificial animals. On the other hand, ζ. is the more comprehensive, as expressing the vital element common to the whole anima] creation (see Tr., Syn., LXXxi; Cremer, 274). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: beast See also: 2 Peter 2:12; Revelation 5:14; Hebrews 13:11.

γεμοντα gemō G1073 "be full" Verb-PAP-NPN

To be full, like a ship or a heart, as described in Matthew 23:27 and Luke 11:39.

Definition: γέμω (used only in present and impf.), [in LXX for מלא, נשׂא ;] to be full; __1. properly, of a ship (Xen.). __2. Generally (Plat., al.), __(a) with genitive of thing(s): Mat.23:27, Luk.11:39, Rom.3:14" (LXX), Rev.4:6, 8 5:8 15:7 17:3 (Rec.) 4 21:9 __(b) before ἐκ: Mat.23:25; __(with) with accusative of thing(s) (called a solecism in WM, 251; Bl., §36, 4), as in later Gk. from Byz. to Mod. times (Jannaris, Gr., 1319): Rev.17:3. † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: be full See also: Luke 11:39; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 4:6.

οφθαλμων ophthalmos G3788 "eye" Noun-GPM

The Greek word for eye, it can also mean vision or sight, as in Matthew 5:38 and Luke 6:41. Figuratively, it can represent envy or a jealous glance, as seen in Galatians 4:15.

Definition: ὀφθαλμός, -οῦ, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for עַיִן ;] the eye (as in cl., chiefly pl.): Mat.5:38, Mrk.9:47, Luk.6:41, Jhn.9:6, al.; τοὺς ὀ. ἐξορύθσσειν (figuratively), Gal.4:15; ἐπᾶραι, Luk.6:20, Jhn.6:5; ἀνοῖξα, Act.9:40; id., of restoring sight, Mat.20:33, Jhn.9:10, al.; ἐν ῥιπῇ ὀφθαλμοῦ, 1Co.15:52; by anthropom., of God, Heb.4:13, 1Pe.3:12; pleonastically (cf. Thackeray, Gr., 42f.), εἶδον οἱ ὀ. μοθ, Luk.2:30 (similarly, ib. 4:20 10:23, Jhn.12:40, 1Co.2:9, 1Jn.1:1, Rev.1:7). Metaphorical (as otherwise in cl.; see LS, see word); __(a) of ethical qualities: ὀ. πονηρός (meton., for envy; cf. Heb. עַיִן רַע, Pro.28:22; cf. Sir.14:10 34:13), Mat.6:22, 23 Mrk.7:22, Luk.11:34; ἁπλοῦς, Mat.6:22, Luk.11:34; ἐπιθυμία (which see) ὀφθαλμῶν (cf. Ecc.4:8, Sir.14:9), 1Jn.2:16; ὀ. μεστοὶ μοιχαλἰδος, 2Pe.2:14; __(b) of mental vision: Mat.13:15, Mrk.8:18, Luk.19:42, Jhn.12:40, Rom.11:8, Gal.3:1, Eph.1:18, al.; ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς before genitive (on the absence of the art., seeBl, §46, 9.II; M, Pr., 81), Mat.21:42, Mrk.12:11. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 86 NT verses. KJV: eye, sight See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Luke 11:34; 1 Peter 3:12.

εμπροσθεν emprosthen G1715 "before" Adv

Before something in place or time, like in front of a person or thing, as seen in Matthew 5:24 and Luke 19:4.

Definition: ἔμ-προσθεν adv. of place (in cl. also of time), [in LXX chiefly for עֳנִי ;] __1. adverbially, before, in front: Luk.19:28; εἰς τὸ ἔ., Luk.19:4; opposite to ὄπισθεν, Rev.4:6; opposite to τὰ ὀπίσω, τὰ ἔ., Php.3:13. __2. As prep., before; __(a) in front of: Mat.5:24 6:2 7:6 11:10 27:29, Luk.5:19 7:27 14:2, Jhn.3:28 10:4, Rev.19:10 22:8; __(b) in the presence of: Mat.27:11, Gal.2:14, 1Th.1:3 2:19 3:9 3:13; ὁμολουεῖν, ἀρνεῖσθαι (Dalman, Words, 210), Mat.10:32, 36 26:70, Luk.12:8; in forensic sense, Mat.25:32 27:11, Luk.21:36, Act.18:17, 2Co.5:10, 1Th.2:19, I Jn 3:19; εὐδοκία (θέλημά) ἐστι ἔ. θεοῦ (a targumic formula; Dalman, Words, 211), Mat.11:26 18:14, Luk.10:21; __(with) in the sight of: Mat.5:16 6:1 17:2 23:14, Mrk.2:12 9:2, Luk.19:27, Jhn.12:37, Act.10:4; __(d) of rank and dignity (Dem., Plat., al.; LXX, Gen.48:20): Jhn.1:15, 30.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 45 NT verses. KJV: against, at, before, (in presence, sight) of See also: 1 John 3:19; Luke 21:36; Revelation 4:6.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

οπισθεν opisthen G3693 "after" Adv

This word means behind or after, describing physical or chronological location. In the Gospels, it describes people following Jesus or events happening after something else.

Definition: ὄπισθεν adv. of place, [in LXX chiefly for אָחוֹר, אַחַר ;] behind, after: Mat.9:20, Mrk.5:27, Luk.8:44, Rev.4:6 5:1. As prep. with genitive: Mat.15:23, Luk.23:26, Rev.1:10 (WH, mg.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: after, backside, behind See also: Luke 8:44; Matthew 9:20; Revelation 4:6.

Study Notes — Revelation 4:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Revelation 4:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Revelation 4:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Revelation 4:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Revelation 4:6
Trapp's Commentary on Revelation 4:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Revelation 4:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Revelation 4:6
Cambridge Bible on Revelation 4:6
Barnes' Notes on Revelation 4:6
Whedon's Commentary on Revelation 4:6
Sermons on Revelation 4:6

Context — Worship of the Creator

4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. These are the seven spirits of God.

6And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back.

7The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Revelation 15:2	And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God,
2	Revelation 5:6	Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
3	Revelation 14:3	And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.
4	Revelation 19:4	And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying: “Amen, Hallelujah!”
5	Ezekiel 10:12	Their entire bodies, including their backs, hands, and wings, were full of eyes all around, as were their four wheels.
6	Revelation 4:8–9	And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne who lives forever and ever,
7	Ezekiel 10:14	Each of the cherubim had four faces: the first face was that of a cherub, the second that of a man, the third that of a lion, and the fourth that of an eagle.
8	Revelation 5:14–1	—
9	Revelation 7:11	And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. And they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God,
10	Ezekiel 1:4–28	I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a gleam like amber, and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form, but each had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze. Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four living creatures had faces and wings, and their wings were touching one another. They did not turn as they moved; each one went straight ahead. The form of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and also the face of an eagle. Such were their faces. Their wings were spread upward; each had two wings touching the wings of the creature on either side, and two wings covering its body. Each creature went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they moved. In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. The creatures were darting back and forth as quickly as flashes of lightning. When I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. The workmanship of the wheels looked like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. Their workmanship looked like a wheel within a wheel. As they moved, they went in any of the four directions, without pivoting as they moved. Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around. So as the living creatures moved, the wheels moved beside them, and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal. And under the expanse, their wings stretched out toward one another. Each one also had two wings covering its body. When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings. And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood still with their wings lowered. Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.

Revelation 4:6 Summary

The verse Revelation 4:6 describes a beautiful and awe-inspiring scene in heaven, where a sea of glass, like crystal, is before God's throne, and four living creatures, covered with eyes, are in the center. This sea of glass represents God's holiness and purity, as seen in Exodus 24:10, and the creatures symbolize God's all-seeing nature, as described in Proverbs 15:3. The scene is one of worship and praise, with the creatures saying 'Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty', and it reminds us of God's power and majesty, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5. This image can help us to better understand and reverence God's holiness, and to participate in the worship and praise of God, just like the four living creatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the sea of glass before the throne in Revelation 4:6?

The sea of glass represents a symbol of God's holiness and purity, as seen in other scriptures like Ezekiel 1:22 and Exodus 24:10, where a pavement of sapphire, like the sky, is described under God's throne.

What are the four living creatures covered with eyes in front and back?

These creatures are likely symbolic of God's all-seeing nature, as described in Proverbs 15:3, where it says 'The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good', and may also represent the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which give a complete picture of Jesus Christ.

What is the purpose of the four living creatures in heaven?

The four living creatures seem to be involved in worship and praise, as seen in Revelation 4:8, where they say 'Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty', and may also play a role in God's judgment, as seen in Revelation 6:1-8, where they are involved in the opening of the seven seals.

How do the four living creatures relate to the rest of the vision in Revelation 4?

The four living creatures are part of a larger vision of God's throne room, which includes the twenty-four elders, the seven torches of fire, and the sea of glass, all of which work together to convey God's power, holiness, and majesty, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Ezekiel 1:1-28.

Reflection Questions

What does the image of the sea of glass before the throne evoke in your heart and mind, and how does it relate to your understanding of God's holiness?
How do the four living creatures, covered with eyes, challenge or comfort your understanding of God's omniscience and omnipresence?
In what ways can you, like the four living creatures, participate in the worship and praise of God, saying 'Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty'?
What does this verse reveal about the nature of God's throne room, and how does it impact your understanding of God's power and majesty?

Gill's Exposition on Revelation 4:6

And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal,.... By which is meant, not heaven, nor the souls of the blessed there, nor the multitude of the holy angels, nor the first converts

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Revelation 4:6

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Revelation 4:6

And before the throne; the throne mentioned before, ,3, upon which one sat, & c. A sea of glass like unto crystal; another allusion to the tabernacle or temple, in which was a sea, that is, a large vessel full of water; it was for Aaron and his sons to wash their hands, and feet, and sacrifices in, ; it was ten cubits broad, five cubits high, and thirty cubits about. Here it is said to have been of glass; this, probably, signified the blood of Christ, in which all those souls and services must be washed which are accepted of and acceptable unto God. Its being represented here as of glass, may signify the purity and spotlessness of him whose blood it was. Other guesses there are many at the significancy of this sea of glass, but this seems to me most probable, because the use of the sea in the temple is made good in Christ. John in this vision also saw four beasts, which beasts are said: 1. To be in the midst of, and round about the throne. 2. To be full of eyes before and behind. 3. They are, , said to have resembled a lion, a calf, a man in the face, and a flying eagle; , each of them had six wings, and they were full of eyes within, and incessantly glorified God. Question. Whom did these beasts signify? Solution. There are various notions about them. Some judge them the four evangelists; but John himself was one of these, and yet alive. Some will have them four apostles that were mostly at Jerusalem; but I see no ground for that. Some will have them angels; others, glorified saints; but we shall afterwards find them distinguished from both these. Others will have them the whole church. But the most probable sense is, that they represented the ministers of the church, who are living creatures, whose place is between God and his church, as those beasts are placed between the throne and the elders; and who are but four to the twenty-four elders, being but few in comparison with the multitude of believers; and yet have eyes on all sides, being enough to see to the affairs of the whole church of Christ on the earth. In this sense I rest; only here remains a question, how these are said to be in the midst of the throne, and yet round about the throne? To which various answers are given; that which pleaseth me best is, en mesw, in the middle, is not to be strained to signify a place at equal distance from two extremes, but more largely and proverbially for near the throne, or near him who sat upon the throne. See the several notions about this phrase in Mr. Pool’ s Latin Synopsis.

Trapp's Commentary on Revelation 4:6

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. Ver. 6. A sea of glass] The word, say some; the world, others. The word is to us a crystal glass, giving us a clear sight of God and of ourselves, 2 Corinthians 3:18; James 1:23. The world is to God a sea of glass, corpus diaphanum, a clear transparent body, he sees through it. Four beasts] æùá, or living wights; not angels, but ministers, those earthly angels, who are set forth, 1. Full of eyes for their perspicacity and vigilancy. 2. Furnished with six wings apiece for their pernicity and promptitude to scour about for the people’ s benefit. 3. Qualified with all necessary endowments, for the discharge of their duties, being bold as lions, painful as oxen, prudent as men, delighted in high flying, as eagles. A living being in general; a creature. Obs. OED

Ellicott's Commentary on Revelation 4:6

(6) And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal.—There is a sea before the throne of God. The woman apparelled in purple splendour sits upon many waters (Revelation 17:1). The waters are explained (Revelation 17:15) to be “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” Her throne rests on the fickle and stormy sea of world- opinion, fashion, and passion. The waters represent the unguided, unreasoning, and unprincipled thoughts of men. By analogy, the calm glass-like sea, which is never in storm, but only interfused with flame (Revelation 15:2), represents the counsels of God, those purposes of righteousness and love, often fathomless, but never obscure; always the same, though sometimes glowing with holy anger (Revelation 15:1). (Comp. the Psalmist’s words, “Thy judgments are like the great deep,” Psalms 36:6, Prayer Book version. See also Psalms 77:19, and Romans 11:33-36.) The position of the crystal sea is analogous to that of the molten sea in front of Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 4:9-10). And in the midst of the throne—i.e., between the seer and the throne. The Apostle saw the crystal sea, and beyond it the living creatures encircling the throne—four living creatures (or, living beings) full of (or, teeming with) eyes before and behind.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Revelation 4:6

Verse 6. Four beasts] τεσσαραζωα Four living creatures or four animals. The word beast is very improperly used here and elsewhere in this description. Wiclif first used it, and translators in general have followed him in this uncouth rendering. A beast before the throne of God in heaven sounds oddly.

Cambridge Bible on Revelation 4:6

6. a sea of glass] As there was a brazen “sea” in front of Solomon’s Temple, 1 Kings 7:23 &c. We find from Revelation 11:19, Revelation 15:5, &c. that St John was now in front of the heavenly Temple—whether the Throne was inside it seems doubtful: Revelation 16:17 looks as if it were, Revelation 11:19 as if it were not. That Temple had a real sea in front of it—sea-like in extent, no doubt, but a glassy sea, calm and transparent, and apparently solid, Revelation 15:2 : its earthly representative (see Sir 50:3, and note on Revelation 2:17 above) was hardly more than a tank, though richly ornamented.like unto crystal] Ancient glass being not so clear as ours, a further term of comparison seemed necessary. The word may mean “ice,” but Revelation 21:11 confirms the A. V.in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne] It is not quite clear how they are placed—whether with their bodies partly under the Throne, or only so far “in the midst” of it, that each of the four was in (or opposite to) the middle of one of its four sides. In Ezekiel 1:22 we see that the Cherubim support the Throne of God, which points to the first view.four beasts] Should be rendered living creatures, as Ezekiel 1:5 &c.: the word for the “beasts” of ch. 13 &c. is quite different: and that used here, like the Hebrew one in Ezekiel, is cognate with the word for “life.”

Barnes' Notes on Revelation 4:6

And before the throne there was a sea of glass - An expanse spread out like a sea composed of glass: that is, that was pellucid and transparent like glass. It is not uncommon to compare the sea with glass.

Whedon's Commentary on Revelation 4:6

6. There was (as it were) a sea of glass—The Old Testament passage to which this seems to be analogous is Exodus 24:10 : “And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a

Sermons on Revelation 4:6

	Sermon	Description
	(Revelation - Part 7): The Rainbow Round the Throne by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God being wholly other and transcendent, beyond human comprehension. He mentions a review of his book, "The Knowledge of the Ho
	Creatures Out of the Fire by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus Christ as the ultimate model of humanity. He describes how sin can distort and mar the true beauty of hum
	Revelation Overview Pt. 5 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath as described in the book of Revelation. The fourth angel pours out his bowl upon the sun, c
	(Revelation) the Lamb in the Midst of the Throne by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the opening of a door in heaven as described in the book of Revelation. He suggests that this may be a figurative representation o
	Ezekiel: His Call and Commission by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, Brother Stephen Kahn begins by setting the context of the book of Ezekiel, stating that it was written during the fifth year of King Jehoi-Ching's captivity. He des
	Ministering in the Mission Field by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the foundational issue of God calling people unto himself. He references Revelation chapter four, where John hears a voice and is caught up
	A Heavy Burden by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes that riches can be a heavy burden and often hinder our pursuit of heaven and true happiness. He illustrates that worldly pleasures are mixed with sorrow an