Revelation 4:6New American Standard Bible (NASB ©1995) [2]
— and before the throne [there was something] like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.
King James Version (KJV 1769) [2]
— 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.
English Revised Version (ERV 1885)
— and before the throne, as it were a glassy sea like unto crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.
American Standard Version (ASV 1901) [2]
— and before the throne, as it were a sea of glass like a crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.
Webster's Revision of the KJB (WEB 1833)
— 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.
Darby's Translation (DBY 1890)
— and before the throne, as a glass sea, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, four living creatures, full of eyes, before and behind;
Rotherham's Emphasized Bible (EBR 1902)
— and, before the throne, [is] as a glassy sea, like unto crystal. And, in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, [are] four living creatures full of eyes, before and behind;
Young's Literal Translation (YLT 1898)
— 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;
Douay-Rheims Challoner Revision (DR 1750)
— 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.
Geneva Bible (GNV 1560)
— And before the throne there was a sea of glasse like vnto chrystall: and in the middes of the throne, ? round about the throne were foure beasts full of eyes before and behinde.
Original King James Bible (AV 1611) [2]
— And before the Throne there was a sea of glasse like vnto Chrystall: and in the middest of the throne, and round about the Throne, were foure beastes full of eyes before and behinde.
Lamsa Bible (1957)
— And before the throne was a sea of glass resembling crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about it and in front of it were four animals, full of eyes before and behind.
John Etheridge Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1849)
— And before the throne was a sea of brightness like chrystalos; and in the midst of the throne, and around it, and before the throne, four living-ones, who were full of eyes before and behind.
James Murdock Peshitta-Aramaic NT (1852)
— And before the throne, as it were a sea of glass like crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and around it, and before the throne, were four Animals, full of eyes in their front and in their rear. |
And
2532 {2532} Primeκαίkai{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
before
1799 {1799} Primeἐνώπιονenopion{en-o'-pee-on}
Neuter of a compound of G1722 and a derivation of G3700; in the face of (literally or figuratively).
the
x3588 (3588) Complementὁho{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
throne
2362 {2362} Primeθρόνοςthronos{thron'-os}
From θράω [[thrao]] (to sit); a stately seat ('throne'); by implication power or (concretely) a potentate.
[ there was] a sea
2281 {2281} Primeθάλασσαthalassa{thal'-as-sah}
Probably prolonged from G0251; the sea (generally or specifically).
of glass
5193 {5193} Primeὑάλινοςhualinos{hoo-al'-ee-nos}
From G5194; glassy, that is, transparent.
like
y3664 [3664] Standardὅμοιοςhomoios{hom'-oy-os}
From the base of G3674; similar (in appearance or character).
unto
x3664 (3664) Complementὅμοιοςhomoios{hom'-oy-os}
From the base of G3674; similar (in appearance or character).
crystal:
2930 {2930} Primeκρύσταλλοςkrustallos{kroos'-tal-los}
From a derivative of κρύος [[kruos]] ( frost); ice, that is, (by analogy) rock 'crystal'.
and
2532 {2532} Primeκαίkai{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
in
1722 {1722} Primeἐνen{en}
A primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); ' in', at, (up-) on, by, etc.
the midst
3319 {3319} Primeμέσοςmesos{mes'-os}
From G3326; middle (as adjective or [neuter] noun).
of the
x3588 (3588) Complementὁho{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
throne,
2362 {2362} Primeθρόνοςthronos{thron'-os}
From θράω [[thrao]] (to sit); a stately seat ('throne'); by implication power or (concretely) a potentate.
and
2532 {2532} Primeκαίkai{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
round about
2945 {2945} Primeκύκλῳkuklo{koo'-klo}
As if dative case of κύκλος [[kuklos]] (a ring, 'cycle'; akin to G2947); that is, in a circle (by implication of G1722), that is, (adverbially) all around.
the
x3588 (3588) Complementὁho{ho}
The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom).
throne,
2362 {2362} Primeθρόνοςthronos{thron'-os}
From θράω [[thrao]] (to sit); a stately seat ('throne'); by implication power or (concretely) a potentate.
[ were] four
5064 {5064} Primeτέσσαρεςtessares{tes'-sar-es}
Neuter and a plural number; four.
beasts
2226 {2226} Primeζῷονzoon{dzo'-on}
Neuter of a derivative of G2198; a live thing, that is, an animal.
full
1073 {1073} Primeγέμωgemo{ghem'-o}
A primary verb; to swell out, that is, be full.
z5723 <5723> Grammar
Tense - Present (See G5774) Voice - Active (See G5784) Mood - Participle (See G5796) Count - 2549
of eyes
y3788 [3788] Standardὀφθαλμόςophthalmos{of-thal-mos'}
From G3700; the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication vision; figuratively envy (from the jealous side glance).
x3778 (3778) Complementοὗτοςhoutos{hoo'-tos}
Including the nominative masculine plural (second form), nominative feminine signular (third form), and the nominate feminine plural, (fourth form). From the article G3588 and G0846; the he ( she or it), that is, this or that (often with the article repeated).
before
1715 {1715} Primeἔμπροσθενemprosthen{em'-pros-then}
From G1722 and G4314; in front of (in place [literally or figuratively] or time).
and
2532 {2532} Primeκαίkai{kahee}
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.
behind.
3693 {3693} Primeὄπισθενopisthen{op'-is-then}
From ὄπις [[opis]] ( regard; from G3700) with enclitic of source; from the rear (as a secure aspect), that is, at the back (adverb and preposition of palce or time). |
Revelation 4:6
_ _ Two oldest manuscripts, A, B, Vulgate, Coptic, and Syriac read, “As it were a sea of glass.”
_ _ like ... crystal — not imperfectly transparent as the ancient common glass, but like rock crystal. Contrast the turbid “many waters” on which the harlot “sitteth” (Revelation 17:1, Revelation 17:15). Compare Job 37:18, “the sky ... as a molten looking-glass.” Thus, primarily, the pure ether which separates God’s throne from John, and from all things before it, may be meant, symbolizing the “purity, calmness, and majesty of God’s rule” [Alford]. But see the analogue in the temple, the molten sea before the sanctuary (see on Revelation 4:4, above). There is in this sea depth and transparency, but not the fluidity and instability of the natural sea (compare Revelation 21:1). It stands solid, calm, and clear, God’s judgments are called “a great deep” (Psalms 36:6). In Revelation 15:2 it is a “sea of glass mingled with fire.” Thus there is symbolized here the purificatory baptism of water and the Spirit of all who are made “kings and priests unto God.” In Revelation 15:2 the baptism with the fire of trial is meant. Through both all the king-priests have to pass in coming to God: His judgments, which overwhelm the ungodly, they stand firmly upon, as on a solid sea of glass; able like Christ to walk on the sea, as though it were solid.
_ _ round about the throne — one in the midst of each side of the throne.
_ _ four beasts — The Greek for “beasts,” Revelation 13:1, Revelation 13:11, is different, therion, the symbol for the carnal man by opposition to God losing his true glory, as lord, under Him, of the lower creatures, and degraded to the level of the beast. Here it is zoon, “living creatures”; not beast. |
Revelation 4:6
And before the throne is a sea as of glass, like crystal — Wide and deep, pure and clear, transparent and still. Both the "seven lamps of fire" and this sea are before the throne; and both may mean "the seven spirits of God," the Holy Ghost; whose powers and operations are frequently represented both under the emblem of fire and of water. We read again, Revelation 15:2, of "a sea as of glass," where there is no mention of "the seven lamps of fire;" but, on the contrary, the sea itself is "mingled with fire." We read also, Revelation 22:1, of "a stream of water of life, clear as crystal." Now, the sea which is before the throne, and the stream which goes out of the throne, may both mean the same; namely, the Spirit of God. And in the midst of the throne — With respect to its height. Round about the throne — That is, toward the four quarters, east, west, north, and south. Were four living creatures — Not beasts, no more than birds. These seem to be taken from the cherubim in the visions of Isaiah and Ezekiel, and in the holy of holies. They are doubtless some of the principal powers of heaven; but of what order, it is not easy to determine. It is very probable that the twenty — four elders may represent the Jewish church: their harps seem to intimate their having belonged to the ancient tabernacle service, where they were wont to be used. If so, the living creatures may represent the Christian church. Their number, also, is symbolical of universality, and agrees with the dispensation of the gospel, which extended to all nations under heaven. And the "new song" which they all sing, saying, "Thou hast redeemed us out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation," Revelation 5:9, could not possibly suit the Jewish without the Christian church. The first living creature was like a lion — To signify undaunted courage. The second, like a calf — Or ox, Ezekiel 1:10, to signify unwearied patience. The third, with the face of a man — To signify prudence and compassion. The fourth, like an eagle — To signify activity and vigour. Full of eyes — To betoken wisdom and knowledge. Before — To see the face of him that sitteth on the throne. And behind — To see what is done among the creatures. |
Revelation 4:6
(7) 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.
(7) By instruments used, in that he has both a most ready treasury and a workhouse excellently furnished with all things, to the executing of his will, which things flow from his commandment, as repeated in (Revelation 15:2) and has also the angels ready administers of his counsel and pleasure to all parts of the world, continually watching, (in this verse) working by reason otherwise than the instruments without life last mentioned, courageous as lions, mighty as bulls, wise as men, swift as eagles (Revelation 4:7) most apt to all purposes as furnished with wings on every part, most piercing of sight, and finally, pure and holy spirits always in continual motion (Revelation 4:8). |
- a sea:
Revelation 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
Exodus 38:8 And he made the laver [of] brass, and the foot of it [of] brass, of the lookingglasses of [the women] assembling, which assembled [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
1 Kings 7:23 And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: [it was] round all about, and his height [was] five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
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- crystal:
Revelation 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Job 28:17 The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it [shall not be for] jewels of fine gold.
Ezekiel 1:22 And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature [was] as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
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- the midst:
Revelation 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Ezekiel 1:4-5 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness [was] about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. ... Also out of the midst thereof [came] the likeness of four living creatures. And this [was] their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
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- four beasts:
Revelation 4:8-9 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. ... And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
Revelation 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Revelation 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Revelation 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
Revelation 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and [about] the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Revelation 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
Revelation 15:7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
Revelation 19:4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
Ezekiel 1:5-28 Also out of the midst thereof [came] the likeness of four living creatures. And this [was] their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. ... As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
Ezekiel 10:14 And every one had four faces: the first face [was] the face of a cherub, and the second face [was] the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
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- full:
Revelation 4:8 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.
Ezekiel 1:18 As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings [were] full of eyes round about them four.
Ezekiel 10:12 And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, [were] full of eyes round about, [even] the wheels that they four had.
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