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.

And {G2532} before {G1799} the throne {G2362} there was a sea {G2281} of glass {G5193} like {G3664} unto crystal {G2930}: and {G2532} in {G1722} the midst {G3319} of the throne {G2362}, and {G2532} round about {G2945} the throne {G2362}, were four {G5064} beasts {G2226} full {G1073} of eyes {G3788} before {G1715} and {G2532} behind {G3693}.

In front of the throne was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

In the center, around the throne, were four living beings covered with eyes in front and behind.

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.

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.

Revelation 4:6 KJV offers a vivid glimpse into the majestic throne room of God, as witnessed by the Apostle John in his profound vision. This verse introduces two key elements that underscore God's holiness, power, and the nature of heavenly worship.

Context of Revelation 4:6

Chapter 4 of Revelation marks a significant shift from messages to the seven churches on earth (Revelation 2-3) to a grand vision of heaven. John is invited "up hither" (Revelation 4:1) to witness the divine administration and the ultimate source of all authority. This verse describes the immediate surroundings of God's throne, setting the stage for understanding the events that follow in the book of Revelation.

Key Elements and Their Significance

The Sea of Glass

The description of a "sea of glass like unto crystal" before the throne speaks volumes about the divine presence. Unlike the turbulent, unpredictable seas of earth, this heavenly sea is perfectly still, transparent, and reflective. It symbolizes:

  • Purity and Holiness: Its crystal-like clarity signifies God's absolute purity and the unblemished holiness that surrounds His throne. Nothing impure can stand before Him.
  • Tranquility and Stability: The stillness suggests perfect peace, order, and the unwavering stability of God's reign, contrasting with the chaos and unrest often found in the earthly realm.
  • Majesty and Glory: It likely reflects the dazzling glory of God, amplifying the light and splendor of the throne. This imagery reappears in Revelation 15:2, where those who overcome stand upon it.

The Four Living Creatures

KJV translates the Greek word zōa as "beasts," but a more accurate rendering is "living creatures," which avoids negative connotations and aligns better with their role of worship. These four beings are remarkable for being "full of eyes before and behind."

  • Omniscience and Vigilance: The abundance of eyes symbolizes perfect knowledge, acute awareness, and continuous vigilance. They see all things, past, present, and future, reflecting God's own omniscience. This comprehensive sight enables them to perpetually observe and respond to God's glory.
  • Divine Attributes: Their characteristics are often compared to the cherubim and seraphim seen in prophetic visions like Ezekiel 1:5-10 and Isaiah 6:2-3. They embody different aspects of creation or divine attributes, serving as primary worshipers around the throne.
  • Central to Worship: These creatures play a pivotal role in leading heavenly worship, constantly proclaiming God's holiness as seen in Revelation 4:8.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's use of "beasts" for the Greek zōa (ζῷα) can be misleading. While "beast" might imply a wild or untamed animal, zōa simply means "living beings" or "living creatures." This distinction is important for understanding their reverent and active role in God's presence, rather than a monstrous one. Their "full of eyes" characteristic emphasizes their supernatural perception and intelligence, not a grotesque appearance.

Practical Application

Revelation 4:6 provides a powerful reminder of God's supreme authority, unblemished holiness, and constant vigilance. For believers, this vision offers comfort and assurance that:

  • God is sovereignly in control, seated on a stable and glorious throne.
  • His holiness is absolute, demanding reverence and purity from those who approach Him.
  • There is a constant, vibrant worship occurring in heaven, reminding us of our call to worship Him on earth.
  • God sees and knows all, providing both comfort in His care and conviction in His justice.

This verse encourages us to live lives that reflect the purity and reverence appropriate for those who serve such a holy and majestic God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Revelation 4:9

    And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

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