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,

And {G2532} when {G3752} those beasts {G2226} give {G1325} glory {G1391} and {G2532} honour {G5092} and {G2532} thanks {G2169} to him that sat {G2521} on {G1909} the throne {G2362}, who {G3588} liveth {G2198} for {G1519} ever {G165} and ever {G165},

And whenever the living beings give glory, honor and thanks to the One sitting on the throne, to the One who lives forever and ever,

And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne who lives forever and ever,

And when the living creatures shall give glory and honor and thanks to him that sitteth on the throne, to him that liveth for ever and ever,

Revelation 4:9 describes a pivotal moment in John's vision of the heavenly throne room, focusing on the ceaseless worship offered to God. This verse highlights the profound adoration given by the "four beasts," or living creatures, to the Almighty who occupies the central throne.

Context

This verse is part of a larger vision in Revelation chapters 4 and 5, which transports the reader into the very presence of God's throne in heaven. John sees twenty-four elders, lightning, thunder, and seven lamps of fire, all contributing to an awe-inspiring scene of divine majesty. The "four beasts" (often translated as "living creatures") are first introduced in Revelation 4:6-8, described as full of eyes, having six wings, and continually proclaiming God's holiness. Their actions in verse 9 are a direct response to the glory of God, initiating a cycle of worship that is then joined by the elders.

Key Themes

  • Unceasing Heavenly Worship: The verse emphasizes the continuous nature of worship in heaven. The living creatures are perpetually engaged in giving glory, honor, and thanks, setting an example for all creation. This points to worship as a central activity in God's presence.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Authority: The worship is directed "to him that sat on the throne," underscoring God's supreme position as the ultimate ruler and authority over all creation. His seated position signifies His rightful dominion.
  • God's Eternal Nature: The phrase "who liveth for ever and ever" is a profound declaration of God's everlasting existence. This attribute of immortality and eternality is a foundational reason for His worthiness of worship, as He is the source and sustainer of all life. Psalm 90:2 also speaks to God's eternal nature.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "glory and honour and thanks" uses three distinct terms to describe the comprehensive nature of the worship. "Glory" (Greek: doxa) refers to God's inherent majesty and radiance. "Honour" (Greek: timē) denotes the high esteem and reverence due to Him. "Thanks" (Greek: eucharistia) signifies gratitude for His benevolent actions and creation. This triad expresses a full and complete adoration.

The declaration "who liveth for ever and ever" translates the Greek phrase eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn, literally "unto the ages of the ages," which is a powerful idiom signifying eternity or endless duration. It is a common descriptor for God in the book of Revelation, affirming His unchanging and eternal being.

Practical Application

Revelation 4:9 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Inspiration for Worship: The scene in heaven provides a model for our own worship. It reminds us that true worship is not merely ritualistic but a heartfelt response of glory, honor, and gratitude to God for who He is and what He has done.
  • Focus on God's Eternality: Understanding that God "liveth for ever and ever" provides immense comfort and stability. In a world of change and uncertainty, God's unchanging nature is a secure anchor for our faith. This truth can be a source of strength and trust, as seen in Hebrews 13:8.
  • A Glimpse of Our Future: This verse offers a foretaste of the eternal worship that awaits all who believe. It encourages us to join in the present with the heavenly chorus, anticipating the day when every creature will acknowledge God's supreme worth, as envisioned in Revelation 5:13.
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 5:13

    And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

  • 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 10:6

    And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

  • 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 7:12

    Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 47:8

    God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

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