And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
And {G2532} when {G3753} he had taken {G2983} the book {G975}, the four {G5064} beasts {G2226} and {G2532} four {G5064} and twenty {G1501} elders {G4245} fell down {G4098} before {G1799} the Lamb {G721}, having {G2192} every one of them {G1538} harps {G2788}, and {G2532} golden {G5552} vials {G5357} full {G1073} of odours {G2368}, which {G3739} are {G1526} the prayers {G4335} of saints {G40}.
When he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down in front of the Lamb. Each one held a harp and gold bowls filled with pieces of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people;
When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
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Psalms 141:2
Let my prayer be set forth before thee [as] incense; [and] the lifting up of my hands [as] the evening sacrifice. -
Revelation 8:3
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. -
Revelation 8:4
And the smoke of the incense, [which came] with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. -
Philippians 2:9
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: -
Philippians 2:11
And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -
Revelation 4:10
The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, -
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.
Context
This verse follows the dramatic scene in Revelation chapter 5 where a sealed scroll, representing God's sovereign plan for the end times, is introduced. No one in heaven or on earth was found worthy to open it until the "Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" (Revelation 5:5), who is revealed as the slain Lamb. Upon the Lamb's taking of the scroll, the celestial beings – the four living creatures (representing creation) and the twenty-four elders (often symbolizing the redeemed people of God, both Old and New Testament saints, seen earlier in Revelation 4:4) – immediately fall down in profound worship.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV word "vials" translates the Greek word phialē (φιάλη), which refers to a broad, shallow bowl or saucer, not a narrow bottle. This type of vessel was often used in ancient rituals for pouring libations or holding incense. The "odours" (Greek: thymiamata, θυμιάματα) specifically refers to fragrant incense. This imagery draws heavily from Old Testament temple worship, where incense was burned on the altar of incense, symbolizing the prayers of Israel ascending to God (Psalm 141:2). The direct identification of these "odours" as "the prayers of saints" makes the symbolism explicit and profoundly meaningful.
Practical Application
Revelation 5:8 offers immense encouragement for believers in their daily walk and prayer life.