Revelation 4:7

And the first beast [was] like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle.

And {G2532} the first {G4413} beast {G2226} was like {G3664} a lion {G3023}, and {G2532} the second {G1208} beast {G2226} like {G3664} a calf {G3448}, and {G2532} the third {G5154} beast {G2226} had {G2192} a face {G4383} as {G5613} a man {G444}, and {G2532} the fourth {G5067} beast {G2226} was like {G3664} a flying {G4072} eagle {G105}.

The first living being was like a lion, the second living being was like an ox, the third living being had a face that looked human, and the fourth living being was like a flying eagle.

The 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.

And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face as of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle.

Commentary

Context of Revelation 4:7

Revelation chapter 4 opens with the Apostle John being invited into a profound vision of God's heavenly throne room. This chapter marks a significant shift from the letters to the seven churches (chapters 2-3) to a grander, cosmic revelation of God's sovereignty and future events. Verse 7 specifically describes the appearance of the four living creatures (KJV: "beasts") that surround the throne, building upon their introduction in the preceding verse. These creatures are central to the heavenly worship and serve as powerful symbols of God's majesty and creation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Majesty and Sovereignty: The presence and nature of these creatures underscore the overwhelming power, wisdom, and authority of God. They are part of the divine entourage, reflecting the multifaceted glory of the One who sits on the throne.
  • Symbolism of Creation and Attributes: Each creature's form—lion, calf (or ox), man, and eagle—is rich with symbolic meaning, representing various aspects of creation, divine attributes, or even the redeemed. They encapsulate the totality of life's characteristics: strength, service, intelligence, and transcendence.
  • Perpetual Worship: These living creatures play a crucial role in the continuous worship of God, as seen throughout Revelation (e.g., Revelation 5:8). Their symbolic forms contribute to the awe-inspiring atmosphere of the heavenly court.

Linguistic Insights

It's important to note the Greek word translated "beast" in the KJV for these creatures is zoon (ζῷον), which means "living creature." This distinguishes them from the monstrous "beasts" (Greek: therion, θηρίον) that appear later in Revelation (e.g., Revelation 13), which represent evil empires and anti-God powers. The zoon here are benevolent, holy beings. Their forms bear a striking resemblance to the four living creatures described in Ezekiel 1:10, which also had faces of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, suggesting a consistent heavenly imagery across prophetic visions.

Symbolic Meanings of Each Creature

The specific animal forms are deeply symbolic:

  • Lion: Represents strength, royalty, courage, and sovereignty. It often symbolizes the "King of beasts," aligning with God's supreme rule and the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Jesus Christ.
  • Calf (or Ox): Symbolizes strength, service, sacrifice, and endurance. The ox was a common sacrificial animal and a beast of burden, suggesting humble service and steadfastness.
  • Man: Represents intelligence, reason, compassion, and humanity. This face signifies the highest attributes of created life—rationality and moral understanding.
  • Flying Eagle: Signifies swiftness, transcendence, far-sightedness, and majesty. The eagle's ability to soar high above the earth often symbolizes divine perspective, power, and swift judgment.

Traditionally, these four creatures have also been associated with the four Gospels, each emphasizing a different aspect of Christ's person and work (e.g., Matthew as man, Mark as lion, Luke as ox, John as eagle, though interpretations vary).

Practical Application

Revelation 4:7, along with the rest of the chapter, invites us to gaze upon the glory of God. It reminds us that:

  • God is in Control: The intricate and powerful symbolism surrounding His throne assures us of His absolute sovereignty over all creation and all events, even in tumultuous times.
  • Worship is Central: The heavenly scene emphasizes that the primary purpose of these magnificent creatures, and indeed all creation, is to offer continuous praise and glory to God. This should inspire our own worship.
  • God's Nature is Multifaceted: The diverse forms of the creatures reflect the rich and complex nature of God—His strength, wisdom, compassion, and transcendence—all working in perfect unity.

Understanding these symbols deepens our appreciation for the divine majesty and encourages us to join the heavenly chorus in adoration of the Almighty.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 10:14 (21 votes)

    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.

  • Ezekiel 1:10 (20 votes)

    As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

  • Ezekiel 10:21 (8 votes)

    Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man [was] under their wings.

  • Ezekiel 1:8 (6 votes)

    And [they had] the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.

  • Revelation 4:6 (6 votes)

    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.

  • Daniel 7:4 (6 votes)

    The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

  • Deuteronomy 28:49 (0 votes)

    The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, [as swift] as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;