Revelation 19 4

Revelation 19:4 kjv

And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

Revelation 19:4 nkjv

And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, "Amen! Alleluia!"

Revelation 19:4 niv

The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: "Amen, Hallelujah!"

Revelation 19:4 esv

And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!"

Revelation 19:4 nlt

Then the twenty-four elders and the four living beings fell down and worshiped God, who was sitting on the throne. They cried out, "Amen! Praise the LORD!"

Revelation 19 verses

Revelation 19 4 Meaning

Revelation 19:4 describes the immediate response of the heavenly hosts to the victorious divine pronouncements of God's judgment and imminent reign. The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures, representatives of the redeemed and creation respectively, humble themselves in ultimate adoration, prostrating themselves before God. Their acclamation of "Amen! Alleluia!" serves as a powerful affirmation of God's righteous judgments and His sovereign power, reinforcing the praise that has just erupted from the heavenly multitude. This verse encapsulates a scene of profound worship in the throne room, directly preceding the triumphant proclamation of the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Revelation 19 4 Context

Revelation 19:4 occurs within a powerful sequence of praise in the book of Revelation. Chapter 18 described the dramatic fall and utter destruction of "Babylon the Great," symbolizing corrupt earthly power opposed to God. This verse immediately follows the initial heavenly response in Revelation 19:1-3, where a "great multitude" in heaven declares "Alleluia" four times, praising God for His just judgment against Babylon and His sovereign rule. Verse 4 then zooms in on specific representatives of the heavenly court—the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures—showing their personal, intimate, and humble affirmation of this praise. The larger context of chapter 19 rapidly transitions from divine judgment to the climactic anticipation of Christ's second coming, symbolized by the "marriage supper of the Lamb" and the rider on the white horse. Thus, the worship in verse 4 is a foundational response to God's triumphant victory over evil, paving the way for the celebration of Christ's return and reign. Historically, for the persecuted early Christian audience, such visions of heavenly worship affirmed God's ultimate control, promising that despite present suffering, divine justice would prevail and God's people would eventually participate in glorious worship.

Revelation 19 4 Word analysis

• And (καί - kai): Connects the heavenly multitude's praise (v. 1-3) to the specific worship of the elders and creatures, showing a continuation and a unified, comprehensive heavenly response.
• the twenty-four elders (οἱ εἴκοσι τέσσαρες πρεσβύτεροι - hoi eikosi tessares presbyteroi): These figures appear prominently in Revelation (e.g., Rev 4, 5, 7, 11). They are likely symbolic representatives of the whole redeemed church—Old Testament Israel and New Testament believers. Their presence underscores that human redeemed creation is intimately involved in heavenly worship.
• and the four living creatures (καὶ τὰ τέσσαρα ζῷα - kai ta tessara zōa): Foundational figures around God's throne in Revelation (e.g., Rev 4, 5, 6, 7). They represent creation in its highest form or possibly angelic beings responsible for upholding God's holiness and glory. Their actions demonstrate all creation, not just redeemed humanity, acknowledging God's sovereignty. They embody the awe-inspiring presence of God, as seen in Ezekiel's visions (Eze 1, 10).
• fell down (ἔπεσαν - epesan): A common biblical posture of extreme reverence, humility, and submission before divine authority (e.g., Gen 17:3; Mt 2:11). It signifies total prostration, recognizing God's absolute majesty and the worshiper's utter unworthiness. It is a profound act of adoration.
• and worshiped (καὶ προσεκύνησαν - kai prose_kynēsan): From proskyneō, meaning "to prostrate oneself in homage," "to bow down and do obeisance," or "to kiss the ground towards." This Greek term frequently describes worship directed solely to God in the New Testament. This act is the ultimate expression of spiritual and physical devotion.
• God (τῷ Θεῷ - tō Theō): The singular, sovereign God. The object of exclusive worship.
• who sits (τῷ καθημένῳ - tō kathēmenō): A participle emphasizing God's continuous posture of reigning, signifying His authority, power, and immutability as King. It visually reinforces His unwavering sovereignty.
• on the throne (ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου - epi tou thronou): The throne is the universal symbol of authority, dominion, and power in the ancient world and throughout the Bible. God's presence on the throne unequivocally asserts His absolute and supreme rule over all creation, nations, and events, especially in the context of His judgments.
• saying (λέγοντες - legontes): Indicates their vocal participation in the worship, not merely silent prostration.
• Amen! (Ἀμήν - Amēn!): A transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "truly," "so be it," or "let it be affirmed." It functions as an emphatic declaration of agreement, confirmation, and absolute truthfulness to the previous praises and divine declarations (Rev 19:1-3). It indicates full assent to God's judgments and His character.
• Alleluia! (Ἀλληλούϊα - Hallēlouia!): A transliteration of the Hebrew Halleluyah (הַלְלוּ יָהּ), meaning "Praise the Lord!" or "Praise Yahweh!" It is an exclamation of jubilant praise to God. Its use here echoes Old Testament liturgical contexts, particularly Psalms (e.g., Psa 104, 105, 106, 111-118, 135, 146-150), linking heavenly worship to ancient Israel's fervent adoration. Its repetition four times in Rev 19 underscores the immense joy and triumph in heaven.

Revelation 19 4 Bonus section

The four-fold repetition of "Alleluia" (Hallelujah) in Revelation 19:1, 3, 4, 6 forms a chiastic (ABBA) structure around the themes of God's judgment and coming reign, amplifying the significance of the heavenly praise.

• A: Verse 1: Heavenly multitude shouts "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God." (General praise, attributes of God)
• B: Verse 3: The same multitude repeats, "Alleluia! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever." (Focus on Babylon's judgment)
• B': Verse 4: The Elders and Living Creatures add their "Amen! Alleluia!" (Affirmation of judgment, rejoining the praise)
• A': Verse 6: A mighty multitude, like many waters, proclaims, "Alleluia! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns." (General praise, focus on God's reign)This structure underscores the ultimate unity and comprehensive nature of the praise directed towards God's character and His actions in justice and sovereignty. The "Alleluia" here signifies the triumphant dawn of God's explicit, unrestrained reign after the removal of opposing forces, initiating the final glorious age.

Revelation 19 4 Commentary

Revelation 19:4 offers a poignant snapshot of authentic heavenly worship. Following the dramatic judgment on Babylon, the combined worship of the elders (representing the church, Old and New Testament saints) and the living creatures (representing all creation or premier angelic beings) testifies to the universal acclamation of God's absolute sovereignty and righteousness. Their act of falling down underscores total humility and adoration before the Creator who sits in supreme authority. The combined cries of "Amen" and "Alleluia" are not merely spontaneous expressions but deliberate affirmations. "Amen" solidifies their full agreement with God's recent acts of judgment and His nature as just, true, and powerful. "Alleluia," a direct invitation to "Praise Yahweh," signals rapturous joy and profound gratitude for His redemptive and judgmental work, which ultimately clears the way for the Lamb's reign. This verse encapsulates the theological truth that true worship is rooted in the recognition of God's supreme authority, His righteous character, and His triumphant acts in history. It serves as a reminder that creation and redemption find their ultimate purpose in giving God glory, validating His justice, and exalting His name. For believers, this scene provides comfort and hope: God is indeed on His throne, governing all things, and one day all legitimate praise will be directed to Him.