Revelation 4:4 kjv

And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

Revelation 4:4 nkjv

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.

Revelation 4:4 niv

Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads.

Revelation 4:4 esv

Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.

Revelation 4:4 nlt

Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads.

Revelation 4 verses

Revelation 4 4 Meaning

Revelation 4:4 describes John's vision of twenty-four elders surrounding God's throne, each seated on their own throne. These elders are depicted wearing white robes, signifying purity, righteousness, and victory, and golden crowns, symbolizing their regal status, authority, and divine reward for faithfulness. This verse sets the scene for the heavenly worship, revealing a key group involved in divine counsel and adoration around God's sovereign presence.

Revelation 4 4 Context

Revelation 4:4 introduces a pivotal scene following the messages to the seven churches in chapters 2-3. It shifts John's vision from earthly congregations to the divine throne room in heaven, marking a transition to a broader, eschatological revelation. This verse immediately follows the description of God's awe-inspiring presence on the throne (Rev 4:2-3), setting the stage for heavenly worship and divine governance. The twenty-four elders, therefore, are an integral part of the heavenly host witnessing and participating in God's sovereignty. Historically, such visions would have contrasted sharply with the imperial cult of Rome, where emperors demanded worship and claimed divine authority, establishing Christ's sole cosmic supremacy and His redeemed people's exalted position in His presence.

Revelation 4 4 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A simple conjunction connecting this new detail to the preceding description of God's throne, indicating a continuation of John's vision.
• around (κύκλῳ - kyklō): Literally "in a circle." Emphasizes their proximity and honored position surrounding the throne, suggesting intimacy, protection, and participation in the divine council.
• the throne (τοῦ θρόνου - tou thronou): Refers to God's sovereign seat of power and authority described in Rev 4:2-3. Their position around it highlights its central and supreme importance.
• twenty-four elders (εἴκοσι τέσσαρας πρεσβυτέρους - eikosi tessaras presbyterous):
  • Twenty-four: Symbolically understood as representing the totality of God's redeemed people. This number is often seen as the combination of the twelve tribes of Israel (representing the Old Testament people of God) and the twelve apostles (representing the New Testament church), signifying the complete body of the elect, unified in Christ. It points to a redeemed priestly and royal people.
  • Elders (πρεσβυτέρους - presbyterous): This Greek term typically refers to older, mature individuals with wisdom, dignity, and a role of leadership, often as spiritual overseers or representatives (as in the synagogue and early Christian church). While some traditions interpret them as angels, their attributes and actions in Rev 5:8-10, where they sing of being "ransomed by your blood," strongly suggest they represent redeemed humanity, participating in heavenly government and worship.
• seated (καθημένους - kathēmenous): Denotes a fixed, established position of honor, authority, and rest. It signifies a right to be there, not merely standing as servants.
• on twenty-four thrones (ἐπὶ θρόνους εἴκοσι τέσσαρας - epi thronous eikosi tessaras): Implies a shared authority and a co-reign with God. This aligns with promises for believers to reign with Christ (2 Tim 2:12, Rev 20:4, Rev 22:5), demonstrating their exalted status and participation in divine judgment and rule.
• clothed (ἐνδεδυμένους - endedymenous): Meaning "clothed in." Signifies that their attire is an intrinsic part of their identity and status.
• in white raiment (στολὰς λευκὰς - stolas leukas):
  • Stolas (στολάς): Refers to long, flowing robes or vestments, often associated with royalty, priesthood, or high status.
  • Leukas (λευκὰς): Meaning "white." Symbolizes purity, holiness, righteousness (imputed righteousness through Christ, see Rev 7:14), victory over sin and evil, and joyful celebration. In ancient times, white garments were worn by those celebrating triumphs or those serving in sacred roles.
• with gold crowns (στεφάνους χρυσοῦς - stephanous chrysous):
  • Stephanous (στεφάνους): Refers to a victor's crown or wreath, worn by athletes as a prize for winning a contest, or by royalty for special occasions. It signifies triumph, honor, and reward for faithfulness and perseverance (distinct from "diadema," a royal diadem of inherent kingly authority).
  • Chrysous (χρυσοῦς): Meaning "gold." Signifies preciousness, durability, divine nature, royalty, and immense value, reinforcing the worthiness and exalted status of those who bear them.
• on their heads (ἐπὶ τὰς κεφαλὰς αὐτῶν - epi tas kephalas autōn): Specifies the placement, an ultimate sign of honor and distinction.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• And around the throne were twenty-four elders: This phrase establishes the proximity and direct relationship of these elders to God's sovereign authority. Their presence "around" signifies a close counsel or a participant role in the heavenly realm. The immediate introduction highlights their importance.
• seated on twenty-four thrones: This specific detail underscores their conferred authority and their status as co-regents or co-judges. They are not merely attendants but hold positions of established power and honor alongside God. Their right to be seated on thrones implies a completed work and a granted reward.
• clothed in white raiment: This emphasizes their purity and righteousness. Their white garments represent Christ's atonement, having "washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev 7:14). It also points to their triumph over sin and the world.
• with gold crowns on their heads: This highlights their regal and victorious status. These are not inherited crowns but crowns of reward (stephanos), symbolizing the spiritual victory achieved through faith and perseverance. The gold signifies their divine appointment and the lasting, precious nature of their reward.

Revelation 4 4 Bonus section

The number twenty-four can also be derived from the organization of priestly divisions in the Old Testament, where King David divided the Levitical priests into twenty-four courses for service in the Temple (1 Chron 24:7-19). This may connect the elders not only to general redemption but specifically to a priestly role, as indeed the redeemed are called a "kingdom and priests" (Rev 5:10). This further emphasizes their right to be in God's presence and offer worship. The stillness implied by "seated" (rather than standing) further highlights their achieved rest and established authority after tribulation or earthly service.

Revelation 4 4 Commentary

Revelation 4:4 provides a profound insight into the heavenly court. The twenty-four elders are best understood as a symbolic representation of the complete assembly of God's redeemed people—both Old and New Testaments—chosen to participate in divine governance and worship. Their being "around the throne" indicates intimacy and inclusion in God's immediate presence. Their "thrones" signify shared authority and dignity with God, underscoring the New Testament theme of believers co-reigning with Christ, a reward for faithfulness and victory in life. The "white raiment" powerfully symbolizes the purity and righteousness given to believers through Christ's sacrifice, as well as their triumphant status as overcomers. The "gold crowns" (specifically stephanos, the victor's crown) denote the honor, reward, and spiritual authority granted to those who faithfully endured. Together, these elements paint a picture of a holy, righteous, victorious, and dignified company, fully welcomed into the very presence of God and sharing in His glorious reign, forever praising His sovereignty.