Revelation 4:6 kjv

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.

Revelation 4:6 nkjv

Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.

Revelation 4:6 niv

Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.

Revelation 4:6 esv

and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind:

Revelation 4:6 nlt

In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back.

Revelation 4 verses

Revelation 4 6 Meaning

Revelation 4:6 describes a vision of God's heavenly throne room, detailing key elements immediately before the divine throne: a crystalline "sea of glass," reflecting purity and the unapproachable holiness of God. Surrounding the throne are four mysterious living creatures, ancient symbols of God's supreme attributes, identified by being "full of eyes," signifying their pervasive wisdom, vigilance, and insight into divine glory, looking in every direction.

Revelation 4 6 Context

Revelation Chapter 4 transitions from messages to earthly churches (chapters 2-3) to a vivid portrayal of God's throne in heaven, establishing the divine authority and sovereignty from which all subsequent events will proceed. John is "in the Spirit" (Rev 4:2), given a glimpse into the celestial realm. Verse 6 specifically focuses on the immediate surroundings of God's throne, providing descriptive elements that underscore God's majesty and attributes before the prophetic scrolls and judgments of the following chapters begin. Historically, this vision contrasted sharply with Roman imperial cults that deified emperors and demanded worship, positioning God alone as the rightful King and Supreme Authority.

Revelation 4 6 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A simple conjunction, connecting this detailed description to the preceding overall view of the throne.

• before (ἐνώπιον - enōpion): "In the presence of," "in the sight of." Emphasizes immediate proximity, direct access, and visibility to the throne, not merely being "in front of" but "in full view before." It implies divine gaze and immediate access to God's presence.

• the throne (τοῦ θρόνου - tou thronou): Refers to the majestic seat of divine power, authority, and rule. The throne is central to Revelation (over 40 times), signifying God's ultimate sovereignty and government over all creation and events. It directly counters the earthly thrones and power structures, particularly the Roman imperial cult of John's day.

• a sea (θάλασσα - thalassa): Figuratively, a vast, expansive surface, rather than a literal body of water.

• of glass (ὑαλίνη - hyalinē): "Glassy," made of clear material, often precious in antiquity. Connotes transparency, purity, and solid-like stability, in contrast to earthly turbulent seas (often symbolic of chaos or Gentile nations).

• like (ὁμοία - homoia): "Similar to," indicating a comparison rather than identical substance, emphasizing resemblance in appearance.

• crystal (κρυσταλλῳ - krystallō): Transparent quartz; extremely clear and pure. Combined with "sea of glass," it conveys stunning brilliance, absolute purity, calmness, stability, and God's awe-inspiring holiness. It suggests that nothing is hidden before God and signifies an unblemished, divine environment.

• And around (Καὶ κύκλῳ - Kai kyklō): Denotes circular placement, signifying constant proximity and enveloping presence.

• the throne (τοῦ θρόνου - tou thronou): Reiteration emphasizing the centrality of God's divine rule.

• and in the midst of (καὶ μέσῳ - kai mesō): Not merely "in the middle," but signifying the creatures are somehow integrally part of or closely surrounding the very core of the throne, embodying the throne's nature or representing aspects of God's presence. Some interpretations suggest they are within the spatial dimension of the throne, signifying deep involvement.

• the throne (τοῦ θρόνου - tou thronou): Repeating "the throne" emphasizes the creature's direct connection to God's reign and nature.

• four (τέσσαρα - tessara): The number four often symbolizes creation or the four cardinal directions, possibly representing God's universal sovereignty over all creation or comprehensive reach.

• living creatures (ζῷα - zōa): "Living beings." Not merely "beasts" but intelligent, vibrant, and sentient beings, likely angelic or cherubic, as seen in Ezekiel and Isaiah. These represent divine attributes and aspects of creation's worship.

• full of eyes (γέμοντα ὀφθαλμῶν - gemonta ophthalmon): "Teeming with eyes." This striking image, used repeatedly, conveys immense knowledge, constant vigilance, pervasive awareness, and comprehensive insight into God's glory and actions. It signifies omniscience and unceasing watchfulness, possibly symbolic of divine intelligence and the creatures' spiritual discernment.

• before and behind (ἔμπροσθεν καὶ ὄπισθεν - emprosthen kai opisthen): Refers to the eyes being everywhere on them, indicating all-encompassing sight, a metaphor for boundless knowledge, total vigilance, and the inability to be caught unawares, mirroring God's omnipresence. This reinforces the idea of comprehensive understanding and constant worship.

Revelation 4 6 Bonus section

The concept of the "sea of glass" has been interpreted in various ways, including a visual representation of God's serene dwelling, the firmament or expanse above His throne (similar to Ezek 1:22), or a reflective surface where creation sees God's glory and its own reflections in the light of His purity. Its clarity speaks to God's righteous judgments and the perfect transparency of His character. The number four for the living creatures and their "full of eyes" characteristic align with their likely representation of all creation (the four divisions of creation often related to cardinal points: man, wild beast, domesticated animal, bird of the air, or the four gospel perspectives on Christ) that ceaselessly observes and worships God's majesty and sovereign acts throughout eternity. Their location "in the midst of" the throne can be understood as either geographically central to the throne, or integrally linked with God's very being and purposes.

Revelation 4 6 Commentary

Revelation 4:6 ushers the reader into the sanctity and grandeur of God's throne room. The "sea of glass, like crystal," represents not just the calm and clarity of God's presence, but His absolute purity and transcendence. This barrier is a spiritual "laver" that cleanses or emphasizes the necessary holiness for approach, perhaps alluding to the Laver in the Tabernacle (Exod 30:18-21), suggesting cleansing or divine judgment before access. It's a stable foundation for the throne, starkly different from the turbulent earthly seas often used to symbolize chaos or rebellion. The four living creatures are central figures in this heavenly court, echoing the cherubim and seraphim of Old Testament prophetic visions (Ezek 1; Isa 6). Their "full of eyes" nature signifies divine omniscience and constant watchfulness, representing attributes of God Himself or those who faithfully observe and participate in His divine administration. They embody creation's profound worship, awareness of God's glory, and ceaseless readiness to serve. They are guardians and facilitators of God's purposes, revealing aspects of His dominion over creation. This entire vision confirms God's ultimate reign, portraying Him as perfectly holy, all-knowing, and perpetually glorified by His creation.