Revelation 4:7 kjv

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.

Revelation 4:7 nkjv

The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.

Revelation 4:7 niv

The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.

Revelation 4:7 esv

the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight.

Revelation 4:7 nlt

The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight.

Revelation 4 verses

Revelation 4 7 Meaning

Revelation 4:7 describes four distinct living creatures, often identified as cherubim, standing around God's heavenly throne. The verse specifically details their primary resemblance: the first like a lion, the second like a calf (or ox), the third with a face like a man, and the fourth like a flying eagle. These forms symbolize attributes of strength, service, intelligence, and divine swiftness, collectively representing the fullness of creation in worship and their active role in the presence of God. They are key participants in the heavenly liturgy, embodying profound aspects of God's sovereignty and presence over all things.

Revelation 4 7 Context

Revelation chapter 4 opens a profound new section of John’s vision, transitioning from the earthly messages to the churches (chapters 1-3) to a breathtaking heavenly scene. John is invited by a voice "like a trumpet" to "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this" (Rev 4:1). This marks a shift from past and present earthly realities to future prophetic events and the divine sovereignty orchestrating them. Verses 2-6 vividly describe the glory of God's throne, surrounded by a rainbow, 24 elders, and seven blazing lamps, depicting unparalleled divine majesty and purity. Revelation 4:7 specifically introduces four integral figures within this throne room, the four living creatures, detailing their striking appearance and linking them deeply to similar Old Testament visions. Historically, this vision provides a counter-narrative to the prevailing Roman imperial cult, where emperor worship was enforced. John's revelation firmly asserts that the ultimate throne, power, and glory belong solely to God, offering immense comfort and assurance to persecuted early Christians facing intense pressure and trials under imperial authority. It underscores that behind all earthly events, a sovereign God is on His throne, receiving universal adoration.

Revelation 4 7 Word analysis

• "And the first beast was like a lion"

  • And: Links this description directly to the preceding depiction of God's throne, indicating these creatures are intrinsic to the throne room vision.
  • first beast: From Greek zōon (ζῷον), meaning "living one" or "living creature." This is crucially different from thērion (θηρίον), which means a wild beast or monster and is used elsewhere in Revelation (e.g., chapters 13, 17) for adversarial powers. Here, zōon denotes a magnificent, powerful, spiritual being closely associated with God.
  • was like: From Greek homoios (ὅμοιος), meaning "similar to" or "resembling." It signifies a symbolic likeness, not a literal or complete identity, emphasizing characteristics without literal form.
  • lion: Symbol of power, majesty, nobility, courage, and royalty. In biblical thought, the lion is associated with leadership, particularly with the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:9), foreshadowing the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," who is Christ (Rev 5:5).

• "and the second beast like a calf"

  • and the second beast: Continues the description of the zōa or living creatures.
  • calf: From Greek moschos (μόσχος), typically referring to a young bull or ox. Symbolizes strength, service, labor, patient endurance, and sacrifice. Oxen were vital for agriculture and frequently used for sacrifice in Old Testament temple worship, indicating a humble but powerful devotion to divine purposes.

• "and the third beast had a face as a man"

  • and the third beast: Refers to the third living creature, again zōon.
  • had a face as a man: Greek prosopon hōs anthrōpou (πρόσωπον ὡς ἀνθρώπου). This face signifies intelligence, reason, wisdom, empathy, and moral nature. It speaks to the unique status of humanity, created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26), and reflects the rational and spiritual aspects of creation's worship.

• "and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle."

  • and the fourth beast: The final of the four living creatures, zōon.
  • flying eagle: Greek aetos petomenos (ἀετός πετόμενος). The eagle is a symbol of swiftness, soaring vision, far-sightedness, divine judgment, majesty, and renewal. It also often represents God's providential care and power, as He bore Israel "on eagles' wings" (Ex 19:4). "Flying" emphasizes elevated perspective, omnipresence, and swiftness in executing divine will.

• Words-group Analysis

  • "The Four Living Creatures": These creatures are direct counterparts to the cherubim seen by Ezekiel (Ezek 1, 10), serving as guardians of God’s holiness and throne. Their forms are not haphazard but represent the four highest orders of God's creation: wild animals (lion), domesticated animals (ox), humanity (man), and birds (eagle). This symbolizes that all creation—in its strength, service, intelligence, and divine perception—bows in worship and recognition of the Creator’s supreme authority. Their presence near the throne highlights their integral role in the unfolding of divine purposes.
  • "Symbolic Representation of Attributes": Collectively, the four living creatures embody the comprehensive attributes and reign of God across all creation. The lion signifies royalty and overwhelming power. The ox denotes diligent service, enduring strength, and readiness for sacrifice. The man represents intelligent purpose, rationality, and humanity’s unique capacity for spiritual relation. The eagle symbolizes divine oversight, transcendent vision, swiftness in execution, and renewal. This amalgamation shows God’s control and presence across all facets of existence, making the heavenly worship complete and universal.

Revelation 4 7 Bonus section

The order of the faces in Revelation 4:7 (Lion, Ox, Man, Eagle) differs slightly from Ezekiel 1:10 (Man, Lion, Ox, Eagle) but matches the traditional Jewish interpretation of the cherubim based on the tribal standards around the tabernacle, where Judah (lion) led, Ephraim (ox) was second, Reuben (man), and Dan (eagle) followed. While not explicitly stated, some early church fathers (notably Irenaeus and later Church tradition) linked these four creatures to the four Gospels: Mark as the lion (emphasizing Christ's royalty and immediate action), Luke as the ox (highlighting Christ's service, sacrifice, and priesthood), Matthew as the man (focusing on Christ's humanity, lineage, and kingship in teaching), and John as the eagle (portraying Christ's divine nature, soaring theology, and eternality). This is a post-biblical interpretation, yet it illustrates how Christian thought has sought to find comprehensive theological meaning in these profound symbols. This detailed and deliberate depiction in God's throne room also subtly opposes any polytheistic notions prevalent in John's context by showing composite beings that serve the One True God, rather than being worshipped themselves.

Revelation 4 7 Commentary

Revelation 4:7 paints a vibrant picture of God's unassailable sovereignty by describing four distinct "living ones" flanking His throne. Far from being random beasts, these zōa are celestial beings, undoubtedly a re-presentation of the cherubim from Ezekiel's vision. Their specific forms—lion, ox, man, and eagle—are rich with theological meaning, signifying comprehensive dominion over creation. They collectively embody the sum of terrestrial life: the king of beasts, the chief of domesticated animals, the crown of creation (man), and the king of birds. This imagery indicates that every aspect and dimension of creation, from its wild ferocity to its humble utility, its intelligence, and its transcendent perspective, is subservient to God and participates in eternal adoration of His holiness. They are active participants in heavenly worship, perpetually declaring God’s might and glory. Their very presence around the throne underscores God's total and active control over His creation and His being worthy of worship from all realms.