Revelation 4:8 kjv

And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Revelation 4:8 nkjv

The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"

Revelation 4:8 niv

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "?'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,' who was, and is, and is to come."

Revelation 4:8 esv

And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!"

Revelation 4:8 nlt

Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty ?
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come."

Revelation 4 verses

Revelation 4 8 Meaning

Revelation 4:8 portrays the ceaseless worship of God by four angelic, symbolic living creatures around His heavenly throne. They are depicted with numerous eyes, signifying their full awareness and understanding of God's glorious presence, and six wings, denoting their swiftness and reverence. Their unceasing declaration, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!", emphasizes God's absolute holiness, omnipotence, and eternal nature. This worship highlights the transcendent glory and sovereign rule of God over all creation, establishing Him as the supreme object of adoration.

Revelation 4 8 Context

Revelation chapter 4 opens John's vision after his letters to the seven churches (chapters 1-3). He is called "up here" into the spiritual realm, transported into the very throne room of God in heaven. This chapter sets the majestic scene for all that is to follow in the book of Revelation. It is a profound liturgical worship scene, presenting God's absolute sovereignty and transcendence.

Historically and culturally for the original audience, visions of earthly throne rooms (like that of the Roman emperor) were powerful symbols of authority, dominion, and ultimate power. John's heavenly vision serves as a direct counter-narrative, presenting the true and ultimate King of the universe: not the emperor in Rome, but the One seated on the celestial throne. The explicit "Lord God Almighty" is a polemic against the Roman imperial cult that demanded worship of the emperor, asserting that ultimate allegiance and power belong solely to Yahweh. The concept of angels/heavenly beings continually praising God echoes Jewish mystical traditions and Temple liturgy, offering comfort and assurance that even amidst persecution on Earth, God is reigning supremely in heaven.

Revelation 4 8 Word analysis

• And the four living creatures (Greek: kai ta tessera zōa): These are angelic, symbolic beings described previously in Ezekiel 1 and 10 (cherubim). Zōa refers to "living beings" or "creatures," not "animals." Their appearance signifies a connection to creation, judgment, and divine revelation, as seen accompanying God's throne in Old Testament visions. They represent aspects of creation or divine attributes in service to God.
• each having six wings (Greek: hex pterygas echonta): The detail of "six wings" directly links them to the seraphim in Isa 6:2. The number six symbolizes perfect divine order and human completeness/limitations. The wings' use for covering the face and feet (as in Isaiah) indicates reverence and humility before God's majesty, while two wings are for swift, obedient service.
• were full of eyes (Greek: gemonta ophthalmōn): "Full of eyes" describes extensive coverage, both internally and externally. Ophthalmon (eyes) signifies complete knowledge, omnipresence (seeing everything), and discernment. It represents divine vigilance and insight into all things, contrasting with lifeless idols which have eyes but do not see (Ps 115:5).
• around and within (Greek: kyklothen kai esōthen): This phrase emphasizes that their awareness and vision are all-encompassing, externally observing creation and internally comprehending God's plans. It underscores omniscience—nothing hidden from their sight and understanding, nor from God's.
• and they do not rest (Greek: kai ouk echousin anapausin): The continuous action indicates unceasing worship and devoted service. There is no need for sleep or break for these celestial beings, only unending adoration for God. This mirrors the activity of the seraphim in Isa 6:3.
• day or night (Greek: hēmeras kai nyktos): A merism (literary device) meaning "continually" or "without end." It stresses the perpetual nature of their worship, unaffected by temporal limitations.
• saying: (Greek: legontes): Implies a continuous declaration, an ongoing liturgy.
• 'Holy, holy, holy (Greek: Hagios, hagios, hagios): Known as the "Trisagion" or "Thrice-Holy" hymn. The repetition of "holy" to the third degree is a Hebrew superlative, emphasizing the absolute and supreme holiness of God. God's holiness means His absolute moral purity, transcendence, separation from all sin, and glorious majesty. It is His fundamental attribute, from which all others flow. This precise phrase is only found here and in Isa 6:3, indicating profound connection. It is often interpreted as an early allusion to the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as all three persons of the Godhead are intrinsically holy.
• Lord God Almighty (Greek: Kyrios ho Theos ho Pantokrator):
  • Lord (Kyrios): A title of ultimate authority and sovereign dominion, frequently used for Yahweh in the Septuagint.
  • God (ho Theos): Simply denotes His divine nature.
  • Almighty (ho Pantokrator): Literally "All-Ruler," signifying God's omnipotence and absolute control over all things. This title is highly prominent in Revelation (nine times), reaffirming God's ultimate power over human kingdoms and cosmic events.
• Who was and is and is to come! (Greek: Ho ēn kai ho ōn kai ho erchomenos): This foundational declaration defines God's eternal nature: past (He is the eternal Creator, existing before all things), present (He is ever-present, sustaining all things, currently reigning), and future (He is the coming One, the judge, the Alpha and Omega, the One who will fulfill His plans). This underscores God's immutability and continuous active involvement in history, providing comfort and assurance of His sovereign control over all time.

Revelation 4 8 Bonus section

The scene in Revelation 4:8 is profoundly liturgical, reflecting patterns of ancient worship in a divine context. The very repetition of the Trisagion (Holy, holy, holy) mirrors call-and-response elements common in Temple and synagogue services, elevating the experience beyond simple statement to participatory veneration. This verse forms part of a larger, ongoing drama where God's worthiness is continuously affirmed, serving as the foundational reason for all subsequent judgments and salvations. It also implies that holiness is not a concept limited to human piety but is an inherent attribute of the Divine that defines His very being and governs His interaction with creation. The profound sense of the divine inaccessibility yet powerful presence is a major theme, emphasizing that the creatures' direct perception of God fills them with eyes, symbolizing wisdom gained by being continually in His direct light.

Revelation 4 8 Commentary

Revelation 4:8 offers a profound glimpse into the true nature of heavenly worship, contrasting sharply with any earthly spectacle. The living creatures' depiction, brimming with eyes and wings, speaks to God's all-seeing wisdom and omnipresent knowledge, inspiring constant vigilance and service from His creation. Their incessant "Holy, holy, holy" underscores that holiness is not merely an attribute of God but His very essence – absolute, unchangeable, and transcendent. This triple repetition signifies superlative purity and separates Him infinitely from creation and sin, implicitly hinting at the Trinity's unified perfection.

The title "Lord God Almighty" asserts God's ultimate sovereignty and boundless power, an assurance particularly poignant for a church facing Roman imperial demands for worship. He alone is the "All-Ruler." Finally, the declaration "Who was and is and is to come" encapsulates God's eternal and unchanging nature. He is the God of history (past), the ever-present ruler (current), and the One who guarantees future triumph and justice (future). This liturgical chant is a reminder that amidst earthly chaos or tribulation, the unceasing reality of heaven is God's sovereign presence and supreme worthiness of all adoration. It invites believers to participate in this eternal worship through their lives, acknowledging Him as the beginning, middle, and end of all things.