Devine Scripture

Revelation 4:5

What does Revelation 4:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 4:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 4:5 means

From the throne come lightning, voices, and thunder—signs of God’s awesome presence and the approach of His judicial word. Revelation’s throne is not silent or inert; it speaks and shakes creation. Before the throne burn seven fiery lamps, identified as the seven Spirits of God—a Revelation way of portraying the fullness and perfection of the Holy Spirit’s presence. God rules not only with decree and power but with the searching, illuminating fire of His Spirit. The sights and sounds warn that what unfolds is weighty and holy. Heaven is alive with divine energy, and nothing that follows can be treated as trivial.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And out of the throne proceed lightnings and voices and thunders. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And out of the throne proceed lightnings and voices and thunders. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And out of the high seat came flames and voices and thunders. And seven lights of fire were burning before the high seat, which are the seven Spirits of God;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and out of the throne proceed do lightnings, and thunders, and voices; and seven lamps of fire are burning before the throne, which are the Seven Spirits of God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And from the throne proceeded lightnings and voices and thunders. And there were seven lamps burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And out of the throne go forth lightnings, and voices, and thunders; and seven lamps of fire, burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits ofGod;

Context

Having shown the elders’ honor, John now emphasizes the throne’s grandeur and gravity. The storm imagery recalls Sinai-like manifestations of God’s nearness and authority. Mentioning the seven Spirits of God roots the vision in the fullness of God’s own presence at the heart of worship. Next, the eye will move to what lies before the throne—a sea like crystal—and then to the four living creatures. The flow tightens the focus on holiness and perception before introducing ceaseless praise.

v.4And round about the throne were four and twenty thrones: and upon the thrones I saw four and twenty elders sitting, arrayed in white garments; and on their heads crowns of gold.

v.5This passage

v.6and before the throne, as it were a sea of glass like unto crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 16:17

    And the seventh poured out his bowl upon the air; and there came forth a great voice out of the temple, from the throne, saying, It is done:

  • Psalms 18:13

    Jehovah also thundered in the heavens, And the Most High uttered his voice, Hailstones and coals of fire.

  • Psalms 68:35

    O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: The God of Israel, he giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.

  • Revelation 1:4

    John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits that are before his throne;

  • Hebrews 12:18

    For ye are not come unto a mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

  • Joel 3:16

    And Jehovah will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but Jehovah will be a refuge unto his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel.

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