Devine Scripture

Revelation 4:6

What does Revelation 4:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 4:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 4:6 means

Before the throne stretches something like a glassy sea, clear as crystal—an image of transcendent calm, purity, and separateness. It both reflects the throne’s glory and sets a boundary that marks God’s otherness. In the midst and around the throne are four living creatures, covered with eyes front and back. Their many eyes symbolize unceasing vigilance and comprehensive insight; nothing escapes their notice in the service of God’s throne. They dwell nearest to the center, entrusted with perceiving and proclaiming God’s holiness. The scene assures believers that the One who reigns sees all perfectly and is attended by creatures formed for watchful worship.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And before the high seat there was, as it seemed, a clear sea of glass; and in the middle of the high seat, and round about it, four beasts full of eyes round about.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and before the throne <FI>is<Fi> a sea of glass like to crystal, and in the midst of the throne, and round the throne, <FI>are<Fi> four living creatures, full of eyes before and behind;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And in the sight of the throne was, as it were, a sea of glass like to crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four living creatures, full of eyes before and behind.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and before the throne, as a glass sea, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, four living creatures, full of eyes, before and behind;

Context

After thunder and fiery lamps, the vision steadies on the serene, crystalline expanse before the throne, heightening the contrast between majesty and peace. Immediately John introduces the four living creatures, placing them in the innermost circle of attendants. Their description begins with eyes and position—perception and proximity—before moving to their forms in the next verse. This order highlights their function as perceivers and heralds of God’s holiness, which will lead directly into their unceasing song that prompts the elders’ response.

v.5And 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;

v.6This passage

v.7And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face as of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle.

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 21:21

    And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the several gates was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

  • Revelation 15:2

    And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire; and them that come off victorious from the beast, and from his image, and from the number of his name, standing by the sea of glass, having harps of God.

  • Revelation 14:3

    and they sing as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders: and no man could learn the song save the hundred and forty and four thousand, even they that had been purchased out of the earth.

  • Ezekiel 10:14

    And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of the cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.

  • Revelation 5:14

    And the four living creatures said, Amen. And the elders fell down and worshipped.

  • 1 Kings 7:23

    And he made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and the height thereof was five cubits; and a line of thirty cubits compassed it round about.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Revelation 4

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Revelation 4.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Revelation 4:6.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary