Revelation 4:8
What does Revelation 4:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 4:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 4:8 means
Each living creature has six wings and is filled with eyes all around and within—utter readiness and perfect awareness in God’s service. They do not pause in their task but continually confess God’s nature: He is thrice holy, set apart beyond all comparison; He is the Lord God, the Almighty; He is the One who was, who is, and who is to come. This worship centers on who God is in Himself—holy, sovereign, eternal—before ever celebrating His works. Heaven’s first word about God is not utility but worth. Such praise anchors faith, for the character of the One on the throne does not change.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the four living creatures, having each one of them six wings, are full of eyes round about and within: and they have no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, isthe Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the four living creatures, having each one of them six wings, are full of eyes round about and within: and they have no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, isthe Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the four beasts, having every one of them six wings, are full of eyes round about and inside: and without resting day and night, they say, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, Ruler of all, who was and is and is to come.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the four living creatures, each by itself severally, had six wings, around and within <FI>are<Fi> full of eyes, and rest they have not day and night, saying, `Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is coming;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the four living creatures had each of them six wings: and round about and within they are full of eyes. And they rested not day and night, saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the four living creatures, each one of them having respectively six wings; round and within they are full of eyes; and they cease not day and night saying, Holy, holy, holy, LordGod Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is to come.
Context
With their forms described, the creatures now speak, and their song becomes the heartbeat of the chapter. Their perpetual praise sets the tempo for all that follows. The focus is entirely on God’s attributes, and the refrain of holiness and eternity prepares for a responsive act from the elders. In the next verses, heaven’s liturgy becomes antiphonal: the creatures’ doxology triggers the elders’ prostration and confession, deepening the sense that all authority and honor flow to God alone.
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.
v.8This passage
v.9And when the living creatures shall give glory and honor and thanks to him that sitteth on the throne, to him that liveth for ever and ever,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 10:21
Every one had four faces, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.
- Revelation 16:7
And I heard the altar saying, Yea, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
- Revelation 4:6
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.
- Revelation 15:3
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are thy ways, thou King of the ages.
- Isaiah 62:1
For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness go forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burneth.
- Revelation 21:22
And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God the Almighty, and the Lamb, are the temple thereof.
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Holiness of God
God’s holiness is a central attribute of His being, distinguishing Him as set apart, pure, and perfect in every way.
Topic
Bible Verses About Worship
Worship is how we acknowledge and respond to God with all of our being, offering Him the honor and praise He alone deserves.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After a Miscarriage
A holy ache the world rarely names — scripture for the weight you're carrying.