Revelation 4:9
What does Revelation 4:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 4:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 4:9 means
Whenever the living creatures ascribe glory, honor, and thanks to the One on the throne, they are recognizing His endless life as the ground for perpetual praise. Thanksgiving is not secondary in heaven; it stands alongside glory and honor. The God who lives forever and ever is continually worthy of fresh gratitude, for His sustaining hand never ceases. The creatures model a posture of responsive worship: as God’s being and works are perceived, praise arises. Their pattern teaches that the right view of God—His eternal vitality—naturally produces humility, awe, and grateful acknowledgment from those nearest His presence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when the beasts give glory and honour to him who is seated on the high seat, to him who is living for ever and ever,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and when the living creatures do give glory, and honour, and thanks, to Him who is sitting upon the throne, who is living to the ages of the ages,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when those living creatures gave glory and honour and benediction to him that sitteth on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when the living creatures shall give glory and honour and thanksgiving to him that sits upon the throne, who lives to the ages of ages,
Context
This verse links the creatures’ identity to their function: their constant perception issues in constant doxology. It also sets up a chain reaction in heaven. When the creatures give thanks and glory, something happens among the elders. Verse 9 is thus a hinge, moving from the creatures’ proclamation to the elders’ bodily response in the next verse. The flow underscores unity and order in heavenly worship—everything centers on God and moves in harmony toward His honor.
v.8And 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.
v.9This passage
v.10the four and twenty elders shall fall down before him that sitteth on the throne, and shall worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and shall cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 12:7
And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
- Psalms 47:8
God reigneth over the nations: God sitteth upon his holy throne.
- Exodus 15:18
Jehovah shall reign for ever and ever.
- Revelation 1:18
and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.
- Revelation 7:11
And all the angels were standing round about the throne, andaboutthe elders and the four living creatures; and they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
- Hebrews 7:8
And here men that die receive tithes; but there one, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
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.