Revelation 4:5-6
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder.[a] Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. 6 (A)In front of the throne was something that resembled a sea of glass like crystal.[b]
In the center and around the throne, there were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 4:5 Flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder: as in other descriptions of God’s appearance or activity; cf. Rev 8:5; 11:19; 16:18; Ex 19:16; Ez 1:4, 13. The seven spirits of God: the seven “angels of the presence” as in Rev 8:2 and Tb 12:15.
- 4:6 A sea of glass like crystal: an image adapted from Ez 1:22–26. Four living creatures: these are symbols taken from Ez 1:5–21; they are identified as cherubim in Ez 10:20. Covered with eyes: these suggest God’s knowledge and concern.
Revelation 4:5-6
New International Version
5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder.(A) In front of the throne, seven lamps(B) were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a](C) of God. 6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass,(D) clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures,(E) and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.(F)
Footnotes
- Revelation 4:5 That is, the sevenfold Spirit
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