King James Version

What Does Revelation 4:2 Mean?

“And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.”

Context

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter .

And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

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Topics in This Verse

Holy Spirit

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **And immediately I was in the spirit.— **Comp. Revelation 1:10. The mind and soul were absorbed in the vision of things celestial. (See. 2Corinthians 12:1-4.) “Words may not tell of that transhuman change; If I were only what Thou didst create, Then newly, Love ! by whom the heaven is ruled, Thou know’st, who by Thy light didst bear me up.” *— Paradiso,* i. 68-73. **And, behold, a throne was set ***(i.e.,* not that the seer saw the throne being set, but when he saw it was already set) **in heaven, and one sat on the throne.**—Comp. Micaiah’s speech (1Kings 22:19). The enthroned One is not named. Have we here a touch of the Jewish reluctance to name Jehovah? or is it that the descriptive phrase, “He that sat on the throne” is Used here, and kept before us in the whole book to remind us that the great world drama moves forward ever under the eyes of the ruling One. (Comp, Revelation 5:1; Revelation 5:7; Revelation 6:15; Revelation 20:11; Revelation 21:5.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 4:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.