King James Version

What Does Revelation 4:8 Mean?

Revelation 4:8 in the King James Version says “And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and n... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And 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 . rest: Gr. have no rest

Revelation 4:8 · KJV


Context

6

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.

7

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

8

And 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 . rest: Gr. have no rest

9

And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

10

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And 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 ... This verse from Revelation's vision of throne room of heaven - god's sovereignty, holiness, and worship employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 4:8 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 39 words
καὶ1 of 39

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τέσσαρα2 of 39

the four

G5064

four

ζῷα3 of 39

beasts

G2226

a live thing, i.e., an animal

ἓν4 of 39
G1520

one

καθ'5 of 39

of them

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἑαυτὸ6 of 39
G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἔχουσιν7 of 39

had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀνὰ8 of 39

each

G303

properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)

πτέρυγας9 of 39

wings

G4420

a wing

ἕξ10 of 39

six

G1803

six

κυκλόθεν11 of 39

about

G2943

from the circle, i.e., all around

καὶ12 of 39

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔσωθεν13 of 39

within

G2081

from inside; also used as equivalent to g2080 (inside)

γέμοντα14 of 39

they were full

G1073

to swell out, i.e., be full

ὀφθαλμῶν15 of 39

of eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

καὶ16 of 39

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνάπαυσιν17 of 39

they rest

G372

intermission; by implication, recreation

οὐκ18 of 39

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχουσιν19 of 39

had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἡμέρας20 of 39

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

καὶ21 of 39

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

νυκτὸς22 of 39

night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

λέγοντα,23 of 39

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἅγιος24 of 39

Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ἅγιος25 of 39

Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ἅγιος26 of 39

Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

κύριος27 of 39

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

28 of 39

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸς29 of 39

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

30 of 39

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παντοκράτωρ31 of 39

Almighty

G3841

the all-ruling, i.e., god (as absolute and universal sovereign)

32 of 39

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἦν33 of 39

was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

καὶ34 of 39

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

35 of 39

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὢν36 of 39
G5607

being

καὶ37 of 39

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

38 of 39

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐρχόμενος39 of 39

is to come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)


Study Guide

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 4:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 4:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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