Revelation 4 Study Notes

Hagios (holy) frequently refers to that which is dedicated or set apart to God’s service, describing things that have a derived holiness. This includes the church (1Co 3:17; Eph 5:27; 1Pt 2:9), as well as individual Christians (Rm 12:1). Indeed, hagios may be translated “saints” in reference to believers, who are set apart by God for his service (Mt 27:52; Ac 9:13; Rm 1:7; 1Co 1:2; Rv 5:8). The word also describes Jerusalem (Mt 4:5; Rv 21:2,10; 22:19), the various parts of the sanctuary (Mt 24:15; Heb 9:1-3), angels (Mk 8:38), OT prophets (Lk 1:70), Christian apostles and prophets (Eph 3:5), divine revelation (Rm 1:2; 2Pt 1:21), and various geographical locations (Ac 7:33; 2Pt 1:18). Additionally, hagios may describe what is holy by nature, namely, God the Father (Jn 17:11; 1Pt 1:15; Rv 4:8), Jesus Christ (Mk 1:24; Ac 3:14), and the Spirit (Mt 3:11; Ac 1:5).

4:8 The mention of the creatures having six wings and the words holy, holy, holy echo the description of the seraphim in the heavenly throne room in Is 6:1-3. On who was, who is, and who is to come, see note at 1:4.

4:9-10 The heavenly throne room is characterized by unceasing joyful praise, thanksgiving, and worship toward the Lord by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders.

4:11 The beginning point of worship is to recognize that God is completely worthy to be recognized for his unrivaled glory and honor and power, and his work as Creator and Sustainer of all things.