Revelation 4:6 WEB

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Revelation 4:6-7

Revelation 4:6-7. Before the throne—a sea of glass, &c.— Several interpreters understand this crystal sea to be an emblem of the known rite of receiving converts into the Christian church bybaptism; of the purity which that sacrament signifies, and of the blood of Christ, by which theyare washed and cleansed from their sins. Doubtless it has an allusion to that purity, which is required in all persons who have the honour and happiness of a near approach to the presence and throne of God.... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Revelation 4:6

6. Two oldest manuscripts, A, B, Vulgate, Coptic, and Syriac read, "As it were a sea of glass." like . . . crystal—not imperfectly transparent as the ancient common glass, but like rock crystal. Contrast the turbid "many waters" on which the harlot "sitteth" (Revelation 17:1; Revelation 17:15). Compare Revelation 17:15- :, "the sky . . . as a molten looking-glass." Thus, primarily, the pure ether which separates God's throne from John, and from all things before it, may be meant, symbolizing... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Revelation 4:2-8

The glory of God 4:2-8 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Revelation 4:6

The clear glass-like sea before the throne may represent the need for cleansing before approaching God. The laver (called a "sea" in the Old Testament, e.g., 1 Kings 7:23, et al.) served the need for cleansing in the Israelite tabernacle and temple. Perhaps the fact that this sea is solid indicates that those who can approach God’s throne have attained a fixed state of holiness by God’s grace. [Note: Strauss, p. 134.] Perhaps the sea represents the forces opposed to God’s will and His people.... read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - Revelation 4:6

4:6 around (e-19) I use 'round' for what is connected with anything (not necessarily united to it) as a centre, as the tire of a wheel, but 'around' is used for detached objects encircling. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 4:1-11

The Glory of GodThe Church has been encouraged in the midst of her tribulation and temptation by the vision of the presence and support of Christ. Now (Revelation 4, 5) a further series of visions begins, in which are shown, under figures, the forces by which the life of the Church is affected, or, in other words, those who are for her and those who are against her. She is shown God and the Lamb, and she is shown the devil, the beast, the false prophet, and the apostate city. Then she is shown... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Revelation 4:6

(6) And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal.—There is a sea before the throne of God. The woman apparelled in purple splendour sits upon many waters (Revelation 17:1). The waters are explained (Revelation 17:15) to be “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” Her throne rests on the fickle and stormy sea of world- opinion, fashion, and passion. The waters represent the unguided, unreasoning, and unprincipled thoughts of men. By analogy, the calm glass-like... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Revelation 4:1-11

Elevation and Vision Revelation 4:1 It is a serious error to suppose that we can rightly apprehend the highest truths whilst we live on a low plane of thought and conduct, and yet it is a very common error. Those who grovel in the dust, nay, who wallow in the sensual mire, yet believe themselves competent to discuss the most solemn problems of existence and destiny: they conclude that the truths concerning God His existence, laws, government, revelation and purpose are apprehended and... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Revelation 4:1-11

CHAPTER III.ANTICIPATIONS OF THE CHURCH’S VICTORY.Revelation 4:1-11; Revelation 5:1-14.WE have seen in considering the first chapter of the Apocalypse that the book as a whole is to be occupied with the Church’s struggle in the world; and in the second and third chapters the Church herself has been placed before us as she occupies her position upon the field of history. But the struggle has not yet begun, nor will it begin until we reach the sixth chapter. Rev. 4 and 5 are therefore still to be... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Revelation 4:1-11

III. THE THINGS WHICH ARE AFTER THESE, THE END OF THE AGE, THE CONSUMMATION, AND FINAL MESSAGES (4-22) CHAPTERS 4-5 1. The open door and the vision of the throne (Revelation 4:1-3 ) 2. The twenty-four elders and the throne (Revelation 4:4-5 ). 3. The four living creatures and the worship (Revelation 4:6-11 ) 4. Who is worthy to open the book? (Revelation 5:1-3 ) 5. The answer (Revelation 5:4-5 ) 6. The vision of the Lamb (Revelation 5:6-7 ) 7. Worship and praise (Revelation 5:8-14 )... read more