Rev 4:7-8 | RWP | e4.org | Like a lion ( ομοιον λεοντ ). Associative-instrumental case again. In , ) each ζωον has four faces, but here each has a different face. "The four forms represent whatever is noblest, strongest, wisest, and swiftest in nature" (Swete). But it is not necessary to try to find a symbolism in each face here like the early baseless identification with the Four Evangelists (the lion for Mark, the man for Matthew, the calf for Luke, the eagle for John). Μοσχος is first a sprout, then the young of animals, then a calf (bullock or heifer) as in , , , or a full-grown ox ( ). Had ( εχων ). Masculine singular (some MSS. εχον neuter singular agreeing with ζωον ) present active participle of εχω , changing the construction with the τριτον ζωον almost like a finite verb as in verse . A face as of a man ( προσωπον ως ανθρωπου ). Shows that the likeness in each instance extended only to the face. Like an eagle flying ( ομοιον αετω πετομενω ). Present middle participle of πετομα , to fly, old verb, in N.T. only in ; ; ; ; . The αετος in ; may be a form of vulture going after carrion, but not in ; .

‏ Revelation of John 4:7-8

Like a lion ( ομοιον λεοντ ). Associative-instrumental case again. In Eze (1:6, 10) each ζωον has four faces, but here each has a different face. "The four forms represent whatever is noblest, strongest, wisest, and swiftest in nature" (Swete). But it is not necessary to try to find a symbolism in each face here like the early baseless identification with the Four Evangelists (the lion for Mark, the man for Matthew, the calf for Luke, the eagle for John). Μοσχος is first a sprout, then the young of animals, then a calf (bullock or heifer) as in Lu 15:23, 27, 30, or a full-grown ox (Eze 1:10).

Had ( εχων ). Masculine singular (some MSS. εχον neuter singular agreeing with ζωον ) present active participle of εχω, changing the construction with the τριτον ζωον almost like a finite verb as in verse 8.

A face as of a man ( προσωπον ως ανθρωπου ). Shows that the likeness in each instance extended only to the face.

Like an eagle flying ( ομοιον αετω πετομενω ). Present middle participle of πετομα, to fly, old verb, in N.T. only in Re 4:7; 8:13; 12:14; 14:6; 19:17. The αετος in Mt 24:28; Lu 17:37 may be a form of vulture going after carrion, but not in Re 8:13; 12:14.

Each one of them ( εν καθ' εν αυτων ). "One by one of them," a vernacular idiom like εις κατα εις in Mr 14:19.

Having ( εχων ). Masculine participle again as in verse 7, though ζωον neuter.

Six wings ( ανα πτερυγας εξ ). Distributive use of ανα, "six wings apiece" as in Lu 10:1 ( ανα δυο, by twos). Like Isa 6:2, not like Eze 1:6, where only four wings are given apiece.

Are full of ( γεμουσιν ). Plural verb, though ζωα neuter, to individualize each one.

Round about and within ( κυκλοθεν κα εσωθεν ). Perhaps before and behind (4:6) and under the wings, "pointing to the secret energies of nature" (Swete).

Rest ( αναπαυσιν ). See also 14:11. Old word (from αναπαυω, to relax), as in Mt 11:29. God and Christ cease not their activity (Joh 5:17). "This ceaseless activity of nature under the hand of God is a ceaseless tribute of praise" (Swete).

Day and night ( ημερας κα νυκτος ). Genitive of time, by day and by night.

Holy, holy, holy ( αγιοσ, αγιοσ, αγιος ). "The task of the Cherubim together with the Seraphim and Ophannim is to sing the praises of God" (Charles) in the τρισαγιον (triple repetition of αγιος ).

Is the Lord God ( Κυριος ο θεος ). See Isa 6:3. The copula εστιν (is) is not expressed, but is implied.

The Almighty ( ο παντοκρατωρ ). See on 1:8.

Which was and which is and which is to come ( ο ην κα ο ων κα ο ερχομενος ). Just as in 1:4, 8, but with the order changed.