Rev 4:6 | RWP | e4.org | As it were a glassy sea ( ως θαλασσα υαλινη ). Old adjective (from υαλος , glass, , ), in N.T. only here and . Possibly from υε (it rains), like a raindrop. At any rate here it is the appearance, not the material. Glass was made in Egypt 4,000 years ago. In the elders see under the feet of God in the theophany a paved work of sapphire stone (cf. ). The likeness of the appearance of sky to sea suggests the metaphor here (Beckwith). Like crystal ( ομοια κρυσταλλω ). Associative-instrumental case after ομοια . Old word, from κρυος (ice and sometimes used for ice), in N.T. only here and , not semi-opaque, but clear like rock-crystal. In the midst of the throne ( εν μεσω του θρονου ). As one looks from the front, really before. Round about the throne ( κυκλω του θρονου ). Merely an adverb in the locative case ( ), as a preposition in N.T. only here, ; . This seems to mean that on each of the four sides of the throne was one of the four living creatures either stationary or moving rapidly round ( .). Four living creatures ( τεσσερα ζωα ). Not θηρια (beasts), but living creatures. Certainly kin to the ζωα of ; which are cherubim ( , ), though here the details vary as to faces and wings with a significance of John's own, probably representing creation in contrast with the redeemed (the elders). Full of eyes ( γεμοντα οφθαλμων ). Present active participle of γεμω , to be full of, with the genitive, signifying here unlimited intelligence (Beckwith), the ceaseless vigilance of nature (Swete).

‏ Revelation of John 4:6

As it were a glassy sea ( ως θαλασσα υαλινη ). Old adjective (from υαλος, glass, 21:18, 21), in N.T. only here and 15:2. Possibly from υε (it rains), like a raindrop. At any rate here it is the appearance, not the material. Glass was made in Egypt 4,000 years ago. In Ex 24:10 the elders see under the feet of God in the theophany a paved work of sapphire stone (cf. Eze 1:26). The likeness of the appearance of sky to sea suggests the metaphor here (Beckwith).

Like crystal ( ομοια κρυσταλλω ). Associative-instrumental case after ομοια. Old word, from κρυος (ice and sometimes used for ice), in N.T. only here and 22:1, not semi-opaque, but clear like rock-crystal.

In the midst of the throne ( εν μεσω του θρονου ). As one looks from the front, really before.

Round about the throne ( κυκλω του θρονου ). Merely an adverb in the locative case (Ro 15:19), as a preposition in N.T. only here, 5:11; 7:11. This seems to mean that on each of the four sides of the throne was one of the four living creatures either stationary or moving rapidly round (Eze 1:12f.).

Four living creatures ( τεσσερα ζωα ). Not θηρια (beasts), but living creatures. Certainly kin to the ζωα of Eze 1; 2 which are cherubim (Eze 10:2, 20), though here the details vary as to faces and wings with a significance of John's own, probably representing creation in contrast with the redeemed (the elders).

Full of eyes ( γεμοντα οφθαλμων ). Present active participle of γεμω, to be full of, with the genitive, signifying here unlimited intelligence (Beckwith), the ceaseless vigilance of nature (Swete).