Rev 4:9-10 | RWP | e4.org | When the living creatures shall give ( οταν δωσουσιν τα ζωα ). Indefinite temporal clause with οταν and the future active indicative ( δωσουσιν ) rather than the more common second aorist active subjunctive ( δωσιν ) with the notion of repetition rather than unbroken continuance, "whenever they give." The giving of praise and glory to God by the four living creatures (representatives of nature) is met by corresponding worship by the redeemed (the four and twenty elders). "Created life adores the Uncreated" (Swete), "to the one living for ages of ages."

‏ Revelation of John 4:9-10

When the living creatures shall give ( οταν δωσουσιν τα ζωα ). Indefinite temporal clause with οταν and the future active indicative ( δωσουσιν ) rather than the more common second aorist active subjunctive ( δωσιν ) with the notion of repetition rather than unbroken continuance, "whenever they give." The giving of praise and glory to God by the four living creatures (representatives of nature) is met by corresponding worship by the redeemed (the four and twenty elders). "Created life adores the Uncreated" (Swete), "to the one living for ages of ages."

Shall fall down ( πεσουντα, future middle of πιπτω ),

shall worship ( προσκυνησουσιν, future active of προσκυνεω ),

shall cast their crowns ( βαλουσιν τους στεφανους, future active of βαλλω ). The two actions by the two groups (living creatures, elders) are coordinated (simultaneous in the repetition). They thus acknowledge that all this kingly dignity comes from God, who is King of kings and Lord of lords. Charles takes the elders, however, to be angels, not redeemed men.