Rev 4:9-11 | 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 4:9-11

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.

Our Lord and our God ( ο κυριος κα ο θεος ημων ). The nominative form here used as vocative as in Joh 20:28 and often.

To receive ( λαβειν ). Epexegetic second aorist active infinitive of λαμβανω with αξιος (worthy).

The glory ( την δοξαν ). The article referring to δοξαν in verse 9 and so with την τιμην (the honour), though την δυναμιν (the power) is not in verse 9, but is the power due to be ascribed to God.

Thou didst create ( συ εκτισας ). Emphasis on συ (thou), first aorist active indicative of κτιζω, the verb used about the act of creation by Paul in Col 1:16 ( εκτισθη, εκτιστα ), constative aorist giving a summary picture of the whole (not as a process).

Because of thy will ( δια το θελημα σου ). Reason for creation of the universe as in Heb 2:10 ( δι' ον ).

They were ( ησαν ). Imperfect tense with a cursory glance at the universe as a fact, possibly a potential existence in God's purpose in the eternal past before the actual creation in time.

And were created ( κα εκτισθησαν ). First aorist passive indicative of the same verb, κτιζω, just used and in the plural, while Paul (Col 1:16) uses the singular εκτισθη. See 1Co 8:6. God's will wrought through the Logos (Christ).