Keraia
Revelation 4

Revelation 4:11

Worship of the Creator · Revelation 4:5–11
Read Revelation 4

Translations

Modern
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”
Traditional
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Literal
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.”
Latin
Dignus es Domine Deus noster accipere gloriam, et honorem, et virtutem: quia tu creasti omnia, et propter voluntatem tuam erant, et creata sunt.

Original

Greek
English
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”

Notes

Revelation 4:11

  • Worthy are You: This phrase is never used for God in the Old Testament. However, people in Rome often used it when they worshiped the emperor. In Revelation, it is clear that only God deserves worship.

  • You created all things: Many people in the ancient world believed their gods were too busy to care about humans. But God is Almighty in a real and active way. He created all things and continues to rule as Creator and Lord. In Revelation, creation shows that God is in complete control of the world (see Revelation 3:14; 10:6; 14:7; 21:1).

  • by Your will they exist and were created: God had a purpose for everything he made.

Revelation 4:9–11

  • The twenty-four elders, who speak in an antiphonal chorus (two groups taking turns), give a divine perspective on creation.

  • One seated on the throne: This shows a common Jewish practice of not speaking God’s name directly.

Revelation 4:1–11

The description of God’s throne room is beyond what people can easily imagine. It continues the visions in Isaiah 6:1–4, Ezekiel 1:4–28, and Daniel 7:9–10, where God is seen on a powerful and majestic throne. God’s throne is a central theme in Revelation. The worship that appears throughout the rest of the book begins from this scene. God’s greatness, grace, and glory form the foundation of the church’s worship.

Revelation 4:1–5:14

This section introduces upcoming visions and judgments. John presents God in his heavenly court, which is the setting for the drama of Revelation (Revelation 4:1–11). The Lamb also plays a central role (Revelation 5:1–14). John contrasts God's majesty with the supposed majesty of Caesar. God's power and splendor surpass any earthly ruler's ceremonial court.

Glossary

Book of Revelation Glorification Honor King Praise Rest Throne

Topics

Acknowledging God Angel (A Spirit): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Creation: Effected for God's Pleasure Evolution Gates of Hell Glorifying God: Heavenly Host Engaged In Glorifying God: Heavenly Hosts Engaged In God: Creator God: Glory of God: Sovereign God's Creation How Do we Know God Exists Jesus, the Christ: Preexistence of Man: Made for God Power of God: The Heavenly Host Magnified Praise in Heaven Praise: The Heavenly Host Engage In Purpose of Man The Power of God: The Heavenly Host Magnify Why God Created Man