Keraia
Revelation 4

Revelation 4:7

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

Translations

Modern
The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight.
Traditional
And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
Literal
And the first living creature was like a lion, and the second living creature like a calf, and the third living creature having the face as of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle flying.
Latin
Et animal primum simile leoni, et secundum animal simile vitulo, et tertium animal habens faciem quasi hominis, et quartum animal simile aquilæ volanti.

Original

Greek
English
The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight.

Notes

Revelation 4:7

These four creatures symbolize different types of beings:

  • a lion represents wild animals,

  • an ox represents domesticated animals,

  • a human represents humanity, and

  • an eagle represents birds (see Ezekiel 1:10).

These figures come from Ezekiel 1 (cherubim) and Isaiah 6 (seraphim). They likely represent the best of creation as worshiping God. Missing from this group of created beings are fish. Ancient people often connected fish with the dangerous or evil sea (see Revelation 21:1). Insects are also missing. In Revelation, insects are linked to locusts that belong to the evil kingdom (see Revelation 9:1–11).

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 Cherub, Cherubim Eagle Glorification King Praise Throne

Topics

Animals: Beasts Symbolical Bullock: Symbolical Eagle: Symbolical Lion: Symbolical: Margin) The Calf: Patient Endurance The Eagle of Wisdom and Zeal of God's Ministers Throne of Christ Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Living Creatures