Revelation 4:2

Translations

Modern

At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it.

Traditional

And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

Literal

Immediately I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sitting upon the throne,

Latin

Et statim fui in spiritu: et ecce sedes posita erat in cælo, et supra sedem sedens.

Original

Greek

English

At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it.

Notes

Revelation 4:2

By being in the Spirit, John could experience spiritual realities (see Revelation 1:10; 17:3; 21:10; Ezekiel 11:1). He could understand insights about God's presence, the heavenly realm, and God's plans in history.

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Celebration The Theater and Revelation Visions

Related verses

Revelation 1:10
On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,
1 Kings 22:19
Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left.
Isaiah 6:1
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple.
Ezekiel 3:12–14
Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me: “Blessed be the glory of the LORD in His dwelling place!”
Ezekiel 1:26
Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.
Revelation 4:9
And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
Revelation 4:5
From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. These are the seven spirits of God.
Daniel 7:9
As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.
Revelation 5:13
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!”
Revelation 5:1
Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals.
Hebrews 8:1
The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
Revelation 21:10
And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,

Glossary

Book of Revelation Glorification King Praise Throne

Topics

Throne of Christ Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: A Rainbow and the Throne

Revelation 4:2

Translations?

Original?

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Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics