Tag Archives: Revelation 4:4

Revelation 4:4 and the Symbolic Grammar of Glory

Posted on April 4, 2024 by Classical Greek
Revelation 4:4

καὶ κυκλόθεν τοῦ θρόνου θρόνοι εἴκοσι τέσσαρες, καὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς θρόνους τοὺς εἴκοσι τέσσαρας πρεσβυτέρους καθημένους, περιβεβλημένους ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς, καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς κεφαλὰς αὐτῶν στεφάνους χρυσοῦς.

Literal English Translation

And around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and upon the thrones twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and on their heads golden crowns.

Heavenly Arrangement and Regal Imagery καὶ κυκλόθεν τοῦ θρόνου θρόνοι εἴκοσι τέσσαρες The preposition κυκλόθεν (“around, encircling”) indicates spatial layout, forming a sacred perimeter around the central θρόνος (“throne”). The repetition of θρόνος elevates the setting’s formality and order. In Classical Greek, θρόνος typically refers to a literal seat or a high-backed chair of honor.… Learn Koine Greek
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Heaven’s Council and Crowns: A Greek Look at Revelation 4:4

Posted on March 4, 2024 by Classical Greek
Καὶ κυκλόθεν τοῦ θρόνου θρόνοι εἴκοσι τέσσαρες, καὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς θρόνους τοὺς εἴκοσι τέσσαρας πρεσβυτέρους καθημένους, περιβεβλημένους ἐν ἱματίοις λευκοῖς, καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς κεφαλὰς αὐτῶν στεφάνους χρυσοῦς. (Revelation 4:4)

And surrounding the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, and on their heads golden crowns.

Heavenly Council Imagery κυκλόθεν τοῦ θρόνου – “around the throne.” The adverb κυκλόθεν sets the spatial scene, evoking a circular, encompassing array. This kind of throne-circle imagery echoes Greco-Roman court assemblies and Jewish apocalyptic visions (cf. Daniel 7:9–10).

θρόνοι εἴκοσι τέσσαρες – “twenty-four thrones.” The number 24 suggests fullness—possibly representing the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles, symbolizing redeemed humanity.… Learn Koine Greek

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