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the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. <a href="/esv/revelation/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. <a href="/bsb/revelation/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/revelation/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/revelation/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/revelation/4.htm">New King James Version</a> The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/nasb_/revelation/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The first living creature was like a lion, the second creature like a calf, the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/nasb/revelation/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/nasb77/revelation/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/lsb/revelation/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/amp/revelation/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The first living creature was like a lion, the second creature like a calf (ox), the third creature had the face of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/csb/revelation/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The first living creature was like a lion; the second living creature was like an ox; the third living creature had a face like a man; and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The first living creature was like a lion; the second living creature was like a calf; the third living creature had a face like a man; and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/asv/revelation/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face as of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/cev/revelation/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The first creature was like a lion, the second one was like a bull, the third one had the face of a human, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. <a href="/erv/revelation/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face as of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/gwt/revelation/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like a young bull, the third had a face like a human, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. <a href="/gnt/revelation/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> The first one looked like a lion; the second looked like a bull; the third had a face like a human face; and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight. <a href="/isv/revelation/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature was like an ox, the third living creature had a face like a human, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/msb/revelation/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/revelation/4.htm">NET Bible</a> The first living creature was like a lion, the second creature like an ox, the third creature had a face like a man's, and the fourth creature looked like an eagle flying. <a href="/nheb/revelation/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The first living creature was like a lion, and the second living creature like a calf, and the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. <a href="/wbt/revelation/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the first living being was like a lion, and the second living being like a calf, and the third living being had a face as a man, and the fourth living being was like a flying eagle. <a href="/wey/revelation/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The first living creature resembled a lion, the second an ox, the third had a face like that of a man, and the fourth resembled an eagle flying. <a href="/web/revelation/4.htm">World English Bible</a> The first creature was like a lion, the second creature like a calf, the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the first living creature—like a lion; and the second living creature—like a calf; and the third living creature has the face as a man; and the fourth living creature—like an eagle flying. <a href="/blb/revelation/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> 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. <a href="/ylt/revelation/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the first living creature is like a lion, and the second living creature is like a calf, and the third living creature hath the face as a man, and the fourth living creature is like an eagle flying. <a href="/slt/revelation/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the first living creature like a lion, and the second living creature like a calf, and the third living creature having the face as a man, and the fourth living creature like a spreading eagle.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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 it were, of a man: and the fourth living creature was like an eagle flying. <a href="/cpdv/revelation/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the first living creature resembled a lion, and the second living creature resembled a calf, and the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature resembled a flying eagle. <a href="/nabre/revelation/4.htm">New American Bible</a> The first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf, the third had a face like that of a human being, and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight. <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast was like a calf, and the third beast had a face of a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> The first beast was like a lion; the second had the likeness of a calf; the third beast had a face like a man and the fourth beast, the likeness of a flying eagle.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And the first living creature was like a lion, and the second living creature was like a calf, and the third living creature had the face of a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.<CM> <a href="/godbey/revelation/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And the first living creature was like unto a lion, and the second living creature was like unto a bullock, and the third living creature having the face as of a man, and the fourth living creature was like unto a flying eagle. <a href="/haweis/revelation/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And the first living being was like a lion, and the second living being was like a calf, and the third living being had a face as a man, and the fourth living being was like an eagle with wings expanded. <a href="/mace/revelation/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the first animal was like a lion, the second animal like a calf, the third animal appear'd like a man, and the fourth animal was like a flying eagle. <a href="/wey/revelation/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The first living creature resembled a lion, the second an ox, the third had a face like that of a man, and the fourth resembled an eagle flying. <a href="/worrell/revelation/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And the first living creature was like a lion; and the second living creature like a calf; and the third living creature having a face as of a man; and the fourth living creature was like an eagle flying. <a href="/worsley/revelation/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And the first was like a lion, and the second like a calf, and the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. <a href="/parallel/revelation/4-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=941" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/4.htm">Worship of the Creator</a> …6And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. 7<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4413.htm" title="4413: prōton (Adj-NNS) -- First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.">first</a> <a href="/greek/2226.htm" title="2226: zōon (N-NNS) -- An animal, living creature. Neuter of a derivative of zao; a live thing, i.e. An animal.">living creature</a> <a href="/greek/3664.htm" title="3664: homoion (Adj-NNS) -- Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.">was like</a> <a href="/greek/3023.htm" title="3023: leonti (N-DMS) -- A lion. A primary word; a lion.">a lion,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1208.htm" title="1208: deuteron (Adj-NNS) -- Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second.">second</a> <a href="/greek/2226.htm" title="2226: zōon (N-NNS) -- An animal, living creature. Neuter of a derivative of zao; a live thing, i.e. An animal."></a> <a href="/greek/3664.htm" title="3664: homoion (Adj-NNS) -- Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.">like</a> <a href="/greek/3448.htm" title="3448: moschō (N-DMS) -- A calf, heifer, young bull. Probably strengthened for oschos; a young bullock.">a calf,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5154.htm" title="5154: triton (Adj-NNS) -- Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.">third</a> <a href="/greek/2226.htm" title="2226: zōon (N-NNS) -- An animal, living creature. Neuter of a derivative of zao; a live thing, i.e. An animal."></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">had</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4383.htm" title="4383: prosōpon (N-ANS) -- From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.">a face</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">like</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpou (N-GMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">a man,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5067.htm" title="5067: tetarton (Adj-NNS) -- Fourth. Ordinal from tessares; fourth.">fourth</a> <a href="/greek/2226.htm" title="2226: zōon (N-NNS) -- An animal, living creature. Neuter of a derivative of zao; a live thing, i.e. An animal."></a> <a href="/greek/3664.htm" title="3664: homoion (Adj-NNS) -- Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.">was like</a> <a href="/greek/105.htm" title="105: aetō (N-DMS) -- An eagle, bird of prey. From the same as aer; an eagle.">an eagle</a> <a href="/greek/4072.htm" title="4072: petomenō (V-PPM/P-DMS) -- To fly. Or prolongation petaomai, or contracted ptaomai middle voice of a primary verb; to fly.">in flight.</a> 8And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ezekiel/1-10.htm">Ezekiel 1:10</a> The form of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and also the face of an eagle. <a href="/isaiah/6-2.htm">Isaiah 6:2-3</a> Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” <a href="/ezekiel/10-14.htm">Ezekiel 10:14</a> Each of the cherubim had four faces: the first face was that of a cherub, the second that of a man, the third that of a lion, and the fourth that of an eagle. <a href="/daniel/7-3.htm">Daniel 7:3-4</a> Then four great beasts came up out of the sea, each one different from the others: / The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man and given the mind of a man. <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Numbers 2:2-34</a> “The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family. / On the east side, toward the sunrise, the divisions of Judah are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Judahites is Nahshon son of Amminadab, / and his division numbers 74,600. ... <a href="/1_kings/7-29.htm">1 Kings 7:29</a> and on the panels between the uprights were lions, oxen, and cherubim. On the uprights was a pedestal above, and below the lions and oxen were wreaths of beveled work. <a href="/genesis/49-9.htm">Genesis 49:9</a> Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? <a href="/hosea/13-7.htm">Hosea 13:7-8</a> So like a lion I will pounce on them; like a leopard I will lurk by the path. / Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast tearing them apart. <a href="/matthew/24-28.htm">Matthew 24:28</a> Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. <a href="/luke/10-18.htm">Luke 10:18-20</a> So He told them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. / Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. / Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” <a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29-34</a> The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! / This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’ / I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” ... <a href="/romans/1-23.htm">Romans 1:23</a> and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-39.htm">1 Corinthians 15:39</a> Not all flesh is the same: Men have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another, and fish another. <a href="/philippians/2-10.htm">Philippians 2:10-11</a> that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. <a href="/colossians/1-16.htm">Colossians 1:16</a> For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.the first beast.<a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Revelation 4:6</a> And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.<a href="/genesis/49-9.htm">Genesis 49:9</a> Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?<a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Numbers 2:2</a> Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.like a calf.<a href="/ezekiel/1-10.htm">Ezekiel 1:10</a> As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-9.htm">1 Corinthians 9:9,10</a> For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? … as.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a> Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.a flying.<a href="/deuteronomy/28-49.htm">Deuteronomy 28:49</a> The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;<a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">2 Samuel 1:23</a> Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.<a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a> But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/acts/7-41.htm">Calf</a> <a href="/revelation/3-17.htm">Creature</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Eagle</a> <a href="/revelation/1-17.htm">Face</a> <a href="/revelation/4-1.htm">First</a> <a href="/james/4-7.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-2.htm">Flying</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">Fourth</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-18.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/revelation/4-1.htm">Resembled</a> <a href="/revelation/2-11.htm">Second</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-1.htm">Third</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/genesis/18-7.htm">Calf</a> <a href="/revelation/5-13.htm">Creature</a> <a href="/revelation/8-13.htm">Eagle</a> <a href="/revelation/6-16.htm">Face</a> <a href="/revelation/6-1.htm">First</a> <a href="/revelation/12-6.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/revelation/8-13.htm">Flying</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Fourth</a> <a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/genesis/18-7.htm">Ox</a> <a href="/revelation/9-7.htm">Resembled</a> <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Second</a> <a href="/revelation/6-5.htm">Third</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 4</div>1. <a href="/revelation/4-1.htm">John sees the throne of God in heaven.</a> 4. <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">The twenty-four elders.</a> 6. <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">The four beasts full of eyes before and behind.</a> 10. <a href="/revelation/4-10.htm">The elders lay down their crowns, and worship him who sat on the throne.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/revelation/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The first living creature was like a lion The lion is often a symbol of strength, majesty, and royalty. In biblical context, the lion represents the tribe of Judah, from which Jesus descends (<a href="/genesis/49-9.htm">Genesis 49:9-10</a>). This imagery connects to Jesus as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (<a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Revelation 5:5</a>), emphasizing His kingly authority and power. The lion's presence among the living creatures suggests a representation of divine majesty and sovereignty.The second like a calf The calf, or ox, symbolizes service, sacrifice, and strength. In ancient Israel, oxen were used for labor and sacrifices, highlighting themes of servitude and atonement. This imagery can be linked to Jesus as the ultimate servant and sacrificial lamb (<a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7-8</a>, <a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a>). The calf's presence among the living creatures underscores the importance of sacrifice and service in the divine order.The third had a face like a man The human face represents intelligence, reason, and relationship. Humanity is made in the image of God (<a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26-27</a>), and this creature's human likeness may signify the relational aspect of God's nature. It also points to Jesus' incarnation as fully human, emphasizing His empathy and connection with mankind (<a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Hebrews 4:15</a>). The human face among the creatures highlights the value of wisdom and relational understanding in God's creation.The fourth was like an eagle in flight The eagle is a symbol of swiftness, vision, and transcendence. In biblical literature, eagles are often associated with God's protection and deliverance (<a href="/exodus/19-4.htm">Exodus 19:4</a>, <a href="/isaiah/40-31.htm">Isaiah 40:31</a>). The eagle's ability to soar high above the earth signifies a heavenly perspective and divine oversight. This imagery can be connected to Jesus' ascension and His role as the exalted one who intercedes for believers (<a href="/hebrews/7-25.htm">Hebrews 7:25</a>). The eagle in flight among the creatures emphasizes the themes of divine protection and the transcendent nature of God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_throne_room_of_heaven.htm">The Throne Room of Heaven</a> This is the setting of <a href="/bsb/revelation/4.htm">Revelation 4</a>, where John is given a vision of God's throne, surrounded by heavenly beings and symbols of divine authority and majesty. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_four_living_creatures.htm">The Four Living Creatures</a> These are celestial beings that surround the throne of God. Each creature has a distinct appearance, symbolizing different aspects of creation and divine attributes. 3. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a> The author of Revelation, who receives this vision while exiled on the island of Patmos. He is the one describing the scene in <a href="/bsb/revelation/4.htm">Revelation 4</a>. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lion.htm">The Lion</a> Represents strength and majesty, often associated with royalty and power. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_calf.htm">The Calf (or Ox)</a> Symbolizes service and sacrifice, reflecting the role of a servant or a sacrificial offering. 6. <a href="/topical/t/the_man.htm">The Man</a> Represents intelligence and reason, highlighting the unique qualities of humanity. 7. <a href="/topical/t/the_eagle.htm">The Eagle</a> Symbolizes swiftness and vision, often associated with the divine and heavenly perspective.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_creation.htm">Symbolism of Creation</a> The four living creatures symbolize the entirety of God's creation, each representing different aspects of the created order. This reminds us of God's sovereignty over all creation. <a href="/topical/a/attributes_of_god.htm">Attributes of God</a> Each creature reflects different attributes of God—strength, service, intelligence, and vision. As believers, we are called to reflect these attributes in our lives. <a href="/topical/w/worship_and_reverence.htm">Worship and Reverence</a> The presence of these creatures in the throne room emphasizes the importance of worship and reverence for God. Our lives should be marked by a posture of worship. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> The diversity of the creatures around the throne highlights the unity and diversity within God's creation. This serves as a model for the church, which is called to unity amidst diversity. <a href="/topical/h/heavenly_perspective.htm">Heavenly Perspective</a> The vision of the throne room encourages believers to maintain a heavenly perspective, focusing on God's eternal kingdom rather than earthly concerns.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_revelation_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Revelation 4</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_4_creatures_in_revelation.htm">What are the four living creatures in Revelation?</a> <a href="/q/inconsistencies_in_ezekiel_1_vs._isaiah_6.htm">Are there any inconsistencies between Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 1) and visions of divine glory in other scriptural passages, such as Isaiah 6 or Revelation 4?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'unequally_yoked'_mean.htm">What are the different types of angels?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_cherubim_have_four_faces.htm">In Ezekiel 10:14, why do the cherubim have four faces, seemingly inconsistent with other biblical angelic descriptions? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) And the first beast (better, in each case, living being) was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf (comp. <a href="/ezekiel/1-7.htm" title="And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the color of burnished brass.">Ezekiel 1:7</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/1-10.htm" title="As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.">Ezekiel 1:10</a>), and the third beast had a face as a man (or, its countenance as of a man), and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.--These are living beings, not "beasts," as in the Authorised version. The rendering "beasts" introduces confusion of thought, and violates the laws of Apocalyptic, indeed of Bible imagery. The evil powers are described under the emblem of wild beasts; for thus brute force, and unrestrained passion, and self-will, &c., are symbolised. (See <a href="/revelation/11-7.htm" title="And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.">Revelation 11:7</a>; <a href="/context/revelation/13-1.htm" title="And I stood on the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads the name of blasphemy.">Revelation 13:1-2</a>; <a href="/revelation/16-2.htm" title="And the first went, and poured out his vial on the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore on the men which had the mark of the beast, and on them which worshipped his image.">Revelation 16:2</a>; <a href="/revelation/17-3.htm" title="So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit on a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.">Revelation 17:3</a>; <a href="/revelation/17-7.htm" title="And the angel said to me, Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns.">Revelation 17:7</a>; <a href="/context/revelation/19-19.htm" title="And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.">Revelation 19:19-20</a>; <a href="/revelation/20-10.htm" title="And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.">Revelation 20:10</a>.) But these "living beings" do not represent the evil element in the world. They are representative of animated nature. They are four in number--as there are four beings which hold a primacy in the world: among created beings, man; among birds, the eagle; among cattle, the ox; among untamed animals, the lion. The characteristics of these four chiefs of creation unite to make a perfect picture of the spirit of true service, which should be brave as the lion, patient as the ox, aspiring as the eagle, intelligent as man. It may here be noted that the number "four" in the Apocalypse is almost always associated with the earth. (See <a href="/revelation/7-1.htm" title="And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.">Revelation 7:1</a>.) We need only call to mind the four quarters, four elements, four seasons, to see its fitness. (Comp. <a href="/revelation/21-13.htm" title="On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.">Revelation 21:13</a>; <a href="/revelation/21-16.htm" title="And the city lies foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.">Revelation 21:16</a>.) The living creatures are "full of eyes." This strong expression is used again in the next verse. Twice used, its meaning must be significant. The same idea is found in the later prophets of the Old Testament. The wheels of Ezekiel and their tires (<a href="/ezekiel/1-18.htm" title="As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.">Ezekiel 1:18</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/10-12.htm" title="And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.">Ezekiel 10:12</a>) were full of eyes. The stone of Zechariah had seven (the perfect number) eyes (<a href="/zechariah/3-9.htm" title="For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; on one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the engraving thereof, said the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.">Zechariah 3:9</a>). The thought is emphasised again in <a href="/revelation/5-6.htm" title="And I beheld, and, see, in the middle of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the middle of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.">Revelation 5:6</a>, where the Lamb is said to have seven eyes. Multiplicity of eyes may symbolise vitality and vigilance. Some have thought, inappropriately enough, that it signifies the unceasing praise of God's works. A better interpretation is given by Dr. Currey. "The power of nature is no blind force, it is employed in the service of God's providence, and all over it the stamp of reason is impressed." (See Speaker's Commentary on <a href="/ezekiel/1-18.htm" title="As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.">Ezekiel 1:18</a>). May we not add that the force of nature is always observant of God's will? Its myriad eyes are fixed on Him, as the eyes of a servant on his master (<a href="/psalms/123-2.htm" title="Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden to the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait on the LORD our God, until that he have mercy on us.">Psalm 123:2</a>); doing His commandment, hearkening unto the voice of His word (<a href="/context/psalms/103-20.htm" title="Bless the LORD, you his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word.">Psalm 103:20-21</a>); the eyes too of all creation wait on God, who gives them meat in due season (<a href="/psalms/104-27.htm" title="These wait all on you; that you may give them their meat in due season.">Psalm 104:27</a>, Prayer Book version)-- . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - 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. (Upon "beast" (ζῶον), see on ver. 6. For the signification, see also above on ver. 6.) Whether there was any difference in the forms as a whole, or whether the difference consisted chiefly or solely in the thee, cannot be certainly known. Each being is symbolical of some class or some quality of which it is representative. (For the application, see on ver. 6.) <a href="/commentaries/revelation/4-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. first πρῶτον (prōton) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4413.htm">Strong's 4413: </a> First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost. living creature ζῷον (zōon) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2226.htm">Strong's 2226: </a> An animal, living creature. Neuter of a derivative of zao; a live thing, i.e. An animal. [was] like ὅμοιον (homoion) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3664.htm">Strong's 3664: </a> Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar. a lion, λέοντι (leonti) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3023.htm">Strong's 3023: </a> A lion. A primary word; a 'lion'. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. second δεύτερον (deuteron) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1208.htm">Strong's 1208: </a> Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second. like ὅμοιον (homoion) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3664.htm">Strong's 3664: </a> Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar. a calf, μόσχῳ (moschō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3448.htm">Strong's 3448: </a> A calf, heifer, young bull. Probably strengthened for oschos; a young bullock. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. third τρίτον (triton) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5154.htm">Strong's 5154: </a> Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly. had ἔχων (echōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. a face πρόσωπον (prosōpon) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4383.htm">Strong's 4383: </a> From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person. like ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. a man, ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. fourth τέταρτον (tetarton) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5067.htm">Strong's 5067: </a> Fourth. Ordinal from tessares; fourth. [was] like ὅμοιον (homoion) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3664.htm">Strong's 3664: </a> Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar. an eagle ἀετῷ (aetō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_105.htm">Strong's 105: </a> An eagle, bird of prey. From the same as aer; an eagle. in flight. πετομένῳ (petomenō) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4072.htm">Strong's 4072: </a> To fly. Or prolongation petaomai, or contracted ptaomai middle voice of a primary verb; to fly. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/4-7.htm">Revelation 4:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/4-7.htm">Revelation 4:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/4-7.htm">Revelation 4:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/4-7.htm">Revelation 4:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/4-7.htm">Revelation 4:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/4-7.htm">Revelation 4:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/4-7.htm">Revelation 4:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/4-7.htm">Revelation 4:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/4-7.htm">Revelation 4:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/4-7.htm">Revelation 4:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/4-7.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 4:7 The first creature was like a lion (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/4-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 4:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 4:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/4-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 4:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 4:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>