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Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. 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In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/nlt/revelation/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. <a href="/esv/revelation/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, <a href="/bsb/revelation/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/revelation/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And out of the throne come flashes of lightning, and voices, and thunderings. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. <a href="/kjv/revelation/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. <a href="/nkjv/revelation/4.htm">New King James Version</a> And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. <a href="/nasb_/revelation/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Out from the throne came flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God; <a href="/nasb/revelation/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; <a href="/nasb77/revelation/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And from the throne proceed flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; <a href="/lsb/revelation/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. <a href="/amp/revelation/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> From the throne came flashes of lightning and [rumbling] sounds and peals of thunder. Seven lamps of fire were burning in front of the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; <a href="/csb/revelation/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Flashes of lightning and rumblings and peals of thunder came from the throne. Seven fiery torches were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder came from the throne. Seven fiery torches were burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/asv/revelation/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And out of the throne proceed lightnings and voices and thunders. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; <a href="/cev/revelation/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Flashes of lightning and roars of thunder came out from the throne in the center of the circle. Seven torches, which are the seven spirits of God, were burning in front of the throne. <a href="/erv/revelation/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And out of the throne proceed lightnings and voices and thunders. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; <a href="/gwt/revelation/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Lightning, noise, and thunder came from the throne. Seven flaming torches were burning in front of the throne. These are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/gnt/revelation/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. In front of the throne seven lighted torches were burning, which are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/isv/revelation/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Flashes of lightning, noises, and peals of thunder came from the throne. Burning in front of the throne were seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/msb/revelation/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/revelation/4.htm">NET Bible</a> From the throne came out flashes of lightning and roaring and crashes of thunder. Seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God, were burning in front of the throne <a href="/nheb/revelation/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And from the throne came flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven torches of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. <a href="/wbt/revelation/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. <a href="/wey/revelation/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Out from the throne there came flashes of lightning, and voices, and peals of thunder, while in front of the throne seven blazing lamps were burning, which are the seven Spirits of God. <a href="/web/revelation/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and out of the throne proceed lightnings, and thunders, and voices; and seven lamps of fire are burning before the throne, which are the Seven Spirits of God, <a href="/blb/revelation/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And out of the throne come flashes of lightning, and voices, and thunderings. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. <a href="/ylt/revelation/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and out of the throne proceed do lightnings, and thunders, and voices; and seven lamps of fire are burning before the throne, which are the Seven Spirits of God, <a href="/slt/revelation/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And from the throne go forth lightnings, and thunders, and voices: and seven torches of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And from the throne proceeded lightnings, and voices, and thunders; and there were seven lamps burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/cpdv/revelation/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And from the throne, lightnings and voices and thunders went forth. And there were seven burning lamps before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/nabre/revelation/4.htm">New American Bible</a> From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Seven flaming torches burned in front of the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Coming from the throne are flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and noises: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And from the throne proceed thunders and lightnings and voices, and seven lamps were burning before that throne, which are The Seven Spirits of God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And out of the throne there went lightnings and thunderings and voices; and seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne: these are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/godbey/revelation/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And from the throne lightnings and voices and thunders are going out; and seven lamps of fire are burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God: <a href="/haweis/revelation/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And out of the throne issued forth lightnings, and thunder, and loud voices; and seven lamps of fire burned before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/mace/revelation/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> out of the throne proceeded lightnings, and thundrings, and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/wey/revelation/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Out from the throne there came flashes of lightning, and voices, and peals of thunder, while in front of the throne seven blazing lamps were burning, which are the seven Spirits of God. <a href="/worrell/revelation/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And out of the throne proceed lightnings and voices and thunderings; and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; <a href="/worsley/revelation/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And out of the throne came lightnings, and thunders, and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne; which are the seven spirits of God. <a href="/parallel/revelation/4-5.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=913" 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> 4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads. 5<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">From</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- 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/2362.htm" title="2362: thronou (N-GMS) -- From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate.">throne</a> <a href="/greek/1607.htm" title="1607: ekporeuontai (V-PIM/P-3P) -- From ek and poreuomai; to depart, be discharged, proceed, project.">came</a> <a href="/greek/796.htm" title="796: astrapai (N-NFP) -- A flash of lightning, brightness, luster. From astrapto; lightning; by analogy, glare.">flashes of lightning,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5456.htm" title="5456: phōnai (N-NFP) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.">rumblings,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1027.htm" title="1027: brontai (N-NFP) -- Thunder. Akin to bremo; thunder.">peals of thunder.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">Before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- 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/2362.htm" title="2362: thronou (N-GMS) -- From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate.">throne</a> <a href="/greek/2545.htm" title="2545: kaiomenai (V-PPM/P-NFP) -- To ignite, light, burn, lit. and met; I consume with fire. Apparently a primary verb; to set on fire, i.e. Kindle or consume.">burned</a> <a href="/greek/2033.htm" title="2033: hepta (Adj-NFP) -- Seven. A primary number; seven.">seven</a> <a href="/greek/2985.htm" title="2985: lampades (N-NFP) -- A torch, lamp, lantern. From lampo; a lamp or flambeau.">torches</a> <a href="/greek/4442.htm" title="4442: pyros (N-GNS) -- Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; fire.">of fire.</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ha (RelPro-NNP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">These</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- 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/2033.htm" title="2033: hepta (Adj-NNP) -- Seven. A primary number; seven.">seven</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneumata (N-NNP) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirits</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God.</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.…<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="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</a> On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled. <a href="/ezekiel/1-13.htm">Ezekiel 1:13</a> In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. <a href="/exodus/25-37.htm">Exodus 25:37</a> Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it. <a href="/zechariah/4-2.htm">Zechariah 4:2</a> “What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps. <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a> The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. <a href="/1_kings/18-38.htm">1 Kings 18:38</a> Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water in the trench. <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18</a> When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sounding of the ram’s horn, and the mountain enveloped in smoke, they trembled and stood at a distance. <a href="/ezekiel/10-2.htm">Ezekiel 10:2</a> And the LORD said to the man clothed in linen, “Go inside the wheelwork beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched, he went in. <a href="/daniel/7-9.htm">Daniel 7:9-10</a> 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. / A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. <a href="/2_chronicles/7-1.htm">2 Chronicles 7:1-3</a> When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. / The priests were unable to enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled it. / When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” <a href="/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12-14</a> From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced—hailstones and coals of fire. / The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded—hailstones and coals of fire. / He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them. <a href="/isaiah/6-4.htm">Isaiah 6:4</a> At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke. <a href="/matthew/24-27.htm">Matthew 24:27</a> For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. <a href="/acts/2-3.htm">Acts 2:3</a> They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Hebrews 12:18-19</a> For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; / to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And out of the throne proceeded lightning and thunder and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.proceeded.<a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Revelation 8:5</a> And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.<a href="/revelation/11-19.htm">Revelation 11:19</a> And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.<a href="/revelation/16-17.htm">Revelation 16:17,18</a> And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done… seven.<a href="/genesis/15-7.htm">Genesis 15:7</a> And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.<a href="/exodus/37-23.htm">Exodus 37:23</a> And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold.<a href="/2_chronicles/4-20.htm">2 Chronicles 4:20</a> Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;the seven.<a href="/revelation/1-4.htm">Revelation 1:4</a> John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;<a href="/revelation/3-1.htm">Revelation 3:1</a> And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.<a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Revelation 5:6</a> And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/2-18.htm">Blazing</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-29.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/revelation/1-20.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/revelation/3-18.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/jude/1-23.htm">Flames</a> <a href="/luke/17-24.htm">Flashes</a> <a href="/revelation/3-8.htm">Front</a> <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">High</a> <a href="/james/5-11.htm">Issue</a> <a href="/nahum/2-4.htm">Lightnings</a> <a href="/revelation/19-6.htm">Peals</a> <a href="/james/3-10.htm">Proceed</a> <a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Proceeded</a> <a href="/revelation/3-1.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-10.htm">Sounds</a> <a href="/revelation/3-1.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/john/12-29.htm">Thunder</a> <a href="/job/36-29.htm">Thunderings</a> <a href="/amos/1-2.htm">Thunders</a> <a href="/john/18-3.htm">Torches</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-10.htm">Voices</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/8-10.htm">Blazing</a> <a href="/revelation/16-8.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/revelation/7-16.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Flames</a> <a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Flashes</a> <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Front</a> <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">High</a> <a href="/revelation/16-13.htm">Issue</a> <a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Lightnings</a> <a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Peals</a> <a href="/revelation/9-17.htm">Proceed</a> <a href="/revelation/9-18.htm">Proceeded</a> <a href="/revelation/5-1.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Sounds</a> <a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Throne</a> <a href="/revelation/6-1.htm">Thunder</a> <a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Thunderings</a> <a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Thunders</a> <a href="/judges/7-16.htm">Torches</a> <a href="/revelation/5-11.htm">Voices</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'; 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This imagery is reminiscent of the theophany at Mount Sinai, where God's presence was accompanied by thunder and lightning (<a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</a>). It signifies God's majesty, power, and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. The throne represents God's sovereign rule, and the accompanying phenomena emphasize His authority and the seriousness of His judgments. In biblical literature, such manifestations often precede significant divine actions or revelations, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (<a href="/exodus/9-23.htm">Exodus 9:23</a>) and the visions of Ezekiel (<a href="/ezekiel/1-13.htm">Ezekiel 1:13</a>). The use of these elements in Revelation underscores the continuity of God's revelation and His unchanging nature.Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. The seven torches symbolize completeness and perfection, often associated with God's Spirit. In the ancient world, torches were used for illumination and guidance, suggesting the enlightening and purifying work of the Holy Spirit. The number seven is significant throughout Scripture, representing fullness and divine perfection, as seen in the seven days of creation (<a href="/genesis/2-2.htm">Genesis 2:2-3</a>) and the seven churches addressed earlier in Revelation (<a href="/revelation/1-4.htm">Revelation 1:4</a>). The presence of fire also indicates judgment and purification, aligning with the refining work of the Spirit in believers' lives (<a href="/malachi/3-2.htm">Malachi 3:2-3</a>).These are the seven spirits of God. This phrase refers to the fullness of the Holy Spirit, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a>, which describes the Spirit of the Lord resting upon the Messiah with attributes such as wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. The seven spirits are not separate entities but rather a symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit's complete and perfect work. This concept is reinforced in <a href="/zechariah/4-2.htm">Zechariah 4:2-6</a>, where the prophet sees a vision of a lampstand with seven lamps, symbolizing God's Spirit empowering His people. The presence of the seven spirits before the throne highlights the Spirit's role in executing God's will and empowering the church to fulfill its mission.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_throne.htm">The Throne</a> Represents the sovereign authority and majesty of God. It is central to the vision John receives, symbolizing God's rule over all creation. 2. <a href="/topical/f/flashes_of_lightning,_rumblings,_and_peals_of_thunder.htm">Flashes of Lightning, Rumblings, and Peals of Thunder</a> These phenomena are often associated with God's presence and power, reminiscent of the theophany at Mount Sinai (<a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16-19</a>). 3. <a href="/topical/s/seven_torches_of_fire.htm">Seven Torches of Fire</a> Symbolize the fullness and perfection of the Holy Spirit. The number seven in biblical terms often denotes completeness. 4. <a href="/topical/s/seven_spirits_of_god.htm">Seven Spirits of God</a> A symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit in His fullness and manifold work. This imagery is consistent with the description in <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a>, which outlines the Spirit's attributes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_majesty.htm">God's Sovereignty and Majesty</a> The imagery of the throne and accompanying phenomena remind us of God's ultimate authority and power over the universe. We are called to live in reverence and awe of His majesty. <a href="/topical/t/the_fullness_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Fullness of the Holy Spirit</a> The seven torches and Spirits signify the complete and perfect work of the Holy Spirit in the world and in believers' lives. We should seek to be filled with the Spirit, allowing Him to guide and empower us. <a href="/topical/t/the_holiness_of_god's_presence.htm">The Holiness of God's Presence</a> The thunder and lightning signify God's holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him. We must approach God with reverence, acknowledging His holiness in our worship and daily lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_assurance_of_god's_control.htm">The Assurance of God's Control</a> Despite the chaos and uncertainty in the world, the vision of God's throne assures us that He is in control. We can trust in His sovereign plan and find peace in His governance.<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/why_is_rev_4_5's_scene_not_serene.htm">Why does Revelation 4:5’s portrayal of thunder and lightning around God’s throne seem inconsistent with other Bible passages describing a serene heavenly realm?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_god's_seven_spirits.htm">What are God's seven spirits?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_trinity_visible_in_heaven.htm">Is the Trinity visible in heaven?</a> <a href="/q/do_rev_4_4_elders_align_with_other_leaders.htm">How do the twenty-four elders from Revelation 4:4 align with or contradict other biblical notions of heavenly beings or leadership?</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>(5) And out of the throne proceeded (rather, proceed; there is a change in the tense used) lightnings and thunderings and voices.--These are viewed by some as the indications of approaching judgments. Perhaps it is better to view them as the tokens of God's power of judgment than as hints of immediately approaching judgments. The scene at Sinai (<a href="/exodus/19-16.htm" title="And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightning, and a thick cloud on the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.">Exodus 19:16</a>) was no doubt in the prophet's mind. There the clouds and lightnings were not so much tokens of coming judgment as the symbols of that righteous power which can show itself in judgment. "Clouds and darkness are round about Him; righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His throne" (<a href="/psalms/97-2.htm" title="Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.">Psalm 97:2</a>). They are the constant tokens of that power of God"Which makes the darkness and the light,And dwells not in the light alone,But in the darkness and the cloudAs over Sinai's peaks of old."And there were seven lamps (or, torches) of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.--See <a href="/revelation/3-1.htm" title="And to the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things said he that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and are dead.">Revelation 3:1</a>. The Spirit of God in His manifold powers is thus described under emblems of fire. Not merely as a fire of judgment. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a baptism of fire (<a href="/context/matthew/3-11.htm" title="I indeed baptize you with water to repentance. but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.">Matthew 3:11-12</a>). The flaming presence purges the spirit from sin. The Holy Spirit consumes evil. It is an unquenchable fire against all evils, whether in men's hearts or in men's lives, or in the world. (Comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm" title="Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.">1Corinthians 3:13</a>, and <a href="/hebrews/12-29.htm" title="For our God is a consuming fire.">Hebrews 12:29</a>.) May there not be allusion to the covenant with Abraham, which was ratified by fire? Lamps, or torches, of fire (lampades puros, LXX., same as in this passage) went between the divided pieces of the heifer and the she-goat. If this be correct, the vision of this chapter reminds us that God is ever mindful of His covenant. The rainbow, the token of the covenant with Noah; the flaming torches, tokens of the covenant with Abraham; and the thunderings and lightnings, the tokens of the covenant at Sinai, are ever with Him. (Comp, also <a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm" title="And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire enfolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the middle thereof as the color of amber, out of the middle of the fire.">Ezekiel 1:4</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thundering and voices. The present tense (see on ver. 4). The whole symbolical of the power and majesty of God, as of old he manifested his presence on Sinai. "There were thunders and lightnings and... the voice of the trumpet" (<a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</a>). And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. The Holy Spirit, represented in his sevenfold operation, by lamps, which illumine. The same idea is expressed under another figure in <a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Revelation 5:6</a>, where the searching, enlightening power of the Holy Spirit is typified by seven eyes. <a href="/commentaries/revelation/4-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>From ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine 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. throne θρόνου (thronou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2362.htm">Strong's 2362: </a> From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate. came ἐκπορεύονται (ekporeuontai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1607.htm">Strong's 1607: </a> From ek and poreuomai; to depart, be discharged, proceed, project. flashes of lightning, ἀστραπαὶ (astrapai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_796.htm">Strong's 796: </a> A flash of lightning, brightness, luster. From astrapto; lightning; by analogy, glare. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. rumblings, φωναὶ (phōnai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5456.htm">Strong's 5456: </a> Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. peals of thunder. βρονταί (brontai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1027.htm">Strong's 1027: </a> Thunder. Akin to bremo; thunder. Before ἐνώπιον (enōpion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine 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. throne θρόνου (thronou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2362.htm">Strong's 2362: </a> From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate. burned καιόμεναι (kaiomenai) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2545.htm">Strong's 2545: </a> To ignite, light, burn, lit. and met; I consume with fire. Apparently a primary verb; to set on fire, i.e. Kindle or consume. seven ἑπτὰ (hepta) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2033.htm">Strong's 2033: </a> Seven. A primary number; seven. torches λαμπάδες (lampades) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2985.htm">Strong's 2985: </a> A torch, lamp, lantern. From lampo; a 'lamp' or flambeau. of fire. πυρὸς (pyros) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4442.htm">Strong's 4442: </a> Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'. This ἅ (ha) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. is εἰσιν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the τὰ (ta) Article - Nominative Neuter Plural <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. sevenfold ἑπτὰ (hepta) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2033.htm">Strong's 2033: </a> Seven. A primary number; seven. Spirit Πνεύματα (Pneumata) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. of God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/4-5.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 4:5 Out of the throne proceed lightnings sounds (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/4-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 4:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 4:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/4-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 4:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 4:6" /></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>