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(A)In front of the throne was something that resembled a sea of glass like crystal.[a]

In the center and around the throne, there were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back. 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[b] in flight. The four living creatures, each of them with six wings,[c] were covered with eyes inside and out. Day and night they do not stop exclaiming:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty,
    who was, and who is, and who is to come.”(B)

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Footnotes

  1. 4:6 A sea of glass like crystal: an image adapted from Ez 1:22–26. Four living creatures: these are symbols taken from Ez 1:5–21; they are identified as cherubim in Ez 10:20. Covered with eyes: these suggest God’s knowledge and concern.
  2. 4:7 Lion…calf…human being…eagle: these symbolize, respectively, what is noblest, strongest, wisest, and swiftest in creation. Calf: traditionally translated “ox,” the Greek word refers to a heifer or young bull. Since the second century, these four creatures have been used as symbols of the evangelists Mark, Luke, Matthew, and John, respectively.
  3. 4:8 Six wings: like the seraphim of Is 6:2.

Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass,(A) clear as crystal.

In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures,(B) and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.(C) The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.(D) Each of the four living creatures(E) had six wings(F) and was covered with eyes all around,(G) even under its wings. Day and night(H) they never stop saying:

“‘Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord God Almighty,’[a](I)

who was, and is, and is to come.”(J)

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Footnotes

  1. Revelation 4:8 Isaiah 6:3