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.

REVELATION 4:7KJV
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Revelation 4:7 (KJV)

What does Revelation 4:7 mean?

Revelation 4:7 describes four living creatures around God's throne, each with a different appearance: one like a lion, one like a calf, one with a human face, and one like a flying eagle. These images are meant to be symbolic, showing the variety and majesty of creation surrounding and worshiping God in heaven.

In this scene, John is describing a vision he sees while in heaven, writing to encourage early Christian communities facing hardship. The four creatures are part of a larger vision of God's throne room, where everything is focused on worship and awe. The specific forms—lion, calf, human, eagle—each represent different qualities or aspects of creation, emphasizing that all of creation is present before God.

The Greek behind Revelation 4:7

  • θηρίον (thērion, "beast" or "living creature"): The Greek word here does not necessarily mean something monstrous; it can refer to any living being, highlighting the vitality and diversity of these creatures.
  • ὅμοιος (homoios, "like"): This word signals that John is describing what the creatures resembled, not saying they literally were a lion, calf, man, or eagle. The vision is meant to be symbolic.
  • μόσχος (moschos, "calf"): The Greek term can refer to a young bull or ox, often associated with strength and service, which might be less obvious in English translations.
  • πρόσωπον (prosōpon, "face"): The focus on the third creature having a human face suggests intelligence or personality, distinguishing it from the others.

Why Revelation 4:7 matters

  • Revelation 4:7 clears up the idea that the creatures are literal animals; the Greek makes it clear these are symbolic figures meant to represent something deeper.
  • The verse connects to the wider vision in Revelation, where all of creation is shown as worshiping God, not just humans or angels.
  • The different forms—lion, calf, human, eagle—help readers see that God's presence is surrounded by the fullness and diversity of life, each with its own strengths and qualities.

Where else these words appear

“eagle” Greek G105 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
  • Luke 17:37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
  • Revelation 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

“flying” Greek G4072 · used in 5 verses

  • Revelation 8:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!
  • Revelation 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
  • Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

“calf” Greek G3448 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
  • Luke 15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
  • Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

“lion” Greek G3023 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
  • 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
  • Revelation 9:17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.