And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

REVELATION 4:9KJV
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Revelation 4:9 (KJV)

What does Revelation 4:9 mean?

Revelation 4:9 describes a moment in John’s vision where the living creatures around God’s throne give glory, honor, and thanks to God, who sits on the throne and lives forever. The verse highlights the ongoing worship given to God by these heavenly beings.

In this scene, John is witnessing the worship that takes place in heaven. The "beasts" mentioned are four living creatures described earlier in the chapter, each with unique features, and they continually praise God. This act of giving glory, honor, and thanks shows the creatures’ recognition of God’s eternal nature and supreme authority.

The Greek behind Revelation 4:9

  • δόξα (doxa, "glory"): This word often means splendor or greatness, and here it emphasizes the recognition of God’s majesty.
  • τιμή (timē, "honour"): This term points to respect and value, showing that the creatures are acknowledging God’s worth.
  • εὐχαριστία (eucharistia, "thanks"): This word is about gratitude, underlining that their worship includes thankfulness, not just awe or respect.
  • ζῶν (zōn, "liveth"): The Greek here stresses ongoing, continuous life, reinforcing the idea that God’s existence is without end.
  • εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn, "for ever and ever"): This phrase is a strong way of saying "for all eternity," making clear that God’s life and reign have no limit.

Why Revelation 4:9 matters

  • Revelation 4:9 shows that worship in heaven is not just about awe but also includes gratitude and respect, giving a fuller picture of what it means to honor God.
  • The verse makes clear that God’s eternal nature is central to why He is worshipped, connecting the act of praise to His unending life and authority.
  • By describing the living creatures’ actions, the verse sets up the pattern of worship that the elders and all of heaven follow in the next verses, highlighting a shared focus on God’s everlasting rule.

Where else these words appear

“thanks” Greek G2169 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 24:3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

“beasts” Greek G2226 · used in 20 verses

  • Hebrews 13:11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
  • Revelation 5:6 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.
  • Revelation 6:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

“honour” Greek G5092 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 27:6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
  • Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
  • Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

“throne” Greek G2362 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
  • Revelation 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.