Return to Revelation Chapter 4 Menu

 Return to Tan's REVELATION:Verse by Verse Main Menu 

[Revelation Ch.4: Worship in Heaven]

V. The Four Living Creatures

REV 4:6-8  ...round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 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 four beasts angels, probably cherubims (cf. Ezek. 10:15-20). These special angels appear to be above even the archangels in rank. Their main function is in leading the heavenly worship of God, although their form indicates other duties they perform.

     Some see a similarity between the four creatures and the depiction of Christ in the Four Gospels--

• LION - Matthew (Lion of Judah)

• CALF - Mark (Servanthood)

• MAN - Luke (Son of Man)

• EAGLE - John (heavenly)

     Others see the symbolism of leadership and rulership--

• LION - king of wild beasts

• CALF - king of domestic animals

• MAN - king of God's creation

• EAGLE - king of fowls of air

REV 4:8  ...saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

     This is the famous "Trisagon," or threefold "Holy." The exclamation "Holy" is thrice repeated because it is directed to the Triune God.

Return to TOP of Page