Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Round about the throne (kukloqen tou qronou). Here as a preposition with the genitive, though only adverb in Revelation 4:8 (only N.T. examples save Textus Rec. in Revelation 5:11).
Four and twenty thrones (qronoi eikosi tessarev). So P Q, but Aleph A have accusative qronouv (supply eidon from Revelation 4:1) and tessarev (late accusative in -ev). This further circle of thrones beyond the great throne.
I saw four and twenty elders (eikosi tessarav presbuterouv). No eidon in the text, but the accusative case calls for it. Twenty-four as a symbolic number occurs only in this book and only for these elders (Revelation 4:4, Revelation 4:10; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 11:16; Revelation 19:4). We do not really know why this number is chosen, perhaps two elders for each tribe, perhaps the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles (Judaism and Christianity), perhaps the twenty-four courses of the sons of Aaron (1Ch. 24:1-19), perhaps some angelic rank (Colossians 1:16) of which we know nothing. Cf. Ephesians 2:6.
Sitting (kaqhmenouv). Upon their thrones.
Arrayed (peribeblhmenouv). Perfect passive participle of periballw (to throw around).
In white garments (imatioiv leukoiv). Locative case here as in Revelation 3:5 (with en), though accusative in Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13.
Crowns of gold (stefanouv xrusouv). Accusative case again like presbuterouv after eidon (Revelation 4:1), not idou. In Revelation 19:14 exwn (having) is added. John uses diadhma (diadem) for the kingly crown in Revelation 12:3; Revelation 13:1; Revelation 19:12, but it is not certain that the old distinction between diadem as the kingly crown and stefanov as the victor's wreath is always observed in late Greek.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
1 Peter 5:4
Revelation 3:5
Revelation 4:1
Revelation 4:2
Revelation 4:4
Revelation 5:5
Revelation 6:2
Revelation 6:11
Revelation 7:9
Revelation 8:2
Revelation 9:7
Revelation 11:16
Revelation 14:14
Revelation 20:11
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.
E-mail this page
