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Revelation 4:3-6
New International Version
Revelation 4:3-6
New International Version
3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper(A) and ruby.(B) A rainbow(C) that shone like an emerald(D) encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders.(E) They were dressed in white(F) and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder.(G) In front of the throne, seven lamps(H) were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a](I) of God. 6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass,(J) clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures,(K) and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.(L)
Footnotes
- Revelation 4:5 That is, the sevenfold Spirit
Revelation 4:3-6
Amplified Bible
Revelation 4:3-6
Amplified Bible
3 And He who sat there appeared like [the crystalline sparkle of] [a]a jasper stone and [the fiery redness of] a sardius stone, and encircling the throne there was a rainbow that looked like [the color of an] emerald.(A) 4 Twenty-four [other] thrones surrounded the throne; and seated on these thrones were [b]twenty-four elders dressed in white clothing, with crowns of gold on their heads.
The Throne and Worship of the Creator
5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and [rumbling] sounds and peals of thunder. Seven lamps of fire were burning in front of the throne, which are [c]the seven Spirits of God;(B) 6 and in front of the throne there was something like a sea or large expanse of glass, like [the clearest] crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living [d]creatures who were full of eyes in front and behind [seeing everything and knowing everything that is around them].(C)
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Revelation 4:3 In antiquity this name was given to various kinds and colors of precious stones, while the sardius was a reddish stone. The gems are indicative of royalty.
- Revelation 4:4 The twenty-four elders may indicate the twelve tribes of Israel together with the twelve apostles, representing redeemed humanity. Others say the twenty-four may be an angelic order of worship akin to the Aaronic priests.
- Revelation 4:5 See note 1:4.
- Revelation 4:6 Some scholars identify these creatures as cherubim glorifying God and guarding the throne of heaven; others suggest the creatures represent God’s attributes (especially His omniscience and omnipresence).
New International Version (NIV) 
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Amplified Bible (AMP) 
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