Revelation 19:4

Authorized King James Version

And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔπεσαν

G4098

fell down

to fall (literally or figuratively)

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρεσβύτεροι

G4245

elders

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἴκοσι

G1501

twenty

a score

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τέσσαρα

G5064

the four

four

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

τέσσαρα

G5064

the four

four

#12

ζῷα

G2226

beasts

a live thing, i.e., an animal

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

προσεκύνησαν

G4352

worshipped

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

#15

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

θεῷ

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#17

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

καθημένῳ

G2521

that sat

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

#19

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#20

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

θρόνου,

G2362

the throne

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

#22

λέγοντες

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#23

Ἀμήν

G281

Amen

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

#24

Ἁλληλουϊά

G239

Alleluia

praise ye jah!, an adoring exclamation

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The divine name or title here functions within apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?