Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 59
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἶδον
I saw
G1492
εἶδον
I saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 59
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
θρόνους
thrones
G2362
θρόνους
thrones
Strong's:
G2362
Word #:
3 of 59
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 59
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκάθισαν
they sat
G2523
ἐκάθισαν
they sat
Strong's:
G2523
Word #:
5 of 59
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 59
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτῶν,
his
G846
αὐτῶν,
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 59
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 59
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κρίμα
judgment
G2917
κρίμα
judgment
Strong's:
G2917
Word #:
9 of 59
a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))
ἐδόθη
was given
G1325
ἐδόθη
was given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
10 of 59
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῶν,
his
G846
αὐτῶν,
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 59
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 59
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 59
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχὰς
I saw the souls
G5590
ψυχὰς
I saw the souls
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
14 of 59
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 59
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πεπελεκισμένων
of them that were beheaded
G3990
πεπελεκισμένων
of them that were beheaded
Strong's:
G3990
Word #:
16 of 59
to chop off (the head), i.e., truncate
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
17 of 59
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 59
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
20 of 59
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 59
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
22 of 59
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 59
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
24 of 59
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 59
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
26 of 59
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
27 of 59
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἵτινες
which
G3748
οἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
28 of 59
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
οὐκ
neither
G3756
οὐκ
neither
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
29 of 59
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
προσεκύνησαν
had
G4352
προσεκύνησαν
had
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
30 of 59
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
31 of 59
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
34 of 59
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰκόνα
image
G1504
εἰκόνα
image
Strong's:
G1504
Word #:
35 of 59
a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance
αὐτῶν,
his
G846
αὐτῶν,
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
36 of 59
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
37 of 59
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐκ
neither
G3756
οὐκ
neither
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
38 of 59
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἔλαβον
had received
G2983
ἔλαβον
had received
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
39 of 59
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
40 of 59
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάραγμα
his mark
G5480
χάραγμα
his mark
Strong's:
G5480
Word #:
41 of 59
a scratch or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
42 of 59
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
43 of 59
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν,
his
G846
αὐτῶν,
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
45 of 59
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
46 of 59
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
47 of 59
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
48 of 59
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρα
hands
G5495
χεῖρα
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
49 of 59
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
αὐτῶν,
his
G846
αὐτῶν,
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
50 of 59
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
51 of 59
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
53 of 59
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
55 of 59
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
Daniel 7:27And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.Daniel 7:18But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.Matthew 19:28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.Revelation 6:9And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:Daniel 7:22Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.2 Timothy 2:12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:Revelation 20:6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.Revelation 3:21To 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.Daniel 7:9I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.Luke 22:30That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 20:4 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worship... This verse from Revelation's vision of millennium, satan bound, final rebellion, great white throne - ultimate justice employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.