Revelation 4:10

Authorized King James Version

The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

Word-by-Word Analysis

πεσοῦνται

G4098

fall down

to fall (literally or figuratively)

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

τέσσαρες

G5064

The four

four

πρεσβύτεροι

G4245

elders

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

ἐνώπιον

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ

G3588

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

καθημένου

G2521

him that sat

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

#10

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

#11

τοῦ

G3588

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

#12

θρόνου

G2362

the throne

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

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

προσκυνοῦσιν

G4352

worship

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

ζῶντι

G2198

him that liveth

to live (literally or figuratively)

#17

εἰς

G1519

for

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#18

τοὺς

G3588

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

#19

αἰώνων

G165

and ever

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

#20

τῶν

G3588

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

#21

αἰώνων

G165

and ever

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#23

βάλλουσιν

G906

cast

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

#24

τοὺς

G3588

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

#25

στεφάνους

G4735

crowns

a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fille

#26

αὐτῶν

G846

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

#27

ἐνώπιον

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

#28

τοῦ

G3588

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

#29

θρόνου

G2362

the throne

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

#30

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

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?