Revelation 4:8

Authorized King James Version

And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
τέσσαρα
G5064
the four
four
#3
ζῷα
G2226
beasts
a live thing, i.e., an animal
#4
ἓν
G1520
one
#5
καθ'
G2596
of them
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#6
ἑαυτὸ
G1438
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#7
ἔχουσιν
G2192
had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#8
ἀνὰ
G303
each
properly, up; but (by extension) used (distributively) severally, or (locally) at (etc.)
#9
πτέρυγας
G4420
wings
a wing
#10
ἕξ
G1803
six
six
#11
κυκλόθεν
G2943
about
from the circle, i.e., all around
#12
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
ἔσωθεν
G2081
within
from inside; also used as equivalent to g2080 (inside)
#14
γέμοντα
G1073
they were full
to swell out, i.e., be full
#15
ὀφθαλμῶν
G3788
of eyes
the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)
#16
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
ἀνάπαυσιν
G372
they rest
intermission; by implication, recreation
#18
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#19
ἔχουσιν
G2192
had
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#20
ἡμέρας
G2250
day
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
#21
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#22
νυκτὸς
G3571
night
"night" (literally or figuratively)
#23
λέγοντα,
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
#24
ἅγιος
G40
Holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#25
ἅγιος
G40
Holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#26
ἅγιος
G40
Holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#27
κύριος
G2962
Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#28
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#29
θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#30
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#31
παντοκράτωρ
G3841
Almighty
the all-ruling, i.e., god (as absolute and universal sovereign)
#32
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#33
ἦν
G2258
was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#34
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#35
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#36
ὢν
G5607
being
#37
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#38
ὁ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#39
ἐρχόμενος
G2064
is to come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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