Revelation 4:9

Authorized King James Version

And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

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
ὅταν
G3752
when
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
#3
δώσουσιν
G1325
give
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#4
τῶν
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ζῷα
G2226
those beasts
a live thing, i.e., an animal
#6
δόξαν
G1391
glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#7
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
τιμὴν
G5092
honour
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
#9
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
εὐχαριστίαν
G2169
thanks
gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)
#11
τῶν
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
καθημένῳ
G2521
to him that sat
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
#13
ἐπὶ
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#14
τῶν
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
θρόνου,
G2362
the throne
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
#16
τῶν
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ζῶντι
G2198
liveth
to live (literally or figuratively)
#18
εἰς
G1519
for
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#19
τῶν
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
αἰώνων
G165
and ever
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
#21
τῶν
G3588
who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
αἰώνων
G165
and ever
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

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 glory 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

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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection