Revelation 4:10
Bible, KJV Translation:
4:10 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,
Re-evaluation Translation:
4:10 The twenty-four advisors fall down before the Yehuveh-appointed ruler that sat on the throne, and worship him that lives for ever and ever, and pour out their understanding of Yehuveh’s wisdom and instructions, saying,
Significant Words and Comments:
Commentary on Revelation 4:10 (3 January 2008): “The four and twenty elders,” as discussed in Revelation 4:4, form the high central council of the nation. It appears that two representatives from each tribe present the interests specific to their tribe. Such representation was typical of national activities from the time of Moses onward.
Often a single representative was chosen from each tribe [Joshua 18:3; 3:12; 4:2; Numbers 1:4; 13:2], but at one point Joshua requested, “Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.” Joshua 18:4.
If you wish to study this matter out extensively, here are additional passages to research: Number 1:16; 2:3-31; 7:10-83; 10:14-27; 13:2-15; 17:3; 25:4, 14; 34:18-28; Exodus 18:25; Joshua 22:14; 1 Chronicles 27:1-22.
“Fall down before him that sat on the throne,” represents the unquestioning respect these national representatives hold for their Yehuveh-appointed leader, the white bull spoken of by Enoch, the raised-up not-before-esteemed Lamb-king.
“Worship him that liveth for ever and ever,” misrepresents the Greek word used here [entry G4352], which simply means to bow to or prostrate themselves before this ruler. While the word has a decidedly physical aspect, it may also simply indicate submitting to the righteous judgment of this Yehuveh-elevated leader.
“Cast” is from a Greek word [entry G0906] meaning either “to throw or throw down” or “to pour out.” In connection with the next phrase, this likely represents “pouring out their righteous understanding of Yehuveh’s instructions in powerful communication,” rather than taking metal rings off their heads and tossing them on the floor.
“Their crowns before the throne,” as explained in the notes on Revelation 4:4, is a reference to the righteous knowledge of Yehuveh’s instruction which encircles or envelops the minds of Yehuveh’s leaders.
“Saying,” in context is not a praise to the monarch who has been placed on this throne, but a mutual acknowledgement from king and counselors alike of Yehuveh’s high authority and awesome righteousness! “Thine, O Yehuveh is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Yehuveh, and Thou art exalted as head above all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11.
Gael Bataman
Originally Written: 3 January 2008
Latest Update: 18 June 2011
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