Bible Reading December 27 
Revelation 4:1--8:13
Context4:1 After these things I looked, and there was 1 a door standing open in heaven! 2 And the first voice I had heard speaking to me 3 like a trumpet 4 said: “Come up here so that 5 I can show you what must happen after these things.” 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit, 6 and 7 a throne was standing 8 in heaven with someone seated on it! 4:3 And the one seated on it was like jasper 9 and carnelian 10 in appearance, and a rainbow looking like it was made of emerald 11 encircled the throne. 4:4 In 12 a circle around the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on those thrones were twenty-four elders. They were 13 dressed in white clothing and had golden crowns 14 on their heads. 4:5 From 15 the throne came out flashes of lightning and roaring 16 and crashes of thunder. Seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God, 17 were burning in front of the throne 4:6 and in front of the throne was something like a sea of glass, like crystal. 18
In 19 the middle of the throne 20 and around the throne were four living creatures 21 full of eyes in front and in back. 4:7 The 22 first living creature was like a lion, the 23 second creature like an ox, the third creature had a face like a man’s, and the fourth creature looked like an eagle flying. 4:8 Each one of the four living creatures had six wings 24 and was full of eyes all around and inside. 25 They never rest day or night, saying: 26
“Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God, the All-Powerful, 27
Who was and who is, and who is still to come!”
4:9 And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, 28 and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 4:10 the twenty-four elders throw themselves to the ground 29 before the one who sits on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever, and they offer their crowns 30 before his 31 throne, saying:
4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
since you created all things,
and because of your will they existed and were created!” 32
5:1 Then 33 I saw in the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne a scroll written on the front and back 34 and sealed with seven seals. 35 5:2 And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming in a loud voice: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” 5:3 But 36 no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look into it. 5:4 So 37 I began weeping bitterly 38 because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5:5 Then 39 one of the elders said 40 to me, “Stop weeping! 41 Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered; 42 thus he can open 43 the scroll and its seven seals.”
5:6 Then 44 I saw standing in the middle of the throne 45 and of the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, a Lamb that appeared to have been killed. 46 He had 47 seven horns and seven eyes, which 48 are the seven 49 spirits of God 50 sent out into all the earth. 5:7 Then 51 he came and took the scroll 52 from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne, 5:8 and when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders threw themselves to the ground 53 before the Lamb. Each 54 of them had a harp and golden bowls full of incense (which are the prayers of the saints). 55 5:9 They were singing a new song: 56
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals
because you were killed, 57
and at the cost of your own blood 58 you have purchased 59 for God
persons 60 from every tribe, language, 61 people, and nation.
5:10 You have appointed 62 them 63 as a kingdom and priests 64 to serve 65 our God, and they will reign 66 on the earth.”
5:11 Then 67 I looked and heard the voice of many angels in a circle around the throne, as well as the living creatures and the elders. Their 68 number was ten thousand times ten thousand 69 – thousands times thousands – 5:12 all of whom 70 were singing 71 in a loud voice:
“Worthy is the lamb who was killed 72
to receive power and wealth
and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and praise!”
5:13 Then 73 I heard every creature – in heaven, on earth, under the earth, in the sea, and all that is in them – singing: 74
“To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise, honor, glory, and ruling power 75 forever and ever!”
5:14 And the four living creatures were saying “Amen,” and the elders threw themselves to the ground 76 and worshiped.
6:1 I looked on when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a thunderous voice, 77 “Come!” 78 6:2 So 79 I looked, 80 and here came 81 a white horse! The 82 one who rode it 83 had a bow, and he was given a crown, 84 and as a conqueror 85 he rode out to conquer.
6:3 Then 86 when the Lamb 87 opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come!” 6:4 And another horse, fiery red, 88 came out, and the one who rode it 89 was granted permission 90 to take peace from the earth, so that people would butcher 91 one another, and he was given a huge sword.
6:5 Then 92 when the Lamb opened the third seal I heard the third living creature saying, “Come!” So 93 I looked, 94 and here came 95 a black horse! The 96 one who rode it 97 had a balance scale 98 in his hand. 6:6 Then 99 I heard something like a voice from among the four living creatures saying, “A quart 100 of wheat will cost a day’s pay 101 and three quarts of barley will cost a day’s pay. But 102 do not damage the olive oil and the wine!”
6:7 Then 103 when the Lamb opened the fourth seal I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come!” 6:8 So 104 I looked 105 and here came 106 a pale green 107 horse! The 108 name of the one who rode it 109 was Death, and Hades followed right behind. 110 They 111 were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill its population with the sword, 112 famine, and disease, 113 and by the wild animals of the earth.
6:9 Now 114 when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been violently killed 115 because of the word of God and because of the testimony they had given. 6:10 They 116 cried out with a loud voice, 117 “How long, 118 Sovereign Master, 119 holy and true, before you judge those who live on the earth and avenge our blood?” 6:11 Each 120 of them was given a long white robe and they were told to rest for a little longer, until the full number was reached 121 of both their fellow servants 122 and their brothers who were going to be killed just as they had been.
6:12 Then 123 I looked when the Lamb opened the sixth seal, and a huge 124 earthquake took place; the sun became as black as sackcloth made of hair, 125 and the full moon became blood red; 126 6:13 and the stars in the sky 127 fell to the earth like a fig tree dropping 128 its unripe figs 129 when shaken by a fierce 130 wind. 6:14 The sky 131 was split apart 132 like a scroll being rolled up, 133 and every mountain and island was moved from its place. 6:15 Then 134 the kings of the earth, the 135 very important people, the generals, 136 the rich, the powerful, and everyone, slave 137 and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 6:16 They 138 said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, 139 6:17 because the great day of their 140 wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” 141
7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so no wind could blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 7:2 Then 142 I saw another angel ascending from the east, 143 who had 144 the seal 145 of the living God. He 146 shouted out with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given permission 147 to damage the earth and the sea: 148 7:3 “Do not damage the earth or the sea or the trees until we have put a seal on the foreheads of the servants 149 of our God.” 7:4 Now 150 I heard the number of those who were marked with the seal, 151 one hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed from all 152 the tribes of the people of Israel: 153
7:5 From the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed,
from the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand,
from the tribe of Gad, twelve thousand,
7:6 from the tribe of Asher, twelve thousand,
from the tribe of Naphtali, twelve thousand,
from the tribe of Manasseh, twelve thousand,
7:7 from the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand,
from the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand,
from the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand,
7:8 from the tribe of Zebulun, twelve thousand,
from the tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand,
from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand were sealed.
7:9 After these things I looked, and here was 154 an enormous crowd that no one could count, made up of persons from every nation, tribe, 155 people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb dressed in long white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. 7:10 They were shouting out in a loud voice,
“Salvation belongs to our God, 156
to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
7:11 And all the angels stood 157 there in a circle around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they threw themselves down with their faces to the ground 158 before the throne and worshiped God, 7:12 saying,
“Amen! Praise and glory,
and wisdom and thanksgiving,
and honor and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”
7:13 Then 159 one of the elders asked 160 me, “These dressed in long white robes – who are they and where have they come from?” 7:14 So 161 I said to him, “My lord, you know the answer.” 162 Then 163 he said to me, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They 164 have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb! 7:15 For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve 165 him day and night in his temple, and the one seated on the throne will shelter them. 166 7:16 They will never go hungry or be thirsty again, and the sun will not beat down on them, nor any burning heat, 167 7:17 because the Lamb in the middle of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” 168
8:1 Now 169 when the Lamb 170 opened the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 8:2 Then 171 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 8:3 Another 172 angel holding 173 a golden censer 174 came and was stationed 175 at the altar. A 176 large amount of incense was given to him to offer up, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar that is before the throne. 8:4 The 177 smoke coming from the incense, 178 along with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. 8:5 Then 179 the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it on the earth, and there were crashes of thunder, roaring, 180 flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
8:6 Now 181 the seven angels holding 182 the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.
8:7 The 183 first angel blew his trumpet, and there was hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was thrown at the earth so that 184 a third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
8:8 Then 185 the second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain of burning fire was thrown into the sea. A 186 third of the sea became blood, 8:9 and a third of the creatures 187 living in the sea died, and a third of the ships were completely destroyed. 188
8:10 Then 189 the third angel blew his trumpet, and a huge star burning like a torch fell from the sky; 190 it landed 191 on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 8:11 (Now 192 the name of the star is 193 Wormwood.) 194 So 195 a third of the waters became wormwood, 196 and many people died from these waters because they were poisoned. 197
8:12 Then 198 the fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. And there was no light for a third of the day 199 and for a third of the night likewise. 8:13 Then 200 I looked, and I heard an 201 eagle 202 flying directly overhead, 203 proclaiming with a loud voice, “Woe! Woe! Woe to those who live on the earth because of the remaining sounds of the trumpets of the three angels who are about to blow them!” 204
[4:1] 1 tn Grk “and behold.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this statement has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).
[4:1] 2 tn Or “in the sky” (the same Greek word means both “heaven” and “sky”).
[4:1] 3 tn Grk “with me.” The translation “with me” implies that John was engaged in a dialogue with the one speaking to him (e.g., Jesus or an angel) when in reality it was a one-sided conversation, with John doing all the listening. For this reason, μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ (met’ emou, “with me”) was translated as “to me.”
[4:1] 4 sn The phrase speaking to me like a trumpet refers back to Rev 1:10.
[4:1] 5 tn The conjunction καί (kai), much like the vav-consecutive in Hebrew, appears to be introducing a final/purpose clause here rather than a coordinate clause.
[4:2] 6 tn Or “in the spirit.” “Spirit” could refer either to the Holy Spirit or the human spirit, but in either case John was in “a state of spiritual exaltation best described as a trance” (R. H. Mounce, Revelation [NICNT], 75).
[4:2] 7 tn Grk “and behold.” The Greek word ἰδού (idou) at the beginning of this statement has not been translated because it has no exact English equivalent here, but adds interest and emphasis (BDAG 468 s.v. 1).
[4:2] 8 tn BDAG 537 s.v. κεῖμαι 2 gives the translation “stand” for the term in this verse.
[4:3] 9 tn Grk “jasper stone.”
[4:3] 10 sn Carnelian was a semiprecious gemstone, usually red in color (L&N 2.36).
[4:3] 11 tn Or “a rainbow emerald-like in appearance.”
[4:4] 12 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[4:4] 13 tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the words “They were” to indicate the connection to the preceding material.
[4:4] 14 sn See the note on the word crown in Rev 3:11.
[4:5] 15 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[4:5] 16 tn Or “sounds,” “voices.” It is not entirely clear what this refers to. BDAG 1071 s.v. φωνή 1 states, “In Rv we have ἀστραπαὶ καὶ φωναὶ καὶ βρονταί (cp. Ex 19:16) 4:5; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18 (are certain other sounds in nature thought of here in addition to thunder, as e.g. the roar of the storm?…).”
[4:5] 17 sn Some interpret the seven spirits of God as angelic beings, while others see them as a reference to the sevenfold ministry of the Holy Spirit.
[4:6] 18 tn This could refer to rock crystal, but it is possible this refers to ice (an older meaning). See BDAG 571 s.v. κρύσταλλος.
[4:6] 19 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[4:6] 20 tn Perhaps, “in the middle of the throne area” (see L&N 83.10).
[4:6] 21 tn On the meaning of ζῴον (zwon) BDAG 431 s.v. 2 states, “Of the four peculiar beings at God’s throne, whose description Rv 4:6-9 reminds one of the ζῷα in Ezk 1:5ff, the cherubim. S. also Rv 5:6, 8, 11, 14; 6:1, 3, 5-7; 7:11; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4.”
[4:7] 22 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[4:7] 23 tn Both here and before the phrase “the third,” καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
[4:8] 24 tn Grk “six wings apiece,” but this is redundant with “each one” in English.
[4:8] 25 tn Some translations render ἔσωθεν (eswqen) as “under [its] wings,” but the description could also mean “filled all around on the outside and on the inside with eyes.” Since the referent is not available to the interpreter, the exact force is difficult to determine.
[4:8] 26 tn Or “They never stop saying day and night.”
[4:8] 27 tn On this word BDAG 755 s.v. παντοκράτωρ states, “the Almighty, All-Powerful, Omnipotent (One) only of God…(ὁ) κύριος ὁ θεὸς ὁ π. …Rv 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7; 21:22.”
[4:9] 28 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
[4:10] 29 tn Grk “the twenty-four elders fall down.” BDAG 815 s.v. πίπτω 1.b.α.ב. has “fall down, throw oneself to the ground as a sign of devotion or humility, before high-ranking persons or divine beings.”
[4:10] 30 sn See the note on the word crown in Rev 3:11.
[4:10] 31 tn The pronoun “his” is understood from the demonstrative force of the article τοῦ (tou) before θρόνου (qronou).
[4:11] 32 tc The past tense of “they existed” (ἦσαν, hsan) and the order of the expression “they existed and were created” seems backwards both logically and chronologically. The text as it stands is the more difficult reading and seems to have given rise to codex A omitting the final “they were created,” 2329 replacing “they existed” (ἦσαν) with “have come into being” (ἐγένοντο, egeneto), and 046 adding οὐκ (ouk, “not”) before ἦσαν (“they did not exist, [but were created]”). Several
[5:1] 33 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence within the narrative.
[5:1] 34 tn Grk “written on the inside and the outside” (an idiom for having writing on both sides).
[5:1] 35 tn L&N 6.55 states, “From the immediate context of Re 5:1 it is not possible to determine whether the scroll in question had seven seals on the outside or whether the scroll was sealed at seven different points. However, since according to chapter six of Revelation the seals were broken one after another, it would appear as though the scroll had been sealed at seven different places as it had been rolled up.”
[5:3] 36 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
[5:4] 37 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of no one being found worthy to open the scroll.
[5:5] 39 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence within the narrative.
[5:5] 40 tn Grk “says” (a historical present).
[5:5] 41 tn The present imperative with μή (mh) is used here to command cessation of an action in progress (ExSyn 724 lists this verse as an example).
[5:5] 42 tn Or “has been victorious”; traditionally, “has overcome.”
[5:5] 43 tn The infinitive has been translated as an infinitive of result here.
[5:6] 44 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence within the narrative.
[5:6] 45 tn Perhaps, “in the middle of the throne area” (see L&N 83.10).
[5:6] 46 tn Or “slaughtered”; traditionally, “slain.” The phrase behind this translation is ὡς ἐσφαγμένον (Jw" ejsfagmenon). The particle ὡς is used in Greek generally for comparison, and in Revelation it is used often to describe the appearance of what the author saw. This phrase does not imply that the Lamb “appeared to have been killed” but in reality was not, because the wider context of the NT shows that in fact the Lamb, i.e., Jesus, was killed. See 13:3 for the only other occurrence of this phrase in the NT.
[5:6] 47 tn Grk “killed, having.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the pronoun “he.”
[5:6] 48 sn The relative pronoun which is masculine, referring back to the eyes rather than to the horns.
[5:6] 49 tc There is good ms evidence for the inclusion of “seven” (ἑπτά, Jepta; Ì24 א 2053 2351 ÏK). There is equally good ms support for the omission of the term (A 1006 1611 ÏA pc). It may have been accidentally added due to its repeated presence in the immediately preceding phrases, or it may have been intentionally added to maintain the symmetry of the phrases or more likely to harmonize the phrase with 1:4; 3:1; 4:5. Or it may have been accidentally deleted by way of homoioteleuton (τὰ ἑπτά, ta Jepta). A decision is difficult in this instance. NA27 also does not find the problem easy to solve, placing the word in brackets to indicate doubts as to its authenticity.
[5:6] 50 sn See the note on the phrase the seven spirits of God in Rev 4:5.
[5:7] 51 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[5:7] 52 tn The words “the scroll” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
[5:8] 53 tn Grk “fell down.” BDAG 815 s.v. πίπτω 1.b.α.ב. has “fall down, throw oneself to the ground as a sign of devotion or humility, before high-ranking persons or divine beings.”
[5:8] 54 tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
[5:8] 55 sn This interpretive comment by the author forms a parenthesis in the narrative.
[5:9] 56 tn The redundant participle λέγοντες (legontes) has not been translated here.
[5:9] 57 tn Or “slaughtered”; traditionally, “slain.”
[5:9] 58 tn The preposition ἐν (en) is taken to indicate price here, like the Hebrew preposition ב (bet) does at times. BDAG 329 s.v. ἐν 5.b states, “The ἐν which takes the place of the gen. of price is also instrumental ἠγόρασας ἐν τῷ αἵματί σου Rv 5:9 (cp. 1 Ch 21:24 ἀγοράζω ἐν ἀργυρίῳ).”
[5:9] 59 tc The Greek text as it stands above (i.e., the reading τῷ θεῷ [tw qew] alone) is found in codex A. א 2050 2344 Ï sy add the term “us” (ἡμᾶς, Jhmas), either before or after τῷ θεῷ, as an attempt to clarify the object of “purchased” (ἠγόρασας, hgorasa"). A few
[5:9] 60 tn The word “persons” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context.
[5:9] 61 tn Grk “and language,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
[5:10] 62 tn The verb ἐποίησας (epoihsas) is understood to mean “appointed” here. For an example of this use, see Mark 3:14.
[5:10] 63 tc The vast majority of witnesses have αὐτούς (autous, “them”) here, while the Textus Receptus reads ἡμᾶς (Jhmas, “us”) with insignificant support (pc gig vgcl sa Prim Bea). There is no question that the original text read αὐτούς here.
[5:10] 64 tn The reference to “kingdom and priests” may be a hendiadys: “priestly kingdom.”
[5:10] 65 tn The words “to serve” are not in the Greek text, but are implied by the word “priests.”
[5:10] 66 tc The textual problem here between the present tense βασιλεύουσιν (basileuousin, “they are reigning”; so A 1006 1611 ÏK pc) and the future βασιλεύσουσιν (basileusousin, “they will reign”; so א 1854 2053 ÏA pc lat co) is a difficult one. Both readings have excellent support. On the one hand, the present tense seems to be the harder reading in this context. On the other hand, codex A elsewhere mistakes the future for the present (20:6). Further, the lunar sigma in uncial script could have been overlooked by some scribes, resulting in the present tense. All things considered, there is a slight preference for the future.
[5:11] 67 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[5:11] 68 tn Grk “elders, and the number of them was.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
[5:11] 69 tn Or “myriads of myriads.” Although μυριάς (murias) literally means “10,000,” the point of the combination here may simply be to indicate an incalculably huge number. See L&N 60.9.
[5:12] 70 tn The words “all of whom” are not in the Greek text, but have been supplied to indicate the resumption of the phrase “the voice of many angels” at the beginning of the verse.
[5:12] 72 tn Or “slaughtered”; traditionally, “slain.”
[5:13] 73 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[5:14] 76 tn Grk “fell down.” BDAG 815 s.v. πίπτω 1.b.α.ב. has “fall down, throw oneself to the ground as a sign of devotion or humility, before high-ranking persons or divine beings.”
[6:1] 77 tn Grk “saying like a voice [or sound] of thunder.”
[6:1] 78 tc The addition of “and see” (καὶ ἴδε or καὶ βλέπε [kai ide or kai blepe]) to “come” (ἔρχου, ercou) in 6:1, 3-5, 7 is a gloss directed to John, i.e., “come and look at the seals and the horsemen!” But the command ἔρχου is better interpreted as directed to each of the horsemen. The shorter reading also has the support of the better witnesses.
[6:2] 79 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of hearing the voice summon the first rider.
[6:2] 80 tc The reading “and I looked” (καὶ εἶδον, kai eidon) or some slight variation (e.g., ἶδον, idon) has excellent ms support ({א A C P 1611}) and its omission seems to come through the
[6:2] 81 tn The phrase “and here came” expresses the sense of καὶ ἰδού (kai idou).
[6:2] 82 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[6:2] 83 tn Grk “the one sitting on it.”
[6:2] 84 sn See the note on the word crown in Rev 3:11.
[6:2] 85 tn The participle νικῶν (nikwn) has been translated as substantival, the subject of the verb ἐξῆλθεν (exhlqen). Otherwise, as an adverbial participle of manner, it is somewhat redundant: “he rode out conquering and to conquer.”
[6:3] 86 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[6:3] 87 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the Lamb) has been specified in the translation for clarity here and throughout the rest of the chapter.
[6:4] 88 tn L&N 79.31 states, “‘fiery red’ (probably with a tinge of yellow or orange).”
[6:4] 89 tn Grk “the one sitting on it.”
[6:4] 90 tn The word “permission” is implied; Grk “it was given to him to take peace from the earth.”
[6:4] 91 tn BDAG 979 s.v. σφάζω states, “Of the killing of a person by violence…σφάζειν τινά butcher or murder someone (4 Km 10:7; Jer 52:10; Manetho: 609 fgm. 8, 76 Jac. [in Jos., C. Ap. 1, 76]; Demetr.[?]: 722 fgm. 7; Ar. 10, 9) 1J 3:12; Rv 6:4. Pass. (Hdt. 5, 5) 5:9; 6:9; 18:24.”
[6:5] 92 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[6:5] 93 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the summons by the third creature.
[6:5] 94 tc The reading “and I looked” (καὶ εἶδον, kai eidon) or some slight variation (e.g., ἶδον, idon) has excellent ms support ({א A C P 1611}) and its omission seems to have come through the
[6:5] 95 tn The phrase “and here came” expresses the sense of καὶ ἰδού (kai idou).
[6:5] 96 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[6:5] 97 tn Grk “the one sitting on it.”
[6:5] 98 sn A balance scale would have been a rod held by a rope in the middle with pans attached to both ends for measuring.
[6:6] 99 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[6:6] 100 tn BDAG 1086 s.v. χοῖνιξ states, “a dry measure, oft. used for grain, approximately equivalent to one quart or one liter, quart. A χ.of grain was a daily ration for one pers.…Rv 6:6ab.”
[6:6] 101 tn Grk “a quart of wheat for a denarius.” A denarius was one day’s pay for an average worker. The words “will cost” are used to indicate the genitive of price or value; otherwise the English reader could understand the phrase to mean “a quart of wheat to be given as a day’s pay.”
[6:6] 102 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.
[6:7] 103 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[6:8] 104 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the summons by the fourth creature.
[6:8] 105 tc The reading “and I looked” (καὶ εἶδον, kai eidon) or some slight variation (e.g., ἶδον, idon) has excellent ms support ({א A C P 1611}) and its omission seems to have come through the
[6:8] 106 tn The phrase “and here came” expresses the sense of καὶ ἰδού (kai idou).
[6:8] 107 tn A sickly pallor, when referring to persons, or the green color of plants. BDAG 1085 s.v. χλωρός 2 states, “pale, greenish gray…as the color of a pers. in sickness contrasted with appearance in health…so the horse ridden by Death…ἵππος χλωρός Rv 6:8.” Because the color of the horse is symbolic, “pale green” is used in the translation. Cf. NIV, NCV “pale”; NASB “ashen.”
[6:8] 108 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[6:8] 109 tn Grk “the one sitting on it.”
[6:8] 110 tn Grk “And Hades was following with him.” The Greek expression μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ (met’ autou, “with him”) is Semitic and indicates close proximity. The translation “followed right behind” reflects this.
[6:8] 111 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
[6:8] 112 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[6:8] 113 tn Grk “with death.” θάνατος (qanatos) can in particular contexts refer to a manner of death, specifically a contagious disease (see BDAG 443 s.v. 3; L&N 23.158).
[6:9] 114 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the introduction of a new and somewhat different topic after the introduction of the four riders.
[6:9] 115 tn Or “murdered.” See the note on the word “butcher” in 6:4.
[6:10] 116 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[6:10] 117 tn Grk “voice, saying”; the participle λέγοντες (legontes) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated here.
[6:10] 118 tn The expression ἕως πότε (ews pote) was translated “how long.” Cf. BDAG 423 s.v. ἕως 1.b.γ.
[6:10] 119 tn The Greek term here is δεσπότης (despoths; see L&N 37.63).
[6:11] 120 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[6:11] 121 tn Grk “until they had been completed.” The idea of a certain “number” of people is implied by the subject of πληρωθῶσιν (plhrwqwsin).
[6:11] 122 tn Though σύνδουλος (sundoulos) has been translated “fellow servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free individual serving another. See the note on the word “servants” in 1:1.
[6:12] 123 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[6:12] 124 tn Or “powerful”; Grk “a great.”
[6:12] 125 tn Or “like hairy sackcloth” (L&N 8.13).
[6:12] 126 tn Grk “like blood,” understanding αἷμα (aima) as a blood-red color rather than actual blood (L&N 8.64).
[6:13] 127 tn Or “in heaven” (the same Greek word means both “heaven” and “sky”). The genitive τοῦ οὐρανοῦ (tou ouranou) is taken as a genitive of place.
[6:13] 128 tn Grk “throws [off]”; the indicative verb has been translated as a participle due to English style.
[6:13] 129 tn L&N 3.37 states, “a fig produced late in the summer season (and often falling off before it ripens) – ‘late fig.’ ὡς συκὴ βάλλει τοὺς ὀλύνθους αὐτῆς ὑπὸ ἀνέμου μεγάλου σειομένη ‘as the fig tree sheds its late figs when shaken by a great wind’ Re 6:13. In the only context in which ὄλυνθος occurs in the NT (Re 6:13), one may employ an expression such as ‘unripe fig’ or ‘fig which ripens late.’”
[6:13] 130 tn Grk “great wind.”
[6:14] 131 tn Or “The heavens were.” The Greek word οὐρανός (ouranos) can mean either “heaven” or “sky.”
[6:14] 132 tn BDAG 125 s.v. ἀποχωρίζω states, “ὁ οὐρανὸς ἀπεχωρίσθη the sky was split Rv 6:14.” Although L&N 79.120 gives the meaning “the sky disappeared like a rolled-up scroll” here, a scroll that is rolled up does not “disappear,” and such a translation could be difficult for modern readers to understand.
[6:14] 133 tn On this term BDAG 317 s.v. ἑλίσσω states, “ὡς βιβλίον ἑλισσόμενον like a scroll that is rolled up…Rv 6:14.”
[6:15] 134 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[6:15] 135 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated; nor is it translated before each of the following categories, since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
[6:15] 136 tn Grk “chiliarchs.” A chiliarch was normally a military officer commanding a thousand soldiers, but here probably used of higher-ranking commanders like generals (see L&N 55.15; cf. Rev 6:15).
[6:15] 137 tn See the note on the word “servants” in 1:1.
[6:16] 138 tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[6:16] 139 tn It is difficult to say where this quotation ends. The translation ends it after “withstand it” at the end of v. 17, but it is possible that it should end here, after “Lamb” at the end of v. 16. If it ends after “Lamb,” v. 17 is a parenthetical explanation by the author.
[6:17] 140 tc Most
[6:17] 141 tn The translation “to withstand (it)” for ἵστημι (Jisthmi) is based on the imagery of holding one’s ground in a military campaign or an attack (BDAG 482 s.v. B.4).
[7:2] 142 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[7:2] 143 tn Grk “from the rising of the sun.” BDAG 74 s.v. ἀνατολή 2.a takes this as a geographical direction: “ἀπὸ ἀ. ἡλίου…from the east Rv 7:2; 16:12…simply ἀπὸ ἀ. …21:13.”
[7:2] 144 tn Grk “having,” but v. 3 makes it clear that the angel’s purpose is to seal others with the seal he carries.
[7:2] 145 tn Or “signet” (L&N 6.54).
[7:2] 146 tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[7:2] 147 tn The word “permission” is implied; Grk “to whom it was given to them to damage the earth.”
[7:2] 148 tn Grk “saying.” The participle λέγων (legwn) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
[7:3] 149 tn See the note on the word “servants” in 1:1.
[7:4] 150 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the introduction of new but related material.
[7:4] 151 tn Grk “who were sealed.”
[7:4] 152 tn Normally, “every,” but since 144,000 is the total number, “all” is clearer here.
[7:4] 153 tn Grk “the sons of Israel,” normally an idiom for the Israelites as an ethnic entity (L&N 11.58). However, many scholars understand the expression in this context to refer to Christians rather than ethnic Israelites.
[7:9] 154 tn The phrase “and here was” expresses the sense of καὶ ἰδού (kai idou).
[7:9] 155 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated before each of the following categories, since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
[7:10] 156 tn The dative here has been translated as a dative of possession.
[7:11] 157 tn The verb is pluperfect, but the force is simple past. See ExSyn 586.
[7:11] 158 tn Grk “they fell down on their faces.” BDAG 815 s.v. πίπτω 1.b.α.ב. has “fall down, throw oneself to the ground as a sign of devotion or humility, before high-ranking persons or divine beings.”
[7:13] 159 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[7:13] 160 tn Grk “spoke” or “declared to,” but in the context “asked” reads more naturally in English.
[7:14] 161 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the previous question.
[7:14] 162 tn Though the expression “the answer” is not in the Greek text, it is clearly implied. Direct objects in Greek were frequently omitted when clear from the context.
[7:14] 163 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[7:14] 164 tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[7:15] 165 tn Or “worship.” The word here is λατρεύω (latreuw).
[7:15] 166 tn Grk “will spread his tent over them,” normally an idiom for taking up residence with someone, but when combined with the preposition ἐπί (epi, “over”) the idea is one of extending protection or shelter (BDAG 929 s.v. σκηνόω).
[7:16] 167 tn An allusion to Isa 49:10. The phrase “burning heat” is one word in Greek (καῦμα, kauma) that refers to a burning, intensely-felt heat. See BDAG 536 s.v.
[7:17] 168 sn An allusion to Isa 25:8.
[8:1] 169 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the resumption of the topic of the seals.
[8:1] 170 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the Lamb) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
[8:2] 171 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[8:3] 172 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[8:3] 174 sn A golden censer was a bowl in which incense was burned. The imagery suggests the OT role of the priest.
[8:3] 175 tn The verb “to station” was used to translate ἑστάθη (Jestaqh) because it connotes the idea of purposeful arrangement in English, which seems to be the idea in the Greek.
[8:3] 176 tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation. Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[8:4] 177 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[8:4] 178 tn The expression τῶν θυμιαμάτων (twn qumiamatwn) is taken as a “genitive of producer,” i.e., the noun in the genitive produces the head noun.
[8:5] 179 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[8:5] 180 tn Or “sounds,” “voices.” It is not entirely clear what this refers to. BDAG 1071 s.v. φωνή 1 states, “In Rv we have ἀστραπαὶ καὶ φωναὶ καὶ βρονταί (cp. Ex 19:16) 4:5; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18 (are certain other sounds in nature thought of here in addition to thunder, as e.g. the roar of the storm?…).”
[8:6] 181 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” to indicate the transition to a new topic.
[8:7] 183 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[8:7] 184 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so that” because what follows has the logical force of a result clause.
[8:8] 185 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[8:8] 186 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.
[8:9] 187 tn Or “a third of the living creatures in the sea”; Grk “the third of the creatures which were in the sea, the ones having life.”
[8:9] 188 tn On the term translated “completely destroyed,” L&N 20.40 states, “to cause the complete destruction of someone or something – ‘to destroy utterly.’ τὸ τρίτον τῶν πλοίων διεφθάρησαν ‘a third of the ships were completely destroyed’ Re 8:9.”
[8:10] 189 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[8:10] 190 tn Or “from heaven” (the same Greek word means both “heaven” and “sky”).
[8:11] 192 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “now” in keeping with the parenthetical nature of this remark.
[8:11] 193 tn Grk “is called,” but this is somewhat redundant in contemporary English.
[8:11] 194 sn Wormwood refers to a particularly bitter herb with medicinal value. According to L&N 3.21, “The English term wormwood is derived from the use of the plant as a medicine to kill intestinal worms.” This remark about the star’s name is parenthetical in nature.
[8:11] 195 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of the star falling on the waters.
[8:11] 196 tn That is, terribly bitter (see the note on “Wormwood” earlier in this verse).
[8:11] 197 tn Grk “and many of the men died from these waters because they were bitter.”
[8:12] 198 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[8:12] 199 tn Grk “the day did not shine [with respect to] the third of it.”
[8:13] 200 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the vision.
[8:13] 201 tn Grk “one eagle.”
[8:13] 202 tc ÏA reads “angel” (ἀγγέλου, angelou) instead of “eagle” (ἀετοῦ, aetou), a reading strongly supported by {א A 046 ÏK and several versions}. On external grounds, ἀετοῦ is clearly the superior reading. ἀγγέλου could have arisen inadvertently due to similarities in spelling or sound between ἀετοῦ and ἀγγέλου. It may also have been intentional in order to bring this statement in line with 14:6 where an angel is mentioned as the one flying in midair. This seems a more likely reason, strengthened by the facts that the book only mentions eagles two other times (4:7; 12:14). Further, the immediate as well as broad context is replete with references to angels.
[8:13] 203 tn Concerning the word μεσουράνημα (mesouranhma), L&N 1.10 states, “a point or region of the sky directly above the earth – ‘high in the sky, midpoint in the sky, directly overhead, straight above in the sky.’ εἶδον, καὶ ἤκουσα ἑνὸς ἁετοῦ πετομένου ἐν μεσουρανήματι ‘I looked, and I heard an eagle that was flying overhead in the sky’ Re 8:13.”
[8:13] 204 tn Grk “about to sound their trumpets,” but this is redundant in English.
