Revelation 4:6

4:6 and in front of the throne was something like a sea of glass, like crystal. ¹ 

In ²  the middle of the throne ³  and around the throne were four living creatures ⁴  full of eyes in front and in back.

Revelation 15:2

15:2 Then ⁵  I saw something like a sea of glass ⁶  mixed with fire, and those who had conquered ⁷  the beast and his image and the number of his name. They were standing ⁸  by ⁹  the sea of glass, holding harps given to them by God. ¹⁰ 

[4:6]  ¹ 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]  ² tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

[4:6]  ³ tn Perhaps, “in the middle of the throne area” (see L&N 83.10).

[4:6]  ⁴ 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.”

[15:2]  ⁵ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence within the narrative.

[15:2]  ⁶ sn See Rev 4:6 where the sea of glass was mentioned previously.

[15:2]  ⁷ tn Or “had been victorious over”; traditionally, “had overcome.”

[15:2]  ⁸ tn Grk “of his name, standing.” A new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the words “They were.”

[15:2]  ⁹ tn Or “on.” The preposition ἐπί (epi) with the accusative case could mean “on, at, by, near”; given the nature of this scene appearing in a vision, it is difficult to know precisely which the author of Revelation intended. See BDAG 363 s.v. ἐπί 1.c.γ, “At, by, near someone or someth.”

[15:2]  ¹⁰ tn Grk “harps of God.” The phrase τοῦ θεοῦ (tou qeou) has been translated as a genitive of agency.