New Testament
Revelation 4:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And whenever those beasts give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
Compare translations
And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
What Revelation 4:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 4:9, the focus is on the continuous worship and praise given to God by the living creatures around His throne. These beings recognize God's eternal nature and His sovereignty over all creation. The act of giving glory, honor, and thanks signifies their acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and His everlasting existence. This verse highlights the importance of worship in the heavenly realm, where beings created by God express their reverence and gratitude. It serves as a reminder for believers on Earth to also engage in worship, recognizing God's greatness and the blessings He provides. The repetition of glory, honor, and thanks emphasizes the completeness of their worship, suggesting that all aspects of their being are involved in praising God. This verse encourages us to reflect on our own worship practices and to ensure that we are giving God the honor He deserves in our lives.
How to apply Revelation 4:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to prioritize worship in our daily lives. Just as the living creatures continually praise God, we should also express our gratitude and honor Him through our actions and words. Regular worship helps us maintain a proper perspective on God's greatness and our relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Revelation 4:9
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Revelation 4:9
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 4:9 mean?
Revelation 4:9 describes the continuous worship of God by the living creatures around His throne. They give glory, honor, and thanks to God, acknowledging His eternal nature and sovereignty.
What is the significance of worship in Revelation 4:9?
The verse highlights the importance of worship in the heavenly realm, showing that all beings created by God express reverence and gratitude. It serves as a reminder for believers to engage in worship and honor God in their lives.
What does giving glory and honor to God mean in Revelation 4:9?
Giving glory and honor to God means recognizing His supreme authority and eternal existence. It signifies a deep acknowledgment of His greatness and the blessings He provides.
How does Revelation 4:9 relate to daily worship practices?
Revelation 4:9 encourages believers to prioritize worship in their daily lives, just as the living creatures do. It suggests that regular expressions of gratitude and honor help maintain a proper perspective on God's greatness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.