Rev 4:4 | RWP | e4.org | Round about the throne ( κυκλοθεν του θρονου ). Here as a preposition with the genitive, though only adverb in (only N.T. examples save Textus Rec. in ). Four and twenty thrones ( θρονο εικοσ τεσσαρες ). So P Q, but Aleph A have accusative θρονους (supply ειδον from ) and τεσσαρες (late accusative in -ες ). This further circle of thrones beyond the great throne. I saw four and twenty elders ( εικοσ τεσσαρας πρεσβυτερους ). No ειδον in the text, but the accusative case calls for it. Twenty-four as a symbolic number occurs only in this book and only for these elders ( , ; ; ; ). We do not really know why this number is chosen, perhaps two elders for each tribe, perhaps the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles (Judaism and Christianity), perhaps the twenty-four courses of the sons of Aaron ( ), perhaps some angelic rank ( ) of which we know nothing. Cf. . Sitting ( καθημενους ). Upon their thrones. Arrayed ( περιβεβλημενους ). Perfect passive participle of περιβαλλω (to throw around). In white garments ( ιματιοις λευκοις ). Locative case here as in (with εν ), though accusative in , . Crowns of gold ( στεφανους χρυσους ). Accusative case again like πρεσβυτερους after ειδον ( ), not ιδου . In εχων (having) is added. John uses διαδημα (diadem) for the kingly crown in ; ; , but it is not certain that the old distinction between διαδεμ as the kingly crown and στεφανος as the victor's wreath is always observed in late Greek.

‏ Revelation of John 4:4

Round about the throne ( κυκλοθεν του θρονου ). Here as a preposition with the genitive, though only adverb in 4:8 (only N.T. examples save Textus Rec. in 5:11).

Four and twenty thrones ( θρονο εικοσ τεσσαρες ). So P Q, but Aleph A have accusative θρονους (supply ειδον from 4:1) and τεσσαρες (late accusative in -ες ). This further circle of thrones beyond the great throne.

I saw four and twenty elders ( εικοσ τεσσαρας πρεσβυτερους ). No ειδον in the text, but the accusative case calls for it. Twenty-four as a symbolic number occurs only in this book and only for these elders (4:4, 10; 5:8; 11:16; 19:4). We do not really know why this number is chosen, perhaps two elders for each tribe, perhaps the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles (Judaism and Christianity), perhaps the twenty-four courses of the sons of Aaron (1Ch 24:1-19), perhaps some angelic rank (Col 1:16) of which we know nothing. Cf. Eph 2:6.

Sitting ( καθημενους ). Upon their thrones.

Arrayed ( περιβεβλημενους ). Perfect passive participle of περιβαλλω (to throw around).

In white garments ( ιματιοις λευκοις ). Locative case here as in 3:5 (with εν ), though accusative in 7:9, 13.

Crowns of gold ( στεφανους χρυσους ). Accusative case again like πρεσβυτερους after ειδον (4:1), not ιδου. In 19:14 εχων (having) is added. John uses διαδημα (diadem) for the kingly crown in 12:3; 13:1; 19:12, but it is not certain that the old distinction between διαδεμ as the kingly crown and στεφανος as the victor's wreath is always observed in late Greek.