After this [μ ε τ α τ α υ τ α]. Rev., literally, after these things. Not indicating a break in the ecstatic state of the seer, but only a succession of separate visions. I looked [ε ι δ ο ν]. Rev., better, I saw. Not of the directing of attention, but of the simple reception of the vision. A door... [ Continue Reading ]
I was in the Spirit [ε γ ε ν ο μ η ν ε ν π ν ε υ μ α τ ι]. Strictly, I became : I found myself in. Appropriate to the sudden and unconscious transportation of the seer into the ecstatic state. Thus Dante describes his unconscious rapture into Paradise : "And suddenly it seemed that day to day Was a... [ Continue Reading ]
Jasper stone. The last of the twelve stones in the High Priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:20; Exodus 39:13), and the first of the twelve enumerated in the foundation of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19). Also the stone employed in the superstructure of the wall of the Heavenly City (chapter Revelat... [ Continue Reading ]
Throne [θ ρ ο ν ο υ]. A seat or chair. In Homer, an armchair with high back and footstool. Cushions were laid upon the seat, and over both seat and back carpets were spread. A royal throne. Used of the oracular seat of the priestess of Apollo. Apollo, in the "Eumenides" of Aeschylus, says : "Never,... [ Continue Reading ]
Proceeded [ε κ π ο ρ ε υ ο ν τ α ι]. Rev., proceed. The tense is graphically changed to the present. Lightnings and thunderings and voices. Compare Exodus 19:16. Variously interpreted of God's might, His judgment, His power over nature, and His indignation against the wicked. Lamps [λ α μ π α δ ε ς... [ Continue Reading ]
Of glass [υ α λ ι ν η]. Rev., glassy, which describes the appearance not the material. The adjective, and the kindred noun ualov glass occur only in Revelation. The etymology is uncertain; some maintaining an Egyptian origin, and others referring it to the Greek uw to rain, with the original signifi... [ Continue Reading ]
Lion, calf, man, eagle. From this passage is derived the familiar symbolism of the four Evangelists; Mark seated on a lion, Luke on a steer, Matthew on a man, and John on an eagle. These are varied however. Irenaeus attributes the lion to John, and the eagle to Mark. Augustine the lion to Matthew, t... [ Continue Reading ]
Had [ε ι χ ο ν]. The best texts read ecwn having, the participle in the singular number agreeing with each one. Each of them [ε ν κ α θ ε α υ τ ο]. Lit., one by himself. The best texts read en kaq en one by one or every one. Compare Mark 14:19. Six wings. Compare Isaiah 6:2. Dante pictures his Luc... [ Continue Reading ]
When [ο τ α ν]. Whensoever, implying, with the future tense, the eternal repetition of the act of praise. Give [δ ω σ ο υ σ ι ν]. Lit., as Rev., shall give.... [ Continue Reading ]
Cast [β α λ λ ο υ σ ι ν]. Read balousin shall cast. The casting of the crowns is an act of submission and homage. Cicero relates that when Tigranes the king of the Armenians was brought to Pompey's camp as a captive, prostrating himself abjectly, Pompey "raised him up, and replaced on his head the d... [ Continue Reading ]
O Lord [κ υ ρ ι ε]. Read oJ kuriov kai oJ Qeov hJmwn our Lord and our God. So Rev. See on Matthew 21:3. To receive [λ α β ε ι ν]. Or perhaps, better, to take, since the glory, honor, and power are the absolute possession of the Almighty. See on John 3:32. Power. Instead of the thanks in the ascript... [ Continue Reading ]