Revelation 4:2
New International Version
At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.

New Living Translation
And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it.

English Standard Version
At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.

Berean Standard Bible
At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it.

Berean Literal Bible
Immediately I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sitting upon the throne,

King James Bible
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

New King James Version
Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

New American Standard Bible
Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and someone was sitting on the throne.

NASB 1995
Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.

NASB 1977
Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.

Legacy Standard Bible
Immediately I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.

Amplified Bible
At once I was in [special communication with] the Spirit; and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with One seated on the throne.

Christian Standard Bible
Immediately I was in the Spirit, and there was a throne in heaven and someone was seated on it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was set there in heaven. One was seated on the throne,

American Standard Version
Straightway I was in the Spirit: and behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting upon the throne;

Contemporary English Version
Right then the Spirit took control of me, and there in heaven I saw a throne and someone sitting on it.

English Revised Version
Straightway I was in the Spirit: and behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting upon the throne;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Instantly, I came under the Spirit's power. I saw a throne in heaven, and someone was sitting on it.

Good News Translation
At once the Spirit took control of me. There in heaven was a throne with someone sitting on it.

International Standard Version
Instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven with a person seated on the throne.

Majority Standard Bible
And at once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it.

NET Bible
Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was standing in heaven with someone seated on it!

New Heart English Bible
Immediately I was in the Spirit; and look, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne.

Webster's Bible Translation
And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

Weymouth New Testament
Immediately I found myself in the Spirit, and saw a throne in Heaven, and some One sitting on the throne.

World English Bible
Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and immediately I was in [the] Spirit, and behold, a throne was set in Heaven, and on the throne is [One] sitting,

Berean Literal Bible
Immediately I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sitting upon the throne,

Young's Literal Translation
and immediately I was in the Spirit, and lo, a throne was set in the heaven, and upon the throne is one sitting,

Smith's Literal Translation
And instantly I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sitting upon the throne.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold there was a throne set in heaven, and upon the throne one sitting.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And immediately I was in the Spirit. And behold, a throne had been placed in heaven, and there was One sitting upon the throne.

New American Bible
At once I was caught up in spirit. A throne was there in heaven, and on the throne sat

New Revised Standard Version
At once I was in the spirit, and there in heaven stood a throne, with one seated on the throne!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And at once I was in The Spirit, and behold a throne fixed in Heaven, and upon the throne sat he;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And immediately I was in spirit; and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne;

Godbey New Testament
Immediately I was in the Spirit: and behold, a throne was set in the heaven, and on the throne one sitting,

Haweis New Testament
And immediately I was rapt in spirit: and, lo! a throne was placed in heaven, and upon the throne a person sitting.

Mace New Testament
Immediately I was in an extasy: and I saw a throne placed in heaven, and one sitting on the throne.

Weymouth New Testament
Immediately I found myself in the Spirit, and saw a throne in Heaven, and some One sitting on the throne.

Worrell New Testament
Straightway I was in the Spirit, and, behold, there was a throne set in Heaven, and One sitting upon the throne;

Worsley New Testament
And immediately I was in the Spirit: and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Throne in Heaven
1After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.” 2At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it. 3The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.…

Cross References
Ezekiel 1:26-28
Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. / From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. / The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.

Daniel 7:9-10
As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. / A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

Isaiah 6:1-4
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...

1 Kings 22:19
Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left.

Psalm 47:8
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.

Psalm 103:19
The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.

Hebrews 8:1
The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 25:31
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne.

Acts 7:55-56
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. / “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Colossians 3:1
Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

1 Timothy 6:15-16
which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time. / He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

Revelation 1:10
On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,

Revelation 5:1-7
Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. / And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” / But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

I was.

Revelation 1:10
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

Revelation 17:3
So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

Revelation 21:10
And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

a throne.

Revelation 4:5
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Revelation 20:11
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

Isaiah 6:1
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

and one.

Revelation 4:9
And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

Revelation 3:21
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revelation 5:1,6,7,13
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals…

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Revelation 4
1. John sees the throne of God in heaven.
4. The twenty-four elders.
6. The four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
10. The elders lay down their crowns, and worship him who sat on the throne.














At once
The phrase "at once" indicates the immediacy and suddenness of John's spiritual experience. In the Greek, the word used is "εὐθέως" (eutheos), which conveys a sense of urgency and promptness. This suggests that the vision John received was not a gradual revelation but an instantaneous transition into a divine encounter. It emphasizes the readiness and responsiveness required to receive spiritual insights, highlighting the importance of being attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading.

I was in the Spirit
The phrase "I was in the Spirit" signifies a state of spiritual ecstasy or heightened spiritual awareness. The Greek term "ἐν πνεύματι" (en pneumati) implies being under the influence or control of the Holy Spirit. This state allowed John to transcend the physical realm and perceive heavenly realities. It underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit's empowerment for understanding and experiencing divine mysteries, reminding believers of the transformative power of the Spirit in revealing God's truth.

and I saw a throne
The "throne" is a central symbol in this vision, representing authority, sovereignty, and divine rule. In the ancient world, thrones were associated with kingship and judgment. The Greek word "θρόνος" (thronos) is used here, indicating a seat of power. This imagery draws from Old Testament visions, such as those in Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel 1, where God's throne signifies His supreme authority over creation. It reassures believers of God's ultimate control and the stability of His kingdom amidst earthly chaos.

standing in heaven
The phrase "standing in heaven" locates the throne in the heavenly realm, emphasizing its transcendence and permanence. The Greek word "ἑστηκὼς" (hestekōs) suggests a firm, established position. This imagery contrasts with the temporal and unstable thrones of earthly rulers. It invites believers to lift their eyes above worldly concerns and focus on the eternal, unshakable kingdom of God, where true justice and righteousness prevail.

with someone seated on it
The presence of "someone seated on it" indicates the occupancy of the throne by a divine figure, traditionally understood as God Himself. The Greek phrase "καθήμενος" (kathēmenos) implies a position of rest and authority. This image conveys the idea of God as the sovereign ruler, actively governing His creation. It reflects the biblical theme of God's kingship and His rightful place as the judge and ruler of all. For believers, this vision offers assurance of God's active involvement in the world and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

(2) And immediately I was in the spirit.-- Comp. Revelation 1:10. The mind and soul were absorbed in the vision of things celestial. (See. 2Corinthians 12:1-4.)

"Words may not tell of that transhuman change;

If I were only what Thou didst create,

Then newly, Love ! by whom the heaven is ruled,

Thou know'st, who by Thy light didst bear me up." --

Paradiso, i. 68-73.

And, behold, a throne was set (i.e., not that the seer saw the throne being set, but when he saw it was already set) in heaven, and one sat on the throne.--Comp. Micaiah's speech (1Kings 22:19). The enthroned One is not named. Have we here a touch of the Jewish reluctance to name Jehovah? or is it that the descriptive phrase, "He that sat on the throne" is Used here, and kept before us in the whole book to remind us that the great world drama moves forward ever under the eyes of the ruling One. (Comp, Revelation 5:1; Revelation 5:7; Revelation 6:15; Revelation 20:11; Revelation 21:5.) . . .

Verse 2. - And immediately I was in the Spirit. Omit "and" (see above), so that the passage may be rendered, After these things, immediately, I was in the Spirit; a new scene was opened out, as before (in ver. 1). St. John was already in the Spirit; but now receives a fresh outpouring of grace, enabling him to see yet more deeply into the mysteries of the kingdom of God. And, behold, a throne was set in heaven; or, a throne was situated (ἔκειτο). There is no action of placing or setting up. Compare the vision of Ezekiel, "In the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne" (Ezekiel 10:1), where the throne appears above the cherubim, in the position of the cloud of glory (cf. also Isaiah 6:1, 2, where the seraphim are above). And one sat on the throne. Probably the Triune God, to whom the Trisagien in ver. 8 is addressed. Some have thought that the Father is indicated, in contradistinction to the other Persons of the Holy Trinity, and that it is from him that the Son takes the book in Revelation 5:8. But as Cornelius a Lapide remarks, "The Son as Man may well be said, especially in a sublime vision like this, to come to God." The Person is not named, because

(1) the Name of God is incommunicable; it is the "new Name" (see on Revelation 3:12); or

(2) because the seer describes only what is seen; or

(3) it is suppressed from a sense of reverence.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
At once
εὐθέως (eutheōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.

I was
ἐγενόμην (egenomēn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] Spirit,
Πνεύματι (Pneumati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

I saw
ἰδοὺ (idou)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400: See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!

a throne
θρόνος (thronos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2362: From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate.

standing
ἔκειτο (ekeito)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2749: To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

heaven,
οὐρανῷ (ouranō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

[with]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[someone] seated
καθήμενος (kathēmenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2521: To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[it].
θρόνον (thronon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2362: From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 4:1
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