Revelation 8:4
New International Version
The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.

New Living Translation
The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.

English Standard Version
and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.

Berean Standard Bible
And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel.

Berean Literal Bible
And the smoke of the incense went up before God, with the prayers of the saints, out of the hand of the angel.

King James Bible
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

New King James Version
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.

New American Standard Bible
And the smoke of the incense ascended from the angel’s hand with the prayers of the saints before God.

NASB 1995
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.

NASB 1977
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the smoke of the incense went up with the prayers of the saints, out of the angel’s hand, before God.

Amplified Bible
And the smoke and fragrant aroma of the incense, with the prayers of the saints (God’s people), ascended before God from the angel’s hand.

Christian Standard Bible
The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up in the presence of God from the angel’s hand.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up in the presence of God from the angel’s hand.

American Standard Version
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand.

Contemporary English Version
Then the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God's people, went up to God from the hand of the angel.

English Revised Version
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The smoke from the incense went up from the angel's hand to God along with the prayers of God's people.

Good News Translation
The smoke of the burning incense went up with the prayers of God's people from the hands of the angel standing before God.

International Standard Version
The smoke from the incense and the prayers of the saints went up from the angel's hand to God.

Majority Standard Bible
And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel.

NET Bible
The smoke coming from the incense, along with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand.

New Heart English Bible
The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God out of the angel's hand.

Weymouth New Testament
And the smoke of the incense rose into the presence of God from the angel's hand, and mingled with the prayers of His people.

World English Bible
The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the smoke of the incenses, with the prayers of the holy ones, went up before God out of the hand of the messenger;

Berean Literal Bible
And the smoke of the incense went up before God, with the prayers of the saints, out of the hand of the angel.

Young's Literal Translation
and go up did the smoke of the perfumes to the prayers of the saints out of the hand of the messenger, before God;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the smoke of the perfumes went up, with the prayers of the holy, from the angel's hand before God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended, in the presence of God, from the hand of the Angel.

New American Bible
The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel.

New Revised Standard Version
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the smoke of the incense went up with the prayers of The Holy Ones from the hand of the Angel before God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God out of the hand of the angel.

Godbey New Testament
And the smoke of the incense went up out of the hand of the angel, with the prayers of the saints, before God.

Haweis New Testament
And the smoke of the perfumes went up with the prayers of the saints, out of the angel?s hand before God.

Mace New Testament
and the smoke of the incense together with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God, out of the angel's hand.

Weymouth New Testament
And the smoke of the incense rose into the presence of God from the angel's hand, and mingled with the prayers of His people.

Worrell New Testament
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God out of the hand of the angel.

Worsley New Testament
And the smoke of the incense went up with the prayers of the saints, out of the hand of the angel, before God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Seventh Seal
3Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. 4And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. 5Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, and rumblings, and flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.…

Cross References
Psalm 141:2
May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands, like the evening offering.

Exodus 30:7-8
And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. / When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come.

Luke 1:10
And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside.

Revelation 5:8
When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Revelation 6:9-10
And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. / And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”

Revelation 9:13
Then the sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God

Revelation 14:18
Still another angel, with authority over the fire, came from the altar and called out in a loud voice to the angel with the sharp sickle, “Swing your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the vine of the earth, because its grapes are ripe.”

Revelation 15:8
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

Revelation 16:7
And I heard the altar reply: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are Your judgments.”

Revelation 18:20
Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her.

Revelation 19:3
And a second time they called out: “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises forever and ever.”

Revelation 20:4
Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Hebrews 9:4
containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

Isaiah 6:4
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.

Isaiah 65:24
Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.


Treasury of Scripture

And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

Revelation 8:3
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Revelation 15:8
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

Exodus 30:1
And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it.

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Angel Angel's Ascended Hand Incense Messenger Mingled Perfume Perfumes Prayers Presence Rose Saints Smoke Together
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Angel Angel's Ascended Hand Incense Messenger Mingled Perfume Perfumes Prayers Presence Rose Saints Smoke Together
Revelation 8
1. At the opening of the seventh seal,
2. Seven angels have seven trumpets given them.
6. Four of them sound their trumpets and great plagues follow.
9. Another angel puts incense to the prayers of the saints on the golden altar.














And the smoke of the incense
The imagery of smoke in the Bible often symbolizes the presence of God, as seen in the Old Testament when God descended on Mount Sinai in smoke (Exodus 19:18). The Greek word for "smoke" is "kapnos," which conveys the idea of something that is both visible and intangible, much like the spiritual realities it represents. Incense in the ancient world, particularly in Jewish temple worship, was a symbol of prayer and intercession. The smoke of the incense here signifies the prayers of the faithful ascending to God, indicating that our prayers are not only heard but are a fragrant offering to Him.

with the prayers of the saints
The "prayers of the saints" refers to the petitions and intercessions of believers. The term "saints" in the New Testament, from the Greek "hagios," means "holy ones" or "set apart ones," indicating those who are consecrated to God through faith in Jesus Christ. This phrase underscores the power and importance of prayer in the life of a believer. Historically, incense was used in the temple to symbolize the prayers of the people rising to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2, "May my prayer be set before You like incense." This connection highlights the continuity between the Old and New Covenants and the enduring significance of prayer.

rose up before God
The phrase "rose up" is translated from the Greek "anabaino," which means to ascend or go up. This action signifies the movement of prayers from the earthly realm to the divine presence of God. The direction of the prayers "before God" emphasizes their destination and the assurance that they reach the throne of grace. In the historical context of Revelation, this imagery would have been particularly comforting to early Christians facing persecution, reminding them that their cries for justice and deliverance were heard by the Almighty.

from the hand of the angel
The "hand of the angel" indicates the role of angels as intermediaries in the divine order. In the biblical tradition, angels are often depicted as messengers or servants of God, facilitating communication between heaven and earth. The Greek word for "angel" is "angelos," meaning "messenger." This imagery suggests that the prayers of the saints are handled with care and reverence, being presented to God by His heavenly servants. It reflects the organized and purposeful nature of God's kingdom, where even the prayers of believers are part of a divine plan and are treated with utmost importance.

(4) And the smoke of . . .--Better, And there went up the smoke of the incense for (or to, i.e., designed for, and to give fragrance to) the prayers of the saints, out of the hand of the angel, before God. The emblem of the rising column of smoke, in which incense and prayer now mingled, is the token that the prayers of the saints, now rendered acceptable, and no longer premature, are about to be answered. These prayers of God's people, weak and imperfect as they are, are yet invincible weapons in the hands of Christ's soldiers, and will be found mightier than any carnal weapons. As Jericho fell without Israel needing to strike a blow, so now the Israel of God will be seen to be omnipotent through true and faithful prayer. The charter of the Church's power is in the words of Christ: "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7). The judgments that follow are not indeed specifically prayed for by the Church of Christ, but they are the results of their prayers, and prove the might of all prayer.

Verse 4. - And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand; and the smoke of the incense with the prayers of the saints went up, etc. (Revised Version). The prayers, accompanied by the incense, and typically purified by it, are received by God. He hears the prayers; and the judgments against the wicked, which follow in the trumpet visions, constitute the answer to them. This makes more probable the view that the following visions are judgments against the world, and not (like the seals) trials to the Church.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

smoke
καπνὸς (kapnos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2586: Smoke. Of uncertain affinity; smoke.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

incense,
θυμιαμάτων (thymiamatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2368: Incense. From thumiao; an aroma, i.e. Fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning itself.

together with the
ταῖς (tais)
Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

prayers
προσευχαῖς (proseuchais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4335: From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

saints,
ἁγίων (hagiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

rose up
ἀνέβη (anebē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 305: To go up, mount, ascend; of things: I rise, spring up, come up. From ana and the base of basis; to go up.

before
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

[the] hand
χειρὸς (cheiros)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5495: A hand.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

angel.
ἀγγέλου (angelou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 32: From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 8:4 The smoke of the incense (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 8:3
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