Log inSign up

Revelation 4 · a question people ask

"four living creatures full of eyes before and behind" (4:6). What are the four living creatures?

In the text

Here is what the chapter says of them. "The first creature was like a lion, the second creature like a calf, the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle." (4:7). Each has "six wings" (4:8), and they "give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne" (4:9). The book doesn't say who or what they are, and these notes don't either. A go-deeper in another chapter of Favor quotes 4:8: see Set beside this chapter elsewhere in Favor.

The verses

“The first creature was like a lion, the second creature like a calf, the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!” When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever,”
Revelation 4:7-9 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Revelation 4

Revelation 4: A door opened in heaven

The elders sit "with crowns of gold on their heads" (4:4), and when they worship, they "throw their crowns before the throne" (4:10): the crowns on their heads are the crowns they throw.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekRevelation 4 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Revelation 4

All questions about Revelation →

Did we miss something?

We're a small team, and we can make mistakes. If something here looks wrong or unclear, tell us and we'll check it against the text.

Tell us

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

Start from the beginning in Genesis, or meet Jesus first in the four Gospels, starting with Matthew. New here? Start with First steps with Jesus: two weeks in Mark.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions