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Revelation 4:6
ESV and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind:
NIV Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.
NASB and before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.
CSB Something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal, was also before the throne. Four living creatures covered with eyes in front and in back were around the throne on each side.
NLT In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back.
KJV And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
NKJV Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.

What does Revelation 4:6 mean?

This verse refers to a sea of glass as clear as crystal in front of God's throne. In Old Testament worship, Israel's priests had to wash their hands and feet at a bronze basin before approaching God (Exodus 30:18–21). The washing symbolically represented cleansing of the sins of specific deeds and general conduct. Here on earth, the blood of Jesus washes away the sins of all who believe on Jesus as Savior (1 Corinthians 6:10–11; Hebrews 9:13–14; 1 Peter 1:18–19). Having been washed in the blood of Jesus, believers receive cleansing from sins by confessing them.

First John 1:9 promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." In heaven there is no need of cleansing from sin, so no water comes between worshipers and God. The water has become a sea of glass.

John tells us he also saw four living creatures around God's throne. He describes them as having eyes in front and behind. Apparently, they guard God's throne, keeping watch over everything that comes near to His throne.
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