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Revelation 4:9

ESV And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
NIV Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever,
NASB And when the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever,
CSB Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one seated on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever,
NLT Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever),
KJV And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
NKJV Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,

What does Revelation 4:9 mean?

John's use of the word "whenever" in this verse points to the fact that the living creatures' praise of God is not simply a one-time occurrence. Their praise is ongoing. They give "glory and honor and thanks" to eternal God, who occupies the throne of heaven. They recognize that God's glory is the manifestation of His holiness. On the Mount of Transfiguration, three of Jesus' disciples caught a glimpse of Jesus' glory when His holy nature manifested itself through His human body (Matthew 17:1–2). Our glorious God is worthy of honor and thanks.

The order of the qualities the living creatures ascribe to God is noteworthy. Because He is glorious, no one can compare to Him, so He deserves the honor that is rightfully His. Because He is beyond compare, His subjects ought to thank Him for the love, grace, and mercy He bestows on them.

How well do we recognize God's glory, honor, and right to receive our thanks?
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