Revelation 4:6

4:6 and in front of the throne was something like a sea of glass, like crystal. 1 

In 2  the middle of the throne 3  and around the throne were four living creatures 4  full of eyes in front and in back.

Revelation 4:9

4:9 And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, 5  and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,

1 tn This could refer to rock crystal, but it is possible this refers to ice (an older meaning). See BDAG 571 s.v. κρύσταλλος.

2 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

3 tn Perhaps, “in the middle of the throne area” (see L&N 83.10).

4 tn On the meaning of ζῴον (zwon) BDAG 431 s.v. 2 states, “Of the four peculiar beings at God’s throne, whose description Rv 4:6-9 reminds one of the ζῷα in Ezk 1:5ff, the cherubim. S. also Rv 5:6, 8, 11, 14; 6:1, 3, 5-7; 7:11; 14:3; 15:7; 19:4.”

5 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.