An Exegetical Analysis of Revelation 4:9: Textual Variants and Accentuation Issues
This exegetical study of Rev 4.9 (Double Accentuation) is based on a b-greek discussion from Thu Jun 21 03:02:55 EDT 2001. The initial inquiry concerns an apparent double accent on the word θρόνῳ (dative singular of θρόνος) in Revelation 4:9 as observed in a particular edition of the UBS4, specifically an acute accent on the omicron and a circumflex on the omega. The inquirer questioned whether this was a standard grammatical feature or a printing error, noting that other textual traditions, such as the Textus Receptus (TR), presented the phrase as `ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου` with a single accent, and a textual note also showed `τῷ θρόνῳ` with a single accent.
The central exegetical issue revolves around the textual integrity and correct accentuation of the phrase “upon the throne” in Revelation 4:9. The initial observation of a supposed double accent on θρόνῳ in the UBS4 raises fundamental questions regarding standard Koine Greek accentuation rules and the reliability of critical editions. Beyond the accentuation, a comparative analysis of various critical texts (UBS4, TR, NA28, SBLGNT) reveals significant variations in the case of θρόνος (dative, genitive, or accusative) following the preposition `ἐπί`. This necessitates a comprehensive textual critical and grammatical analysis to ascertain the most probable original reading and its precise semantic and theological implications within the context of divine worship.
καὶ ὅταν δώσουσιν τὰ ζῶα δόξαν καὶ τιμὴν καὶ εὐχαριστίαν τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- The SBLGNT (2010) reads `ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον` (accusative case) following the preposition `ἐπί`.
- In contrast, Nestle 1904 (and UBS4, which is based on similar textual principles) reads `ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ` (dative case).
- The specific accentuation issue initially raised in the discussion pertains to the dative form `θρόνῳ`, which is not present in the SBLGNT’s chosen reading for this verse.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)
Textual Criticism (NA28): The Novum Testamentum Graece (NA28) presents a third significant variant for Revelation 4:9, reading: `καὶ ὅταν δώσουσιν τὰ ζῶα δόξαν καὶ τιμὴν καὶ εὐχαριστίαν τῷ καθημένῳ ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου τῷ ζῶντι εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων`. Here, NA28 adopts `ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου` (genitive case). This aligns with the Textus Receptus reading mentioned in the initial query. The presence of three distinct case forms—dative (`τῷ θρόνῳ` in Nestle 1904/UBS4), genitive (`τοῦ θρόνου` in TR/NA28), and accusative (`τὸν θρόνον` in SBLGNT)—highlights a notable textual diversity concerning the construction with the preposition `ἐπί` in this verse. Each variant is grammatically plausible, as `ἐπί` can take the genitive (denoting position, authority, or ‘over’), the dative (denoting static position ‘on’ or ‘at’), or the accusative (denoting motion ‘onto’ or ‘towards’, or sometimes a sustained position). The variant `ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου` (genitive) might emphasize the authority or source of the divine figure’s power, while `ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ` (dative) primarily denotes physical location. `ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον` (accusative) could suggest a dynamic relationship or perhaps a position of intimate proximity.
Regarding the accentuation issue, the alleged double accent on `θρόνῳ` is almost certainly a typographical error in the UBS4 edition observed by the inquirer. Standard Greek accentuation rules stipulate that a word typically bears only one accent (acute, grave, or circumflex). Double accents occur only in specific grammatical circumstances, such as when a word is followed by an enclitic, causing a recessive accent to appear on the preceding word. However, `θρόνῳ` in this context is not followed by an enclitic, nor is it itself an enclitic. As confirmed by subsequent correspondence in the b-greek discussion, critical editions like NA27 (a predecessor to NA28) correctly show `θρόνῳ` with a single accent. This reinforces the conclusion that the observed double accent was an anomaly, likely a typesetter’s mistake.
Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
- KITTEL (TDNT): The term `θρόνος` (throne) (Vol. III, pp. 162-167) carries significant theological weight, particularly in the Septuagint and the New Testament. It denotes not merely a seat but a symbol of royal, divine, or judicial authority, power, and honor. In Revelation, the `θρόνος` is overwhelmingly God’s throne (e.g., Rev 4:2-10), central to the heavenly vision and the cosmic drama. Its presence in Revelation 4:9 underscores the absolute sovereignty and majestic rule of God, who receives all glory, honor, and thanksgiving. The grammatical nuance of the preposition `ἐπί` with its respective case does not fundamentally alter this core theological understanding of God’s supreme authority, but rather shades the expression of His presence and reign.
- BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature): BDAG confirms `θρόνος` (p. 458) as meaning “throne, seat,” specifically one indicative of sovereign power or dignity. When used with the preposition `ἐπί`, as in Revelation 4:9, it denotes either the location of someone (e.g., `ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ` for “on the throne”) or the sphere of authority (`ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου` for “over the throne,” implying governance). The choice of case with `ἐπί` does not significantly alter the primary meaning of the divine object of worship being located at the seat of ultimate power. The nuances are subtle, relating more to the exact spatial or authoritative relationship being emphasized.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The grammatical analysis of Revelation 4:9 primarily centers on the various case forms of θρόνος following the preposition `ἐπί`, and the rhetorical impact these choices might convey:
- `ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ` (dative): This construction, found in Nestle 1904 and UBS4, uses `ἐπί` with the dative, which typically denotes a static position or location “on,” “at,” or “upon.” Grammatically, it describes the fixed placement of the divine figure. Rhetorically, it emphasizes the stable, unchanging presence of God upon His seat of power, conveying His permanent reign and accessibility. The original query regarding the double accent on `θρόνῳ` (dative) points to a typographical error; grammatically, a single accent would be expected, as Greek words generally do not bear two accents unless specific enclitic rules apply, which is not the case here. Thus, the correct accentuation of the dative form would be θρόνῳ.
- `ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου` (genitive): This reading, supported by NA28 and the Textus Receptus, employs `ἐπί` with the genitive. While this can also signify a static position (“upon” or “on”), it frequently carries a nuance of supervision, authority, or derivation, meaning “over” or “in charge of.” Grammatically, it highlights a relationship of power originating from the throne. Rhetorically, it might subtly emphasize the authority *exercised from* the throne or the divine figure’s position *as ruler of* the throne, enhancing the concept of His dominion.
- `ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον` (accusative): Found in SBLGNT, this construction uses `ἐπί` with the accusative. While `ἐπί` with the accusative most commonly denotes motion “onto” or “towards,” it can also signify a sustained position “at” or “over” in certain contexts. Grammatically, it could either imply the act of ascending or perpetually being positioned *at* the throne. Rhetorically, this might subtly emphasize the dynamic act of taking or maintaining the seat of power, or a close, continuous relationship with the source of authority.
In all three grammatical variants, the fundamental message of God’s sovereignty is powerfully conveyed. The specific case choice may add a subtle rhetorical layer, emphasizing static presence, the source of authority, or a dynamic relationship with the throne, respectively. The double accent on `θρόνῳ` observed in the initial post is an orthographic anomaly and has no bearing on the semantic or grammatical interpretation of the word itself, serving only as a point of textual critical correction concerning manuscript fidelity.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The alleged double accent on θρόνῳ in Revelation 4:9, as observed in a particular UBS4 edition, is concluded to be a typographical error. This is supported by the consensus of Greek accentuation rules, which limit Greek words to a single accent (unless specific enclitic conditions are met), and by verification with other critical editions like NA27/28. The primary textual critical issue in Revelation 4:9 for the phrase “upon the throne” concerns the grammatical case of θρόνος following the preposition `ἐπί`. Editions vary between the dative (`τῷ θρόνῳ`), genitive (`τοῦ θρόνου`), and accusative (`τὸν θρόνον`). Each variant is grammatically sound and carries nuanced semantic implications, though all powerfully convey the divine figure’s supreme authority and regal position as the recipient of worship. Given the theological context of God’s absolute sovereignty, any of these readings upholds the central message of divine majesty. For translation purposes, it is valuable to consider the slight distinctions in emphasis that each textual tradition might suggest.
- “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanksgiving to the One seated upon the throne, who lives to the ages of the ages…”
This translation reflects the `ἐπὶ τῷ θρόνῳ` (dative) reading, emphasizing a static and established position. - “Whenever the living creatures will give glory and honor and thanksgiving to the One seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever…”
This translation aligns with the `ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου` (genitive) reading, highlighting the position with an underlying sense of authority or governance from the throne. - “Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanksgiving to the One who sits at the throne, who lives for all eternity…”
This translation considers the `ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον` (accusative) reading, subtly emphasizing a sustained relationship or close proximity to the seat of ultimate power.