Are the 'living creatures' in Revelation 4 angels?
The living creatures in Revelation 4 are angelic beings of a sort, not literal wild animals. A better translation of "beasts" is "living creatures." They are round about the throne, full of eyes before and behind, and later described with faces like a lion, calf, man, and flying eagle.
Les teaches that the "beasts" in Revelation 4:6 should not be pictured as horrible wild animals; a better translation is "living creatures." He identifies them as angelic beings of a sort, positioned round about the throne and full of eyes before and behind. Les also connects their description to Ezekiel and to the four Gospel pictures of Christ: the first like a lion, the second like a calf or ox, the third with a face as a man, and the fourth like a flying eagle.
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.
More Questions
What are the four beasts in Revelation 4:6?
The four beings John saw in Revelation 4:6 should not be envisioned as wild animals; a better translation than 'beasts' is 'living creatures.'
What does the Greek word behind 'four beasts' in Revelation 4:6 mean?
In Revelation 4:6, the word translated 'beasts' is better rendered 'living creatures' rather than wild animals.