Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Significance:In biblical literature, "thrones" often refer to seats of authority and power, both earthly and heavenly. The term is used to describe the physical seats of kings and rulers, as well as symbolic representations of divine authority and judgment. Thrones are emblematic of sovereignty, governance, and the administration of justice.
Old Testament Usage:In the Old Testament, thrones are frequently associated with the rule of kings. For example, Solomon's throne is described in detail, highlighting its grandeur and the authority it represents: "The king also made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold" (
1 Kings 10:18). Thrones are also mentioned in prophetic literature, symbolizing the restoration of divine order and justice. In Daniel's vision, thrones are set in place for judgment: "As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat" (
Daniel 7:9).
New Testament Usage:In the New Testament, thrones are often associated with heavenly realms and the authority of Christ. In the Book of Revelation, thrones are prominently featured in the visions of John. The twenty-four elders seated on thrones around the throne of God signify the completeness and authority of God's divine council: "Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads" (
Revelation 4:4).
Heavenly Thrones and Angelic Beings:Thrones are also mentioned in the context of angelic hierarchies. In
Colossians 1:16, Paul writes about the creation of all things through Christ, including thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities, indicating a structured order in the heavenly realms: "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him" (
Colossians 1:16).
Symbolism and Theology:Theologically, thrones symbolize God's ultimate authority and the establishment of His kingdom. They represent the divine right to rule and the execution of justice. The imagery of thrones in Scripture often points to the sovereignty of God and the fulfillment of His divine plan. Thrones are a reminder of the eternal reign of Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God, signifying His exalted position and authority over all creation.
Eschatological Implications:In eschatological contexts, thrones are associated with the final judgment and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The vision of the great white throne in
Revelation 20:11-15 depicts the final judgment, where the dead are judged according to their deeds. This imagery underscores the ultimate accountability of humanity before God's sovereign throne.
Conclusion:While the concept of thrones in the Bible encompasses both earthly and heavenly realms, it consistently points to the authority and sovereignty of God. Thrones serve as a powerful symbol of divine rule, justice, and the fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes throughout Scripture.
Greek
2362. thronos -- a throne... potentate. Word Origin probably from thranos (bench) Definition a throne
NASB Word Usage throne (53),
thrones (8). seat, throne.
...Strong's Hebrew
3678. kisse -- seat of honor, throne... seat of honor, throne NASB Word Usage authority (1), chair (1), official seat (1),
seat (6), sworn* (1), throne (118), throne the
thrones (1),
thrones (5).
...3764. korse -- a throne
... throne. Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to kisse Definition a throne
NASB Word Usage throne (2),thrones (1). throne. (Aramaic...
Library
Truth the Defence ofThrones.
... Chapter II. 12. Truth the defence ofThrones. Had I been accused before
any other, I should have appealed to your Piety; as once...
Concerning the Seraphim and Cherubim andThrones, and Concerning...
... HEAVENLY HIERARCHY. CAPUT VII. Concerning the Seraphim and Cherubim andThrones,
and concerning their first Hierarchy. Section I. We...
Whether the Grades of the Orders are Properly Assigned?
... But the order of "Thrones" is the nearest to God; for nothing is nearer to the sitter
than the seat. Therefore the order of the "Thrones" is the highest....
Matt. xix. 27
... ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit on
the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelvethrones, judging the...
Whether the Orders of the Angels are Properly Named?
... the angels. Therefore they ought not to be names of any particular orders.
Objection 6: Further,Thrones are seats. But from the...
Psalm LXXXVII.
... There is a deep mystery in this number of twelve: "Ye shall sit," says our Saviour,
"on twelvethrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." [4042] If there...
The Passages in which the Saviour Declares that There Shall be a...
... ye which have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on
the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelvethrones, judging the...
Psalm CXXII.
... understood. He calleth those seats, which the Greeks callthrones. The
Greeks call chairsthrones, as a term of honour. Therefore...
These Doctrines of Our Faith Witnessed to and Confirmed by...
... He mentions the several classes of these created intelligibles: " [131]thrones,"
"dominions," "principalities," "powers," conveying his doctrine about these...
Colossians i. 15-18
... of all creation: for in Him were all things created, in the heavens, and upon the
earth, things visible and things invisible, whetherthrones or dominions or...
Thesaurus
Thrones (19 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Thrones (19 Occurrences).
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT
NAS RSV NIV). Luke 1:52 He has put down princes from their
thrones.
...Twenty-four (26 Occurrences)
... Twenty-five, Twenty-four. Twenty-fourth . Multi-Version Concordance
Twenty-four (26 Occurrences). Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four...
Grown (77 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:8 Every one of you already has all that heart can desire; already
you have grown rich; without waiting for us, you have ascended yourthrones!...
Judging (141 Occurrences)
... that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit
on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelvethrones, judging the...
Tribes (141 Occurrences)
... that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit
on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelvethrones, judging the...
Crowns (27 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Crowns (27 Occurrences). Revelation 4:4 Around
the throne were twenty-fourthrones. On thethrones were...
Ascended (48 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 4:8 Every one of you already has all that heart can desire; already
you have grown rich; without waiting for us, you have ascended yourthrones!...
Dressed (77 Occurrences)
... (BBE NIV). Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-fourthrones. On
thethrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in...
Worshiped (83 Occurrences)
... Revelation 11:16 The twenty-four elders, who sit on theirthrones before God's throne,
fell on their faces and worshiped God, (WEB WBS NAS RSV NIV)....
Heads (439 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-fourthrones. On the
thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white...
Resources
What are the ophanim? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the twenty-four (24) elders in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgAre Jesus and Satan brothers? | GotQuestions.orgThrones: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
