Lexical Summary thronos: Throne Original Word: θρόνος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance seat, throne. From thrao (to sit); a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate -- seat, throne. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from thranos (bench) Definition a throne NASB Translation throne (53), thrones (8). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2362: θρόνοςθρόνος, θρόνου, ὁ (ΘΡΑΩ to sit; cf. Curtius, § 316) (from Homer down), the Sept. for כִּסֵּא, a throne, seat, i. e. a chair of state having a footstool; assigned in the N. T. to kings, hence, by metonymy, for kingly power, royalty: Luke 1:32, 52; Acts 2:30. metaphorically, to God, the governor of the world: Matthew 5:34; Matthew 23:22; Acts 7:49 (Isaiah 66:1); Revelation 1:4; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 4:2-6, 9, 10, etc.; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 12:2. to the Messiah, the partner and assistant in the divine administration: Matthew 19:28; Matthew 25:31; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 20:11; Revelation 22:3; hence, the divine power belonging to Christ, Hebrews 1:8. to judges, equivalent to tribunal or bench (Plutarch, mar., p. 807 b.): Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30; Revelation 20:4. to elders: Revelation 4:4; Revelation 11:16. to Satan: Revelation 2:13; cf. Bleek at the passage to the beast (concerning which see θηρίον): Revelation 16:10. θρόνος is used by metonymy, of one who holds dominion or exercises authority; thus in plural of angels: Colossians 1:16 (see Lightfoot at the passage). Topical Lexicon Symbol of Divine SovereigntyThe New Testament repeatedly presents God’s throne as the fixed center of all reality. Jesus identifies heaven itself as “the throne of God” (Matthew 5:34), and He warns that a careless oath invokes that throne’s divine authority (Matthew 23:22). The epistle to the Hebrews twice accents its character: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16), and, quoting Psalm Forty-Five, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever” (Hebrews 1:8). These passages unite God’s regal majesty with His gracious accessibility, anchoring Christian confidence in worship and intercession. Christ’s Exaltation and Session Gabriel’s annunciation links the Messiah to Israel’s royal hope: “The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32). Peter confirms that promise fulfilled: “Because he was a prophet… he knew God had sworn… to seat one of his descendants on his throne” (Acts 2:30). After resurrection, Jesus ascended “to the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 8:1). His session signifies completed atonement, present intercession, and unrivaled authority: “He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Heavenly Court and Worship Revelation unveils the throne room as the cosmic sanctuary. John is carried “in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven” (Revelation 4:2). Surrounding it are emerald rainbow, crystal sea, living creatures, and twenty-four elders on subsidiary thrones (Revelation 4:4–6). All creation crescendos in worship: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor… for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13). From that throne proceed judgment (Revelation 8:3–5), providential rule (Revelation 7:15-17), and final blessing: “The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city” (Revelation 22:3). Eschatological Judgment The culmination of history appears before “a great white throne” (Revelation 20:11). Earth and sky flee; the dead stand; books are opened; the Book of Life decides eternal destinies (Revelation 20:12). This scene underscores divine justice, validating every moral demand of the gospel and every promise of vindication for the faithful. Earthly Thrones and Created Powers Luke records that God “has brought down rulers from their thrones” (Luke 1:52), asserting His prerogative over human sovereignty. Paul expands the category: “thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). Even invisible powers hold derived authority and remain subject to Christ’s creative word. Satanic Counterfeit Pergamum is described as the place “where Satan has his throne” (Revelation 2:13), and the dragon gives the beast “his power and his throne and great authority” (Revelation 13:2). A direct contrast is intended: illegitimate thrones mimic divine rule yet face inevitable overthrow (Revelation 16:10). Believers’ Participation in Royal Authority Faithful disciples are promised shared reign. Jesus told the Twelve: “You will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30). To the overcomer He extends the highest privilege: “I will grant him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21). Saints resurrected in the millennium likewise “sat on thrones, and judgment was given to them” (Revelation 20:4). Participation in Christ’s reign motivates perseverance and holiness. Historical Background In the ancient Near East a throne was the visible emblem of kingship—often elevated, ornamented with ivory, gold, or priceless fabrics. Hellenistic and Roman courts retained the symbolism; emperors spoke ex cathedra from a curule seat. Jewish tradition, informed by throne-visions in Isaiah Six and Daniel Seven, located ultimate sovereignty in heaven. New Testament writers draw on that heritage, enriching it through Christ’s exaltation. Ministry Implications 1. Worship: Corporate liturgy mirrors the heavenly scene; hymns and prayers consciously address “Him who sits on the throne.” Theological Synthesis The throne motif weaves kingdom, covenant, grace, and glory into a unified tapestry. It affirms that the universe is personal and moral, ruled by the triune God whose purposes converge in the enthroned Christ. The gospel, therefore, is not merely private salvation but summons to allegiance, worship, and ultimate communion with the One “who is, and who was, and who is to come” (Revelation 1:4). Forms and Transliterations θρονοι θρόνοι θρονον θρόνον θρονος θρόνος θρονου θρόνου θρονους θρόνους θρονω θρόνω θρόνῳ θρονων θρόνων θρυλληθείην θρύλλημα throno thronō thronoi thrónoi thrónōi thronon thronōn thrónon thrónōn thronos thrónos thronou thrónou thronous thrónousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:34 N-NMSGRK: οὐρανῷ ὅτι θρόνος ἐστὶν τοῦ NAS: by heaven, for it is the throne of God, KJV: it is God's throne: INT: heaven because [the] throne it is Matthew 19:28 N-GMS Matthew 19:28 N-AMP Matthew 23:22 N-DMS Matthew 25:31 N-GMS Luke 1:32 N-AMS Luke 1:52 N-GMP Luke 22:30 N-GMP Acts 2:30 N-AMS Acts 7:49 N-NMS Colossians 1:16 N-NMP Hebrews 1:8 N-NMS Hebrews 4:16 N-DMS Hebrews 8:1 N-GMS Hebrews 12:2 N-GMS Revelation 1:4 N-GMS Revelation 2:13 N-NMS Revelation 3:21 N-DMS Revelation 3:21 N-DMS Revelation 4:2 N-NMS Revelation 4:2 N-AMS Revelation 4:3 N-GMS Revelation 4:4 N-GMS Revelation 4:4 N-NMP Revelation 4:4 N-AMP Strong's Greek 2362 |
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