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Revelation 8:4

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 8:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel`s hand.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel`s hand.
Revelation 8:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And when he opened the seventh seal, there followed a silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
2And I saw the seven angels that stand before God; and there were given unto them seven trumpets.
3And another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should add it unto the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
4And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel`s hand.
5And the angel taketh the censer; and he filled it with the fire of the altar, and cast it upon the earth: and there followed thunders, and voices, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
6And the seven angels that had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
7And the first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of the earth was burnt up, and the third part of the trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.
← Revelation 8:3Revelation 8:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the smoke of the incense, etc.] For the incense being put, as it was used to be, upon burning coals of fire, caused a smoke to arise like a cloud, (<031613>Leviticus 16:13 <260811>Ezekiel 8:11); so that the whole house, or temple, was filled with it f244: [which came] with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God out of the angel's hand; alluding to the incense the priest took in his hand, and cast upon the burning coals; and shows how that by the smoke of the incense, or the virtue of Christ's mediation, the imperfections of the prayers of the saints are covered; and how they are it perfumed and made acceptable to God; and so are said to ascend up before him, and to be regarded by…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the smoke . . . which came with the prayers . . . ascended up--rather, "the smoke of the incense FOR (or 'given TO': 'given' being understood from Rev 8:3) the prayers of the saints ascended up, out of the angel's hand, in the presence of Gods" The angel merely burns the incense given him by Christ the High Priest, so that its smoke blends with the ascending prayers of the saints. The saints themselves are priests; and the angels in this priestly ministration are but their fellow servants (Rev 19:10).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And the smoke of the incense ... - The smoke caused by the burning incense. John, as he saw this, naturally interpreted it of the prayers of the saints. The meaning of the whole symbol, thus explained, is that, at the time referred to, the anxiety of the church in regard to the events which were about to occur would naturally lead to much prayer. It is not necessary to attempt to verify this by any distinct historical facts, for no one can doubt that, in a time of such impending calamities, the church would be earnestly engaged in devotion. Such has always been the case in times of danger; and it may always be assumed to be true, that when danger threatens, whether it be to the church at…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the smoke of the incense came up before God, with the prayers of the saints - A token that both were accepted. Revelation 8:5”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Rev 8:3, Rev 15:8; Exo 30:1; Psa 141:2; Luk 1:10 Revelation 8:5”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification