{As it were a glassy sea} (h(9373) thalassa hualin(885c)). Old
adjective (from hualos, glass,  21:18,21 ), in N.T. only here
and  15:2 . Possibly from huei (it rains), like a raindrop. At
any rate here it is the appearance, not the material. Glass was
made in Egypt 4,000 years ago. In  Ex 24:10  the elders see under
the feet of God in the theophany a paved work of sapphire stone
(cf.  Eze 1:26 ). The likeness of the appearance of sky to sea
suggests the metaphor here (Beckwith). {Like crystal} (homoia
krustall(9369)). Associative-instrumental case after homoia. Old
word, from kruos (ice and sometimes used for ice), in N.T. only
here and  22:1 , not semi-opaque, but clear like rock-crystal.
{In the midst of the throne} (en mes(9369) tou thronou). As one
looks from the front, really before. {Round about the throne}
(kukl(9369) tou thronou). Merely an adverb in the locative case
( Ro 15:19 ), as a preposition in N.T. only here,  5:11  7:11 .
This seems to mean that on each of the four sides of the throne
was one of the four living creatures either stationary or moving
rapidly round ( Eze 1:12f. ). {Four living creatures} (	essera
z(9361)). Not 	h(8872)ia (beasts), but living creatures. Certainly kin
to the z(9361) of  Eze 1  2  which are cherubim ( Eze 10:2,20 ),
though here the details vary as to faces and wings with a
significance of John's own, probably representing creation in
contrast with the redeemed (the elders). {Full of eyes} (gemonta
ophthalm(936e)). Present active participle of gem(935c), to be full of,
with the genitive, signifying here unlimited intelligence
(Beckwith), the ceaseless vigilance of nature (Swete).