Definition: After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Revelation 4:1. It's a really rich and symbolic verse, so we need to unpack it piece by piece. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a special encounter between God and an individual – likely a leader or representative of humanity – within heaven. It’s a moment of profound revelation and guidance. Let’s break it down word-by-word: “After this I looked…” : This simply means “following this, I observed.” It’s setting up the context for what follows. “…and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven:” "Behold" is a Greek word that means "let it be," or "look." So, "behold, a door was opened…" This suggests something significant is happening within heaven. It’s not just a simple opening; it's a deliberate action. “…and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me:” This is the most important part! "The first voice" – we can assume this is someone speaking – is described as “a trumpet talking.” Trumpets are often symbols of God’s communication and authority. The fact that it's talking suggests a conversation, possibly explaining something very important. Now let’s interpret the meaning: This verse speaks of an initial message from God. It’s not a long, drawn-out explanation; it’s a quick, clear declaration: God is going to reveal something crucial. The "trumpet" represents God's communication and guidance. The voice – the talking – is the key to understanding what that communication is about. What does this mean in terms of what must be “hereafter”? This phrase "hereafter" is a bit tricky, but it’s generally interpreted as: “in the future” or “later.” It refers to a time when God will bring about something significant and lasting. Overall Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of a moment of intense revelation where God initiates a communication with humanity – likely to address a problem, offer guidance, or reveal a new truth. It’s a hopeful message of divine purpose and a promise of future transformation. Important Note: This is a complex passage in the Bible, and there are various interpretations among theologians and scholars. However, this explanation offers a generally accepted understanding based on the text's meaning and symbolism. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to: Discuss the symbolism of trumpets in biblical imagery? Explore the potential implications for humanity?