Revelation 4:8

These creatures seem similar to the seraphim (lit. burning ones) of Isaiah 6:2-3 in that they each have six wings. Their many eyes suggest alertness, comprehensive knowledge, and constant vigilance (cf. Ezekiel 10:12). "Around and within" probably means that they had eyes even on the undersides of their wings so they could move their wings without interrupting their vision. Their movements did not detract from their constant vigilance. They ascribe holiness to God day and night, namely, constantly, though not necessarily without stopping (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:8). [Note: See David Seal, "Shouting in the Apocalypse: The Influence of First-Century Acclamations on the Praise Utterances in Revelation 4:8 and 11," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 51:2 (June 2008):339-52.]

"In Hebrew, the double repetition of a word adds emphasis, while the rare threefold repetition designates the superlative and calls attention to the infinite holiness of God-the quality of God felt by creatures in his presence as awesomeness or fearfulness (Psalms 111:9: ’Holy and awesome is his name.’)" [Note: Johnson, p. 463.]

The focus of their worship is on God’s holiness, His omnipotence, and His eternality.

"This continual song from the four living beings underscores the central role of the one sitting upon the throne in the present setting. As the absolutely holy one, He is thoroughly entitled and has ample might to initiate stringent measures against His own creation in order to return it to its original holy state." [Note: Thomas, Revelation 1-7, p. 363.]