Revelation 6:1

¶ And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

And {G2532} I saw {G1492} when {G3753} the Lamb {G721} opened {G455} one {G3391} of {G1537} the seals {G4973}, and {G2532} I heard {G191}, as it were {G5613} the noise {G5456} of thunder {G1027}, one {G1520} of {G1537} the four {G5064} beasts {G2226} saying {G3004}, Come {G2064} and {G2532} see {G991}.

Next I watched as the Lamb broke the first of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living beings say in a thundering voice, “Go!”

Then I watched as the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a thunderous voice, “Come!”

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, Come.

Commentary

Revelation 6:1 marks the dramatic beginning of the apocalyptic judgments foretold in the Book of Revelation. Following the heavenly worship scene of Revelation 4 and Revelation 5, this verse initiates the opening of the seven seals on the scroll held by God, a scroll that contains the divine plan for the end times and the consummation of history.

Context

This verse is the pivotal moment where the focus shifts from heavenly worship to earthly events. In the preceding chapter, Revelation 5 establishes that only the Lamb (Jesus Christ) is found worthy to open the scroll, which no one else in heaven or on earth could do. The opening of the first seal here signifies the commencement of God's righteous judgments and the unfolding of His prophetic timeline. The scene is set in heaven, with John as the observer of these momentous events.

Key Themes

  • The Lamb's Authority: The act of the Lamb opening the seal underscores Jesus Christ's supreme authority and worthiness to execute God's plan. He is not merely a passive figure but the active agent of divine judgment and redemption, having triumphed through His sacrifice (Revelation 5:5).
  • Divine Initiative: The judgments that follow are not random events but are initiated by God through the Lamb, demonstrating His sovereignty over human history and the unfolding of end-times prophecy.
  • Impending Judgment: The "noise of thunder" signals the gravity and power of what is about to be revealed. Thunder in biblical contexts often accompanies divine manifestation and judgment (Exodus 19:16).
  • Witnessing the Unveiling: The command "Come and see" from one of the four living creatures invites John (and the reader) to observe the unfolding events, emphasizing the revelatory nature of the book.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Come and see" is from the Greek erchou kai ide (ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε). While some manuscripts only have erchou ("Come!"), the longer reading "Come and see" emphasizes the invitation to witness the events. The "four beasts" are more accurately translated as "four living creatures" (Greek: zoa), as described in Revelation 4:6-8, beings full of eyes, signifying their ceaseless watchfulness and knowledge of God's throne.

Practical Application

Revelation 6:1 reminds believers that God is sovereign over all history, including periods of tribulation and judgment. The fact that the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is the one opening the seals offers comfort and assurance that even in the midst of chaos, God's plan is purposeful and ultimately leads to His glory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This verse calls us to trust in God's control and to be prepared for the future, knowing that His promises will be fulfilled.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 5:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

  • Revelation 6:5 (7 votes)

    And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

  • Revelation 19:6 (6 votes)

    And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

  • Revelation 6:7 (6 votes)

    And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

  • Revelation 14:2 (5 votes)

    And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

  • Revelation 5:5 (5 votes)

    And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

  • Revelation 5:7 (5 votes)

    And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.