Revelation 6:3

KJV

¶ And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G3753} he had opened {G455} the second {G1208} seal {G4973}, I heard {G191} the second {G1208} beast {G2226} say {G3004}, Come {G2064} and {G2532} see {G991}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he broke the second seal, I heard the second living being say, “Go!”

Berean Standard Bible

And when the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!”

American Standard Version

And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, Come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 6:3 describes the pivotal moment when the Lamb opens the second of seven seals, initiating a new phase of divine judgment upon the earth. Following the appearance of the rider on the white horse, this verse sets the stage for the next dramatic revelation, as John hears one of the four living creatures summon him to witness the unfolding events, signaling an escalation in the prophetic narrative of the end times.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "Seal Judgments" found in [Revelation chapter 6](/revelation/6 "Revelation 6 - The Seven Seals"). It directly follows the opening of the first seal and the appearance of the rider on the white horse in [Revelation 6:1-2](/revelation/6-1-2 "Revelation 6:1-2 - The First Seal and White Horse"). The sequential opening of these seals by the Lamb signifies a divinely orchestrated series of events leading to the consummation of God's plan. The immediate consequence of this second seal's opening is revealed in [Revelation 6:4](/revelation/6-4 "Revelation 6:4 - The Red Horse and War"), which depicts the rider on a fiery red horse, symbolizing widespread war and the removal of peace from the earth. The recurring phrase "Come and see" connects this second seal to the preceding and subsequent seal openings, creating a rhythmic and urgent progression of divine revelation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written by John, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95), a period marked by intense persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. The imagery of seals, scrolls, and beasts would have resonated with readers familiar with Old Testament prophetic literature (e.g., Daniel, Ezekiel) and contemporary apocalyptic writings. The concept of a sealed scroll often represented a divine decree or a book of destiny, whose contents could only be revealed by one with ultimate authority. The "beast" or living creature here is one of the four described in [Revelation 4:6-8](/revelation/4-6-8 "Revelation 4:6-8 - The Four Living Creatures"), which are celestial beings surrounding God's throne, serving as guardians of His holiness and heralds of His judgments. Their presence underscores the divine origin and cosmic significance of these unfolding events.

* **Key Themes:** The opening of the second seal contributes significantly to several major themes within Revelation. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. The Lamb's systematic opening of each seal demonstrates God's absolute control over human history, even amidst chaos and tribulation. Secondly, it highlights the **Escalation of Judgment**, as each successive seal introduces a new, often more severe, form of divine wrath upon a rebellious world. While the first seal might represent conquest or a false peace, the second immediately ushers in widespread conflict and violence, as seen in [Revelation 6:4](/revelation/6-4 "Revelation 6:4 - The Red Horse and War"). Thirdly, the repeated invitation "Come and see" (also found in [Revelation 6:1](/revelation/6-1 "Revelation 6:1 - The First Seal"), [6:5](/revelation/6-5 "Revelation 6:5 - The Third Seal"), and [6:7](/revelation/6-7 "Revelation 6:7 - The Fourth Seal")) emphasizes the **Unveiling of Prophecy** and the direct, visual nature of John's revelatory experience, underscoring the certainty and reality of these future events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **second (Greek, _deúteros_):** This word, derived from the comparative of "two," signifies not merely a numerical position but also a sequential progression in time and order. In the context of the seals, it indicates the next stage in God's unfolding judgments, building upon the previous event. Its use here emphasizes the structured and intentional nature of the apocalyptic revelations.
* **beast (Greek, _zōon_):** This term refers to a "live thing" or "living creature," rather than a wild animal or monstrous entity (for which other Greek words are used in Revelation, like _thērion_). In [Revelation 4:6-8](/revelation/4-6-8 "Revelation 4:6-8 - The Four Living Creatures"), these "living creatures" are described as cherubic or seraphic beings surrounding God's throne, full of eyes, and proclaiming God's holiness. Their role as heralds of the seals underscores the divine authority behind the judgments.
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō_):** This primary verb means "to hear" in various senses, including to give audience, understand, or be reported. John's act of hearing is crucial to the revelatory process, as it signifies his reception of divine communication. It emphasizes that these events are not merely visions but are accompanied by authoritative declarations from the heavenly realm, confirming their significance and reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had opened the second seal":** This clause highlights the active role of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) as the sole agent capable of initiating these apocalyptic events. The "second seal" marks a distinct phase in the judgments, indicating a progression from the first. The opening of the seal signifies the revelation of its contents and the commencement of the associated judgment, which in this case, involves the unleashing of war and conflict.
* **"I heard the second beast say, Come and see":** John, the recipient of the vision, is the one who hears. The "second beast" (one of the four living creatures from [Revelation 4:6-8](/revelation/4-6-8 "Revelation 4:6-8 - The Four Living Creatures")) acts as a divine herald, summoning John's attention to the next scene. The imperative "Come and see" is a direct command, urging John to observe closely what is about to unfold. This phrase serves as a dramatic transition, drawing the reader's attention along with John's to the impending revelation of the red horse and its rider.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the recurring phrase "second seal" and "second beast," which not only marks the sequential nature of the events but also creates a rhythmic progression that builds anticipation. The command "Come and see" is also a form of **Repetition**, appearing with each of the first four seals, reinforcing the urgency and importance of John's observation. **Symbolism** is central, with the "seal" representing a divinely ordained decree or a hidden truth about to be revealed, and the "beast" (living creature) symbolizing a celestial being with a specific role in God's throne room. The act of the living creature speaking is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like speech to a non-human, spiritual entity, thereby emphasizing its communicative role in the divine drama.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 6:3 underscores the profound truth of God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to bringing His purposes to fruition. The Lamb's authority to open the seals demonstrates that even the most chaotic and destructive events are not random but are part of a divinely ordained plan. This passage reminds us that judgment is an integral aspect of God's character, a necessary response to human rebellion and sin. It prepares the reader for the escalating intensity of tribulation, yet always within the framework of God's ultimate power and justice. The "Come and see" invitation is not just for John but for all who read, urging us to witness the unfolding of God's righteous judgments and to recognize His hand in all things.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Daniel 2:20-21](/daniel/2-20-21 "Daniel 2:20-21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Romans 9:22-23](/romans/9-22-23 "Romans 9:22-23 - God's Sovereignty in Judgment and Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 6:3, though depicting a moment of impending judgment, offers profound reassurance to the believer. The fact that the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is the one opening the seals signifies that all events, even those that bring tribulation and chaos, are under His divine control and serve His ultimate purposes. This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of trust and peace, knowing that our God is sovereign over all history, from its beginning to its glorious end. In a world often marked by conflict and instability, this verse calls us to remember that no event is outside of God's purview. It encourages us to live with a posture of watchfulness, not out of fear, but out of an eager anticipation for Christ's return and the final establishment of His kingdom. Our response should be one of faithful endurance, actively participating in God's mission while patiently awaiting His perfect timing for the consummation of all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Lamb's authority over the seals impact your view of current world events and their ultimate trajectory?**
* **In what ways does the concept of divine judgment, as initiated by the Lamb, shape your understanding of God's character?**
* **How can the "Come and see" invitation from the living creature encourage you to pay closer attention to God's unfolding plan in Scripture and in the world today?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "second beast" mentioned in Revelation 6:3, and what is its role?**

Answer: The "second beast" in [Revelation 6:3](/revelation/6-3 "Revelation 6:3 - The Second Seal") refers to one of the four living creatures (Greek: _zōa_) described in [Revelation 4:6-8](/revelation/4-6-8 "Revelation 4:6-8 - The Four Living Creatures"). These are not the "beast from the sea" or "beast from the earth" mentioned later in Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 13:1](/revelation/13-1 "Revelation 13:1 - The Beast from the Sea")), which are symbolic of oppressive political or religious powers. Instead, the living creatures are celestial beings, often identified with the cherubim or seraphim of Old Testament prophecy (cf. [Ezekiel 1:5-12](/ezekiel/1-5-12 "Ezekiel 1:5-12 - Description of the Living Creatures")). Their role in Revelation is to surround God's throne, worship Him continually, and serve as divine heralds. In the context of the seals, each of the first four living creatures calls out "Come and see," summoning John to witness the unfolding judgments. This signifies that the judgments are not random but are divinely sanctioned and announced from the very presence of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 6:3, though initiating a sequence of judgments, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the Lamb's absolute authority and His role as the sovereign King and Judge. The Lamb, explicitly identified as Jesus Christ (cf. [Revelation 5:5-6](/revelation/5-5-6 "Revelation 5:5-6 - The Lamb Who Was Slain")), is the only one found worthy to open the sealed scroll, demonstrating His unique qualification to execute God's plan for history and redemption. His opening of the second seal foreshadows His future reign and judgment, as prophesied in passages like [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Given All Judgment to the Son"), where Jesus states, "For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son." This act by the Lamb affirms that even the unfolding of tribulation and the escalation of judgment are under the precise control of the one who was slain and has triumphed, ensuring that all things work towards His ultimate glory and the establishment of His righteous kingdom (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, the chaos unleashed by the second seal is not arbitrary but serves the redemptive purposes of the Lamb, who will ultimately bring all things to their just and glorious conclusion, culminating in His final victory and the new creation (cf. [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 4:7

And the first beast [was] like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle.

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.