Revelation 6:4

And there went out another horse [that was] red: and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

And {G2532} there went out {G1831} another {G243} horse {G2462} that was red {G4450}: and {G2532} power was given {G1325} to him {G846} that sat {G2521} thereon {G1909}{G846} to take {G2983} peace {G1515} from {G575} the earth {G1093}, and {G2532} that {G2443} they should kill {G4969} one another {G240}: and {G2532} there was given {G1325} unto him {G846} a great {G3173} sword {G3162}.

Another horse went out, a red one; and its rider was given the power to take peace away from the earth and make people slaughter each other. He was given a great sword.

Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take away peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword.

And anotherhorsecame forth, a red horse: and to him that sat thereon it was given to take peace from the earth, and that they should slay one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

Revelation 6:4 (KJV) describes the dramatic unfolding of the second seal in John's apocalyptic vision, revealing the second of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. This verse introduces a striking image of global conflict and the removal of peace from the earth.

Context of the Second Seal

This verse follows the opening of the first seal, which revealed a white horse, often interpreted as conquest or false peace. The opening of the seals in Revelation chapter 6 signifies a series of judgments or events that unfold as God's plan for the end times progresses. The Lamb (Jesus Christ) is the one worthy to open these seals, indicating divine permission and control over these occurrences, even those bringing distress.

Key Themes and Messages

  • War and Conflict: The most prominent theme is widespread war. The "red horse" is a vivid symbol of bloodshed and violence, echoing the destructive nature of human conflict.
  • Removal of Peace: The rider's primary mission is to "take peace from the earth." This suggests a global breakdown of societal harmony and international stability, leading to pervasive unrest. Unlike localized conflicts, this implies a systemic absence of peace.
  • Internal Strife: The consequence, "that they should kill one another," points to civil wars, ethnic conflicts, and general anarchy where humanity turns violently upon itself. This highlights the horrific effects of a world devoid of divine peace.
  • Divine Permission: The phrase "power was given to him" emphasizes that these events, though terrible, are not random but occur under God's sovereign allowance. It underscores the idea that even destructive forces operate within the bounds of God's ultimate plan and judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "red" here is pyrros (πυρρός), which literally means "flame-colored" or "fiery red." This intensifies the imagery of passion, blood, and consuming fire, perfectly aligning with the theme of war and destruction. The "great sword" is machaira megale (μάχαιρα μεγάλη), a large sword, not just a small dagger, symbolizing extensive and widespread slaughter rather than individual skirmishes.

Related Scriptures

The concept of peace being removed from the earth is a stark contrast to the peace offered by Christ (John 14:27). This prophecy speaks to a time when humanity's inherent sinfulness, unrestrained, leads to catastrophic consequences. It reminds us that true and lasting peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a divine gift.

The imagery here can be disturbing, but it serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of human peace and the ultimate sovereignty of God. While some interpret these seals as literal future events, others see them as symbolic representations of ongoing historical patterns of war, famine, and death throughout history, intensifying towards the end. The verse warns against a false sense of security, echoing how people often cry "Peace and safety" just before sudden destruction.

Reflection

Revelation 6:4 calls us to consider the profound impact of war on humanity and the spiritual forces at play. It underscores the biblical truth that a world without God's influence and presence is prone to self-destruction. For believers, it reinforces the call to be ambassadors of Christ's peace in a broken world, looking forward to the day when true peace will reign under the King of Kings (Revelation 19:11-16).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 6:2

    In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;

  • Matthew 10:34

    Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

  • Revelation 13:10

    He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

  • Zechariah 1:8

    I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that [were] in the bottom; and behind him [were there] red horses, speckled, and white.

  • Revelation 17:6

    And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

  • Daniel 5:19

    And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

  • Revelation 17:3

    So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

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