Revelation 6:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The second seal in Revelation 6:4 introduces the red horse, symbolizing widespread warfare and the violent removal of peace from the earth. This rider is granted authority to incite global conflict, leading humanity to turn against itself in mutual destruction, armed with a great sword that signifies extensive slaughter. This vision underscores the divine permission behind even the most devastating human conflicts, revealing a world plunged into chaos when God's restraining hand is perceived to be lifted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 6 initiates the dramatic unfolding of the seven seals, a series of judgments or events revealed by the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who alone is found worthy to open the scroll ([Revelation 5:1-7](/revelation/5-1-7 "Revelation 5:1-7 - The Lamb Is Worthy to Open the Scroll")). The opening of each seal progressively unveils aspects of God's sovereign plan for the end times, or perhaps, recurring patterns throughout history that intensify towards the eschaton. The red horse of [Revelation 6:4](/revelation/6-4 "Revelation 6:4 - The Red Horse") immediately follows the white horse of [Revelation 6:2](/revelation/6-2 "Revelation 6:2 - The White Horse"), which is often interpreted as conquest, either righteous or deceptive. This sequence suggests a rapid deterioration from initial conquest into overt, widespread conflict, marking a distinct escalation in the unfolding judgments upon the earth. The transition from one horse to the next signifies a shift in the nature of the tribulation, moving from political or spiritual conquest to open warfare and bloodshed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's vision was given to a first-century audience facing persecution under the Roman Empire. While the seals describe future events, they also resonate with the perpetual human experience of conflict. The Roman world, despite its Pax Romana, was built on conquest and maintained by military might, with frequent border wars, internal rebellions, and civil strife. The imagery of horses and riders would have been familiar from ancient warfare and imperial processions, making the symbolism potent. Swords were the primary instruments of close-quarters combat, and a "great sword" would immediately convey large-scale, devastating conflict rather than individual duels. The concept of "peace" (eirḗnē) in the ancient world was often understood as the absence of war, or a state of order imposed by a dominant power, rather than a deep spiritual tranquility. The removal of such peace would imply societal breakdown and anarchy.
* **Key Themes:** The red horse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Revelation and biblical prophecy. It vividly portrays the theme of **Divine Judgment**, as the events are not random but "power was given" to the rider, indicating God's sovereign permission and control over the unfolding chaos ([Revelation 6:4](/revelation/6-4 "Revelation 6:4 - The Red Horse")). This highlights that even destructive forces operate within God's ultimate plan, serving His purposes. The verse also underscores the theme of **Human Depravity and Self-Destruction**, as the rider's mission leads humanity to "kill one another," revealing the horrific consequences when societal order and divine restraint are removed ([James 4:1-2](/james/4-1-2 "James 4:1-2 - Origins of Quarrels and Conflicts")). Furthermore, it contrasts sharply with the **True Peace** offered by Christ, emphasizing that lasting peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a spiritual state and a future reality under His reign ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace"); [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")). The red horse thus serves as a stark reminder of the world's need for the Prince of Peace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Red (Greek, _pyrrhós'_):** From the Greek word πῦρ (pyr), meaning "fire," _pyrrhós_ literally translates to "flame-colored" or "fiery red." This vivid descriptor immediately evokes images of blood, fire, and intense passion. In the context of the red horse, it powerfully symbolizes the bloodshed, violence, and destructive fervor associated with widespread warfare. It suggests not just war, but a consuming, fiery conflict that devastates.
* **Given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb, _dídōmi_, signifies "to give," "to grant," or "to bestow." Its use in the passive voice ("power was given") is crucial, emphasizing that the rider's authority and mission are not self-initiated but divinely permitted or ordained. It underscores the sovereignty of God over these catastrophic events, indicating that even the forces of destruction operate under His ultimate control and within His overarching plan, rather than being random occurrences.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Derived from a primary verb meaning "to join," _eirḗnē_ refers to a state of peace, quietness, or rest; by implication, prosperity. In this context, the act "to take peace from the earth" signifies the removal of societal harmony, international stability, and the general absence of conflict. It implies a breakdown of order that extends beyond localized skirmishes to a pervasive state of global unrest and hostility, where the natural human inclination towards conflict is unleashed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there went out another horse [that was] red":** This clause introduces the second horseman, distinct from the first. The color red immediately establishes the theme of bloodshed, war, and violence. The verb "went out" (exérchomai) suggests a deliberate emergence, indicating that this force is unleashed upon the world as part of a predetermined sequence of events. The "another horse" signifies a new phase or manifestation of judgment following the first seal.
* **"and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth":** This is the core mission of the red horseman. The passive voice "power was given" (dídōmi) is significant, highlighting divine permission and sovereignty over the rider's actions. The rider's primary objective is to remove "peace" (eirḗnē), which encompasses not only the absence of war but also societal tranquility and order. "From the earth" indicates a global, pervasive impact, suggesting a breakdown of peace on a worldwide scale, leading to widespread chaos and instability.
* **"and that they should kill one another":** This clause describes the direct consequence of peace being removed. It points to internal strife, civil wars, ethnic conflicts, and general anarchy where humanity turns violently upon itself. The phrase "one another" (allḗlōn) emphasizes mutual destruction, underscoring the horrific and self-inflicted nature of the conflict that arises when divine restraint and societal order are absent. It highlights humanity's inherent capacity for violence when unchecked.
* **"and there was given unto him a great sword":** The "great sword" (máchaira mégas) is the instrument by which the rider's mission is accomplished. Unlike a small dagger, a "great sword" symbolizes extensive, large-scale slaughter and widespread warfare. This reinforces the global and devastating nature of the conflict described, indicating that the violence will be pervasive and result in massive loss of life, rather than isolated incidents. Again, the passive "was given" reiterates divine authorization.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 6:4 is rich in **Symbolism**. The **red horse** is a potent symbol of warfare, bloodshed, and violent conflict, its color immediately evoking images of spilled blood and fiery destruction. The **rider** on the horse symbolizes the force or agency that unleashes this conflict upon the world. The **great sword** is a clear symbol of widespread slaughter and the means by which peace is removed and mutual destruction is effected. The act of "taking peace from the earth" is a form of **Personification**, attributing an active, destructive will to the rider to remove an abstract concept like peace. The entire passage employs vivid **Imagery**, painting a stark and disturbing picture of global conflict, allowing the reader to visualize the chaos and destruction unleashed by this seal. The structured sequence of the seals also demonstrates **Progression**, showing an escalating series of judgments or events that build upon one another, moving from conquest to war.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 6:4 powerfully illustrates the biblical truth that true peace is a fragile commodity in a fallen world, easily shattered when divine order is disrupted or human sinfulness is unleashed. The "taking of peace from the earth" is not merely the absence of conflict but signifies a deeper spiritual breakdown, where humanity's inherent capacity for violence, left unchecked, leads to catastrophic self-destruction. This passage underscores God's absolute sovereignty, even over the forces of chaos and war, as the power to incite conflict is "given" to the rider. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's ways and highlights the world's desperate need for the ultimate Prince of Peace. The vision also contrasts sharply with the peace that Christ offers, which transcends worldly circumstances and is a gift to those who trust in Him.

* [Matthew 24:6-7](/matthew/24-6-7 "Matthew 24:6-7 - Wars and Rumors of Wars")
* [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares")
* [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 6:4 compels us to confront the harsh reality of a world perpetually prone to conflict and the devastating consequences when peace is removed. For believers, this vision should not evoke despair but rather deepen our understanding of God's sovereign control, even over the most chaotic events. It calls us to recognize the fragility of human-made peace and to earnestly pray for and actively pursue the peace that transcends understanding, which is rooted in Christ. In a world where "they should kill one another," we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, agents of peace, and witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel. This verse serves as a sober reminder that the ultimate solution to global strife is not found in political treaties or military might alone, but in the return of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, who alone can establish lasting righteousness and true shalom. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of discord and to actively cultivate peace in our relationships, communities, and beyond, reflecting the character of our peacemaking God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of "power was given" to the red horseman shape your understanding of God's sovereignty over global conflicts?**
* **In what ways do you see "peace being taken from the earth" in our contemporary world, and how might believers respond to this reality?**
* **Considering the call for humanity to "kill one another," how can followers of Christ actively promote reconciliation and peace in a broken world?**

### FAQ

**What does the "red horse" symbolize in Revelation 6:4?**

Answer: The "red horse" in [Revelation 6:4](/revelation/6-4 "Revelation 6:4 - The Red Horse") primarily symbolizes widespread warfare, bloodshed, and violent conflict. Its color, _pyrrhós_ in Greek, is flame-colored, directly linking it to the destructive power of fire and the spilling of blood. This imagery signifies not just localized skirmishes but a pervasive, global breakdown of peace leading to extensive human-on-human violence. It represents a period or recurring pattern where peace is actively removed from the earth, resulting in mass conflict and mutual destruction.

**Is the "taking of peace from the earth" a literal or symbolic event?**

Answer: While the imagery of the horses and riders is highly symbolic, the "taking of peace from the earth" described in [Revelation 6:4](/revelation/6-4 "Revelation 6:4 - The Red Horse") points to a very real and tangible consequence: a pervasive state of global conflict and societal breakdown. Many scholars interpret the seals as representing both historical patterns that have occurred throughout human history (e.g., wars, famines, plagues) and specific, intensified events that will characterize the end times leading up to Christ's return. Therefore, it is both symbolically expressed and indicative of literal, devastating periods of war and unrest that have occurred and will occur on a grand scale, fulfilling the prophecy.

**How does Revelation 6:4 relate to Jesus' teachings on peace?**

Answer: [Revelation 6:4](/revelation/6-4 "Revelation 6:4 - The Red Horse") presents a stark contrast to Jesus' teachings on peace. Jesus is called the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")) and offers a peace "not as the world gives" ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace")). The peace Jesus gives is an inner spiritual tranquility and reconciliation with God, independent of external circumstances. The peace taken from the earth in Revelation 6:4 is worldly peace—the absence of conflict and societal order. The prophecy highlights what happens when humanity rejects or loses access to God's restraining grace, leading to the unleashing of human sinfulness and its destructive consequences, thus underscoring the profound need for Christ's true and lasting peace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 6:4 vividly depicts the unleashing of war and the removal of peace, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found not in the chaos it describes, but in the sovereign control of the Lamb who opens the seal, and the ultimate peace He will establish. The "power was given" to the red horseman, signifying that even this devastating judgment operates under the divine permission of Christ, the one found worthy to open the scroll ([Revelation 5:5-7](/revelation/5-5-7 "Revelation 5:5-7 - The Lamb Opens the Scroll")). This underscores that no force, however destructive, is outside of God's ultimate plan and Christ's authority. The widespread conflict and mutual destruction foreshadow the desperate need for the true Prince of Peace. Jesus Himself warned of "wars and rumors of wars" as signs of the end ([Matthew 24:6-7](/matthew/24-6-7 "Matthew 24:6-7 - Wars and Rumors of Wars")), indicating that such events are part of the birth pangs leading to His return. The chaos unleashed by the red horse will ultimately give way to the reign of Christ, who will return as the King of Kings, riding a white horse of righteous judgment and victory ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")). He will then establish His eternal kingdom where true peace and justice will finally prevail, putting an end to all war and strife ([Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares"); [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")). Thus, the red horse, in its terrifying imagery, ultimately points to the necessity and glorious certainty of Christ's final, triumphant reign of peace.

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

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.