6:4 6:4

Revelation 6:5

6:6 6:6

Bible Versions

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.
And {G2532} when {G3753} he had opened {G455} the third {G5154} seal {G4973}, I heard {G191} the third {G5154} beast {G2226} say {G3004}, Come {G2064} and {G2532} see {G991}. And {G2532} I beheld {G1492}, and {G2532} lo {G2400} a black {G3189} horse {G2462}; and {G2532} he that sat {G2521} on {G1909} him {G846} had {G2192} a pair of balances {G2218} in {G1722} his {G846} hand {G5495}.
When he broke the third seal, I heard the third living being say, “Go!” I looked, and there in front of me was a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales.
And when the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” Then I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales.
And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, Come. And I saw, and behold, a black horse; and he that sat thereon had a balance in his hand.

Revelation 6:5 describes the opening of the third of the seven seals by the Lamb, revealing the third horseman of the Apocalypse. This verse marks a significant progression in the unfolding judgments seen by John in his prophetic vision.

Context of the Third Seal

Following the white horse of conquest and the red horse of war, the opening of the third seal introduces a new dimension of tribulation. The scene is part of a series of escalating divine judgments upon the earth, initiated by the Lamb who is worthy to open the scroll. Each seal brings a specific form of calamity, setting the stage for the final events of the end times as depicted in the Book of Revelation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Famine and Scarcity: The most prominent symbol here is the black horse, traditionally associated with famine, mourning, and economic hardship. The rider holds a "pair of balances" (Greek: zugos), which are scales used for weighing food. This imagery strongly suggests a time of severe food scarcity and rationing, where basic necessities become extremely expensive and difficult to obtain. This points to widespread economic distress and hunger.
  • Economic Injustice: While signaling scarcity, the balances can also imply a precise, perhaps unjust, control over food distribution. This suggests that during this period, food will be carefully measured out, likely at exorbitant prices, making it inaccessible to many. This aligns with Old Testament prophecies of judgment that include famine as a consequence of disobedience, such as in Leviticus 26:26.
  • Divine Judgment: Like the previous seals, the third seal represents a facet of God's righteous judgment being poured out on the earth. It highlights the consequences of human rebellion and the fragility of worldly systems when confronted with divine reckoning. This judgment affects the basic human need for sustenance.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "balances" is zugos (ζυγός). While it can mean a "yoke," its context here with the black horse and the subsequent mention of specific food prices in Revelation 6:6 clearly signifies weighing scales. This precision in measurement underscores the severe rationing and the exorbitant cost of food during this period of famine.

Practical Application and Reflection

For believers today, Revelation 6:5 serves as a potent reminder of several truths:

  • The Fragility of Material Security: This verse underscores how quickly economic stability and access to basic necessities can be disrupted. It encourages a perspective that values spiritual sustenance above fleeting material wealth, reminding us to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20).
  • Sovereignty Amidst Crisis: Even amidst such severe judgments, the narrative emphasizes that these events are part of God's plan, opened by the Lamb. This provides comfort that God remains sovereign over all circumstances, even those that bring great hardship.
  • Call to Compassion: The imagery of widespread famine should evoke compassion for those suffering from hunger and economic hardship in the world today, prompting believers to act justly and mercifully, as exemplified in Isaiah 58:7.

Understanding the third seal helps us grasp the escalating nature of the judgments depicted in Revelation, leading towards the ultimate triumph of Christ.

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.

  • Zechariah 6:2

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

  • Zechariah 6:6

    The black horses which [are] therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.

  • Ezekiel 4:16

    Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:

  • Revelation 5:9

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

  • Revelation 5:5

    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 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.

  • Revelation 4:6

    And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, [were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
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