Revelation 6:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The opening of the third seal introduces the third horseman of the Apocalypse, riding a black horse and holding a pair of balances. This vision powerfully symbolizes a period of severe famine, economic scarcity, and potential injustice in the distribution of essential resources, marking a significant escalation in the divine judgments unfolding upon the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Revelation 6:5](/revelation/6-5 "Revelation 6:5 - The Third Seal") is situated within the sequence of the seven seals, which are opened by the Lamb, revealing escalating judgments upon the earth. It follows the white horse of conquest ([Revelation 6:1-2](/revelation/6-1-2 "Revelation 6:1-2 - The First Seal and the White Horse")) and the red horse of war and civil strife ([Revelation 6:3-4](/revelation/6-3-4 "Revelation 6:3-4 - The Second Seal and the Red Horse")). Each seal unveils a distinct form of tribulation, progressively impacting humanity and the created order. The "third beast" (or living creature) calling out "Come and see" maintains the pattern established in the previous seals, indicating that these events are divinely sanctioned and revealed. This progression underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and the unfolding of His sovereign plan as depicted in [the Book of Revelation](/revelation/1 "The Book of Revelation - The Revelation of Jesus Christ").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Roman Empire, famines were a recurring threat, often caused by drought, pestilence, or war disrupting agricultural production and supply lines. Grain, particularly wheat and barley, was the staple food, and its price and availability were critical indicators of economic stability. The "pair of balances" (scales) were used in ancient markets for weighing goods, especially precious commodities or, in times of scarcity, basic foodstuffs. The imagery of weighing out food precisely at high prices would have immediately conveyed a sense of dire economic hardship and rationing to John's original audience. This was a common experience in the ancient world, where a bad harvest could lead to widespread starvation and social unrest, as seen in historical accounts and even in Old Testament judgments like those described in [Ezekiel 4:16](/ezekiel/4-16 "Ezekiel 4:16 - Bread by Weight and Water by Measure").
* **Key Themes:** The third seal contributes to several overarching themes within [the Book of Revelation](/revelation/1 "The Book of Revelation - The Revelation of Jesus Christ"). The most prominent is **Divine Judgment**, as the famine is not merely a natural disaster but a consequence of God's righteous wrath poured out on a rebellious world. It highlights the **Fragility of Human Systems**, demonstrating how easily economic stability and the provision of basic necessities can collapse. The **Black Horse** itself is a powerful symbol of mourning, scarcity, and death, reinforcing the dire nature of this judgment. Furthermore, the imagery of the balances points to **Economic Injustice** or at least severe economic distress, where food becomes a luxury, indicating a time when the poor would suffer immensely, echoing Old Testament warnings about oppression and the consequences of turning away from God, as found in passages such as [Amos 8:4-6](/amos/8-4-6 "Amos 8:4-6 - Oppression and Dishonest Scales").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **black (μέλας, _mélas_):** This primary word directly translates to "black." In biblical symbolism, black often signifies mourning, sorrow, judgment, and scarcity. When associated with a horse in an apocalyptic context, it strongly conveys the idea of famine and death, contrasting with the white of conquest and the red of bloodshed.
* **horse (ἵππος, _híppos_):** Of uncertain affinity, this word simply means "horse." In the context of Revelation 6, the horse is a vehicle for the rider, and its color is highly symbolic, indicating the nature of the judgment being unleashed. The horse serves as a powerful, recognizable image for swift and impactful movement or change.
* **pair of balances (ζυγός, _zygós_):** From the root meaning "to join, especially by a yoke," this word can refer to a "yoke" (a coupling, often signifying servitude or obligation) or, as in this context, "the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)." Here, its use clearly denotes weighing scales, specifically for measuring out commodities. This imagery is crucial, indicating precise rationing, scarcity, and exorbitant prices for basic necessities, directly implying famine and economic distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had opened the third seal":** This phrase continues the narrative pattern established in [Revelation 6:1](/revelation/6-1 "Revelation 6:1 - The First Seal") and [Revelation 6:3](/revelation/6-3 "Revelation 6:3 - The Second Seal"), identifying the Lamb (Jesus Christ) as the one with the authority to initiate these judgments by breaking the seals on the scroll. The "third" seal indicates a progression and intensification of the divine judgments.
* **"I heard the third beast say, Come and see.":** John's auditory experience parallels the previous seals, where one of the four living creatures (beasts) invites him to witness the unfolding event. The "third beast" (likely the one with the face of a man, from [Revelation 4:7](/revelation/4-7 "Revelation 4:7 - The Four Living Creatures")) serves as a herald, emphasizing the divine origin and significance of the vision.
* **"And I beheld, and lo a black horse;":** John's vision shifts to the visual manifestation of the judgment. The "black horse" is the central symbol, immediately conveying a sense of gloom, death, and scarcity. The color black is universally associated with famine, mourning, and distress, setting the tone for the rider's activity.
* **"and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.":** The rider's identity is defined by the object he holds. The "pair of balances" (scales) is the key to interpreting the black horse. These are not scales for justice, but for weighing out food, indicating severe rationing and exorbitant prices. This rider is thus understood to represent famine, economic hardship, and the scarcity of essential provisions, where food becomes a commodity meticulously measured and sold at a premium.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich in **Symbolism**, a hallmark of apocalyptic literature. The **black horse** itself symbolizes famine, scarcity, and death, drawing on ancient associations of black with mourning and distress. The **rider** is not explicitly named but is identified by his actions and the object he carries, representing the force of famine. The **pair of balances** is a potent symbol of economic distress, indicating meticulous rationing and inflated prices for basic necessities, rather than equitable justice. The repeated phrase "Come and see" uttered by the **living creature** acts as a form of **Apostrophe** or direct address, drawing the reader (and John) into the unfolding drama and emphasizing the divine authority behind these events. The entire scene is a vivid piece of **Apocalyptic Imagery**, designed to convey profound theological truths through dramatic and often terrifying visions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The third seal's depiction of famine and economic distress serves as a stark reminder of humanity's utter dependence on God for sustenance and the devastating consequences when His provision is withdrawn or misused. Theologically, it underscores God's sovereignty over all aspects of creation, including the economy and the food supply, demonstrating that even in times of severe hardship, these events are not random but part of His overarching plan and judgment. This judgment highlights the fragility of human security and the ultimate futility of trusting in material wealth or worldly systems when confronted with divine reckoning. The scene also implicitly raises questions of economic justice, as famine often disproportionately affects the poor, calling believers to consider their role in alleviating suffering and advocating for equitable distribution of resources.

* [Ezekiel 4:16](/ezekiel/4-16 "Ezekiel 4:16 - Bread by Weight and Water by Measure")
* [Lamentations 5:10](/lamentations/5-10 "Lamentations 5:10 - Skin Black as an Oven from Famine")
* [Amos 8:4-6](/amos/8-4-6 "Amos 8:4-6 - Oppression and Dishonest Scales")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 6:5 calls believers to a profound re-evaluation of their priorities and a deeper trust in God's ultimate provision. In a world often preoccupied with material security and economic stability, this passage serves as a sobering reminder of the transient nature of earthly comforts and the potential for widespread disruption. It challenges us to cultivate resilience, not by hoarding resources, but by deepening our reliance on God's unchanging character and promises. Furthermore, the imagery of famine should ignite a compassionate response within us towards those in our world who currently suffer from hunger and economic injustice. It prompts us to consider how we can be instruments of God's love and provision, sharing what we have, advocating for the vulnerable, and living out the principles of justice and mercy in practical ways, even as we look forward to the ultimate restoration found in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the black horse and balances challenge my reliance on material security and economic stability?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision, even in uncertain times?**
* **How should the reality of global hunger and economic injustice, symbolized by this seal, shape my prayers and actions as a follower of Christ?**
* **What does this passage teach me about God's sovereignty over all aspects of human life, including our economies?**

### FAQ
**What does the black horse and its rider symbolize in Revelation 6:5?**

Answer: The black horse and its rider symbolize famine, severe economic hardship, and scarcity. The color black is traditionally associated with mourning and scarcity. The rider holding a "pair of balances" (scales) indicates that food will be weighed out precisely and sold at exorbitant prices, signifying a time when basic necessities like wheat and barley will be extremely expensive and difficult to obtain, leading to widespread hunger and distress. This imagery points to a period of dire economic judgment and food rationing.

**How does the third seal relate to the previous seals?**

Answer: The third seal, representing famine and economic crisis, follows the first seal (the white horse of conquest, found in [Revelation 6:1-2](/revelation/6-1-2 "Revelation 6:1-2 - The First Seal")) and the second seal (the red horse of war and bloodshed, described in [Revelation 6:3-4](/revelation/6-3-4 "Revelation 6:3-4 - The Second Seal")). This sequence illustrates an escalating series of divine judgments. Conquest often leads to war, and war frequently disrupts agricultural production and trade, thereby causing famine. Thus, the seals portray a logical and intensifying progression of calamities that will afflict the earth as God's judgments unfold.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the third seal vividly portrays the grim realities of famine and economic distress as a consequence of divine judgment, its ultimate fulfillment and hope are found in Christ. It is the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who possesses the authority to open these seals, demonstrating His sovereign control over all history and judgment, even over periods of severe suffering. He is not merely the initiator of judgment but also the ultimate provider and sustainer. In contrast to the scarcity depicted by the black horse, Jesus declares Himself to be the "bread of life" in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), promising that those who come to Him will never hunger. He taught that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" in [Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone"), shifting our focus from perishable physical sustenance to eternal spiritual nourishment. Ultimately, the tribulation symbolized by the black horse points forward to a time when, through Christ, God's people will experience complete and eternal provision, as promised in [Revelation 7:16-17](/revelation/7-16-17 "Revelation 7:16-17 - No More Hunger or Thirst"), where it is declared that they "shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more... for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them." Thus, even amidst the terrifying judgments, Christ remains the source of ultimate hope and the guarantee of future abundance for His faithful.

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;

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.