Revelation 6:5
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, โGo!โ 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, โCome!โ 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.
Cross-References
-
Zechariah 6:2 (7 votes)
In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; -
Zechariah 6:6 (5 votes)
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 (5 votes)
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 (4 votes)
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 (4 votes)
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 (4 votes)
ยถ 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 (4 votes)
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.
Commentary
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
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "balances" is zugos (ฮถฯ ฮณฯฯ). 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:
Understanding the third seal helps us grasp the escalating nature of the judgments depicted in Revelation, leading towards the ultimate triumph of Christ.
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.