Revelation 6:7

KJV

And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G3753} he had opened {G455} the fourth {G5067} seal {G4973}, I heard {G191} the voice {G5456} of the fourth {G5067} beast {G2226} say {G3004}, Come {G2064} and {G2532} see {G991}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living being say, “Go!”

Berean Standard Bible

And when the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!”

American Standard Version

And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, Come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 6:7 marks a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision, describing the Lamb's opening of the fourth of seven seals on a scroll. As this seal is broken, the fourth living creature, a celestial being surrounding God's throne, issues an urgent, imperative summons: "Come and see." This command serves as an invitation for John, and by extension the reader, to witness the unfolding of divine judgment, specifically the grim reality of widespread death and destruction that the subsequent verse will reveal, underscoring God's sovereign control over historical events and the unfolding of His redemptive and judicial plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 6:7 is situated within the dramatic sequence of the seven seals, which constitute a major section of the apocalyptic scroll revealed to John. Following the opening of the first three seals—introducing the white horse of conquest, the red horse of war, and the black horse of famine—this verse initiates the fourth judgment. Each of the first four seals is announced by one of the four living creatures, celestial beings first described in [Revelation 4:6-8](/revelation/4-6-8 "Revelation 4:6-8 - The Four Living Creatures"). Their consistent cry of "Come and see" (found in [Revelation 6:1](/revelation/6-1 "Revelation 6:1 - First Seal"), [Revelation 6:3](/revelation/6-3 "Revelation 6:3 - Second Seal"), [Revelation 6:5](/revelation/6-5 "Revelation 6:5 - Third Seal"), and here in [Revelation 6:7](/revelation/6-7 "Revelation 6:7 - Fourth Seal")) creates a rhythmic, escalating tension, signaling the progressive unveiling of divine judgments. This repetition underscores the solemnity and divine origin of these events, leading directly into the terrifying vision of the pale horse and its rider, Death, in [Revelation 6:8](/revelation/6-8 "Revelation 6:8 - The Pale Horse and Death").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John wrote Revelation during a period of intense persecution of Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian in the late first century AD. The imperial cult, demanding worship of the emperor, presented a significant challenge to Christian monotheism, leading to suffering and martyrdom. Apocalyptic literature, a common genre in Jewish and early Christian circles, provided a framework for understanding present suffering and future hope through symbolic visions. It often depicted God's ultimate victory over evil and the establishment of His kingdom. The imagery of seals, scrolls, and divine judgments would have resonated with readers familiar with Old Testament prophetic books like Daniel and Ezekiel, which also utilized symbolic language to convey God's sovereign control over nations and history, offering a message of endurance and ultimate vindication to a persecuted community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, as the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is the sole figure worthy and able to open the seals, demonstrating God's absolute control over all historical and future events. The unfolding judgments are not random chaos but part of a preordained divine plan. Another key theme is the **Role of the Lamb**, who, though appearing as a slain lamb ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb Standing as if Slain")), possesses the authority to execute God's judgments, fulfilling the prophecy of the Lion of Judah ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah")). The **Four Living Creatures** also represent a significant theme, serving as heralds and participants in God's cosmic administration, their voices emphasizing the divine origin and solemnity of the judgments. Finally, the verse highlights the **Unveiling of Consequences**, as each seal reveals a specific form of tribulation or judgment upon the earth, preparing the reader for the devastating impact of the fourth horseman.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **opened (Greek, _anoígō_):** This verb (G455) means "to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)." In this context, it signifies the act of breaking a seal on a scroll, which is a literal opening, but it also carries the figurative weight of revealing or disclosing a new phase of divine judgment. The Lamb's act of opening is not merely mechanical but an authoritative unveiling of God's sovereign plan.
* **beast (Greek, _zōon_):** This noun (G2226) refers to "a live thing, i.e., an animal." In Revelation, it specifically denotes the four living creatures (often translated as "living beings" to avoid confusion with the "beast" of [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast from the Sea and Earth")), who are celestial beings surrounding God's throne, full of eyes, and distinct in appearance ([Revelation 4:7](/revelation/4-7 "Revelation 4:7 - Descriptions of the Living Creatures")). Their designation as "beast" here emphasizes their living, animate nature, distinct from human or angelic forms, and their role as powerful, divinely appointed agents.
* **Come (Greek, _érchomai_) and see (Greek, _blépō_):** These are two imperative verbs (G2064 and G991, respectively). _Erchomai_ means "to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)," while _blépō_ means "to look at (literally or figuratively):--behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed." Together, "Come and see" is a direct, urgent command, an invitation to witness what is about to be revealed. It is not merely an invitation to observe passively but to engage with the unfolding reality of God's judgment, drawing the reader into the unfolding drama.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had opened the fourth seal":** This clause establishes the action and the agent. "He" refers to the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who alone was found worthy to open the scroll and its seals ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb is Worthy")). The opening of the "fourth seal" signifies the progression of divine judgments, each seal representing a distinct phase or aspect of God's wrath being poured out upon the earth. This act is not random but part of a predetermined, sequential unveiling of God's plan.
* **"I heard the voice of the fourth beast say":** John's auditory experience is highlighted, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the announcement. The "fourth beast" (or living creature), described in [Revelation 4:7](/revelation/4-7 "Revelation 4:7 - The Fourth Living Creature's Appearance") as having the face of a flying eagle, serves as a herald. Its voice is not just a sound but a pronouncement, carrying the weight of a divine summons. The specific creature associated with each seal's opening (first, second, third, and fourth) underscores the structured and deliberate nature of these judgments.
* **"Come and see":** This is a powerful, direct imperative command. It is an invitation extended to John, and implicitly to the reader, to witness the unfolding events. This repeated phrase throughout the opening of the first four seals creates a sense of immediate engagement and urgency, compelling the observer to behold the dreadful realities that each seal unleashes. It is an invitation to confront the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, as revealed in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 6:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with the "seal" representing a divinely ordained phase of judgment and the "fourth beast" symbolizing a specific aspect of God's creation or divine attributes (often associated with swiftness and far-reaching judgment due to its eagle-like appearance). The "voice" of the beast is an instance of **Anthropomorphism**, as a non-human creature speaks with human-like articulation, emphasizing the divine agency behind the message. The repeated command "Come and see" functions as a form of **Dramatic Irony** or **Proleptic Invitation**. While seemingly an invitation to observe, it is an invitation to witness escalating horror and judgment, drawing the audience into the unfolding catastrophe. This direct address also creates a sense of **Immediacy** and **Engagement**, making the reader an active participant in John's vision rather than a passive observer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 6:7 deeply underscores the profound theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty, even amidst chaos and judgment. The Lamb's authoritative act of opening the seals signifies that nothing in history, no matter how catastrophic, falls outside of God's ultimate control and divine purpose. The four living creatures, as heralds, further emphasize that these are not random occurrences but divinely orchestrated judgments, part of God's righteous response to human sin and rebellion. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God is not a distant, passive observer but an an active, sovereign ruler who intervenes in human history, ultimately bringing all things to their appointed end. The progression of the seals also highlights the escalating nature of divine judgment, leading to a climax of tribulation before the final triumph of God's kingdom.

* [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah Opens the Scroll")
* [Revelation 6:8](/revelation/6-8 "Revelation 6:8 - The Pale Horse and Death")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is known by the judgment He executes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 6:7, while part of a prophetic vision concerning future events, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers in every age. It serves as a solemn reminder that God is ultimately in control, even when the world seems to descend into chaos. The opening of the seals by the Lamb assures us that suffering, war, famine, and death are not random occurrences but are permitted and even orchestrated within God's sovereign plan. For us, this should cultivate a deep sense of trust in God's overarching providence, even when circumstances are dire. It calls us to spiritual preparedness, recognizing the reality of judgment and the urgency of living in light of eternity. Understanding these passages should not incite fear in the believer, but rather a renewed commitment to the gospel, a deeper reliance on Christ, and a fervent prayer for His kingdom to come. It encourages us to live with a sober understanding of the world's fallenness and God's holiness, motivating us to share the hope found in Jesus Christ, the only one who can deliver from the ultimate judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Lamb's authority in opening the seals deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty over world events?**
* **What is your personal response to the idea that even devastating events are part of a divine plan? How does this impact your trust in God?**
* **How does the solemn invitation "Come and see" encourage you to engage more deeply with the realities of sin and judgment, and conversely, with the urgency of the Gospel?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "fourth beast" in Revelation 6:7?**

Answer: The "fourth beast" (or living creature) is one of four celestial beings surrounding God's throne, first introduced in [Revelation 4:7](/revelation/4-7 "Revelation 4:7 - The Four Living Creatures' Appearances"). Each of these creatures has a distinct appearance—like a lion, an ox, a man, and a flying eagle—and they are full of eyes, symbolizing their constant awareness and divine insight. In Revelation 6, each of the first four living creatures calls out "Come and see" as the respective seal is opened. The fourth beast, with the face of a flying eagle, is often associated with swiftness, far-reaching vision, and the execution of judgment. Its voice, like the others, emphasizes the divine origin and solemnity of the unfolding judgments, acting as a herald of God's will and underscoring the structured, deliberate nature of the apocalyptic events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 6:7, though depicting a scene of impending judgment, is profoundly Christ-centered. The entire sequence of the seals hinges on the identity and authority of the Lamb. It is Jesus Christ, the Lamb "standing as if slain" ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb as if Slain")), who alone is found worthy to open the scroll and its seals. This worthiness stems from His atoning sacrifice and His ultimate victory over sin and death, through which He "purchased with your blood persons from every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness and Redemption")). Therefore, when the fourth seal is opened, it is not an arbitrary act of wrath but an act of righteous judgment executed by the very one who bore the world's sin. Christ's authority to open these seals demonstrates His supreme Lordship over all creation and history, fulfilling prophecies that all judgment has been committed to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son")). Even in the unfolding of tribulation and judgment, this passage points to Christ as the sovereign King who upholds the universe by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds the Universe")) and to whom every knee will one day bow ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship")). The judgments are part of His ultimate plan to bring about a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, secured by His redemptive work.

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

Revelation 4:7

And the first beast [was] like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle.

Revelation 6:3

¶ And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

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.

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.