And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
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}.
When he broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living being say, “Go!”
And when the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!”
And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, Come.
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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.
Context of Revelation 6:7
Revelation 6:7 is part of a profound prophetic vision given to the Apostle John, detailing the opening of seven seals from a scroll by the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ. This specific verse introduces the fourth seal, following the opening of the first three seals which brought forth the white, red, and black horses, symbolizing conquest, war, and famine respectively. The scene unfolds before God’s throne, with the four living creatures (or beasts), described earlier in Revelation 4:7, playing a significant role in announcing each of the first four judgments. The call to "Come and see" invites John—and by extension, the reader—to witness the unfolding divine judgments upon the earth.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Come and see" translates the Greek erchou kai ide (ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε), which is a direct, imperative command. It's the same urgent call issued by the preceding living creatures for the earlier seals (Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5). The "fourth beast" is tetartos zōon (τέταρτος ζῷον), referring to the fourth living creature described as having the face of a flying eagle (Revelation 4:7), which often symbolizes swiftness and far-reaching judgment.
Practical Application and Reflection
While the Book of Revelation primarily speaks of future prophetic events, verses like 6:7 offer profound spiritual lessons for believers today. They serve as a solemn reminder of God's overarching plan and His ultimate authority over all creation and history. The progression of the seals illustrates that even devastating global events are under divine control, not random chaos. For a general audience, this verse underscores the reality of judgment and the critical need for spiritual preparedness. It directly points forward to the grim rider of the pale horse, Death, and his companion, Hell, in Revelation 6:8, emphasizing the gravity of human mortality and the spiritual state. Understanding these passages can encourage a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and a renewed commitment to the message of salvation offered through Jesus Christ, the Lamb who is worthy to open the seals (Revelation 5:9).