Revelation 6:3

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

And {G2532} when {G3753} he had opened {G455} the second {G1208} seal {G4973}, I heard {G191} the second {G1208} beast {G2226} say {G3004}, Come {G2064} and {G2532} see {G991}.

When he broke the second seal, I heard the second living being say, “Go!”

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

And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, Come.

Commentary

Revelation 6:3 marks the opening of the second seal by the Lamb, an event that continues the unfolding series of judgments upon the earth. Following the initial appearance of the white horse, this verse introduces the next stage of divine revelation and its consequences.

Context

This verse is part of the dramatic "Seal Judgments" described in Revelation chapter 6. After the opening of the first seal and the appearance of the rider on the white horse (Revelation 6:2), the scene shifts to the second. The one who opens these seals is the Lamb, identified earlier as Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy to execute God’s judgments. The "second beast" here refers to one of the four living creatures (Greek: zoa) that surround God's throne, described in Revelation 4:6-8. These creatures serve as divine heralds, calling John's attention to each successive event.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Control: The Lamb's sovereign power is evident as He systematically opens each seal, initiating a new phase of tribulation. This highlights God's ultimate control over human history and its end.
  • Escalation of Judgment: The opening of each seal signifies an intensification of God's judgments on a rebellious world. While the first seal often points to conquest, the second immediately introduces widespread conflict and violence, as revealed in the subsequent verse (Revelation 6:4).
  • Unveiling of Prophecy: The phrase "Come and see" (Greek: Erchou kai ide) is a recurring invitation from the living creatures to John, urging him to observe the unfolding prophetic drama. It underscores the direct, visual nature of John's revelations.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Come and see" (Greek: Erchou kai ide) is a direct imperative, an urgent summons for John to witness the next stage of judgment. It’s repeated for each of the first four seals (Revelation 6:1, 6:5, 6:7), emphasizing the solemnity and certainty of these events as they are revealed.

Practical Application

For believers, Revelation 6:3 serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous plan and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation and history. Even amidst the chaos and conflict that the second seal portends for the world, Christians can find assurance in the knowledge that these events are not random but are under the precise control of the Lamb. It encourages a posture of watchfulness and steadfast faith, knowing that God's purposes will prevail and that He will ultimately bring forth a new heaven and a new earth where peace reigns.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 4:7 (7 votes)

    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 6:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.