King James Version

What Does Revelation 6:12 Mean?

Revelation 6:12 in the King James Version says “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackc...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;”

Revelation 6:12 · KJV

Context

10

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

11

And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

12

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

13

And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. untimely figs: or, green figs

14

And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

Read Revelation 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven seals - god's judgments on rebellious earth, cry of martyrs employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 6:12 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶδον2 of 27

“I beheld”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτε3 of 27

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἤνοιξεν4 of 27

“he had opened”

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

τὴν5 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σφραγῖδα6 of 27

“seal”

G4973

a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or

τὴν7 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἕκτην8 of 27

“the sixth”

G1623

sixth

καὶ9 of 27

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,10 of 27

“lo”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

σεισμὸς11 of 27

“earthquake”

G4578

a commotion, i.e., (of the air) a gale, (of the ground) an earthquake

μέγας12 of 27

“a great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐγένετο13 of 27

“became”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ14 of 27

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ15 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἥλιος16 of 27

“the sun”

G2246

the sun; by implication, light

ἐγένετο17 of 27

“became”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

μέλας18 of 27

“black”

G3189

black

ὡς19 of 27

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

σάκκος20 of 27

“sackcloth”

G4526

"sack"-cloth, i.e., mohair (the material or garments made of it, worn as a sign of grief)

τρίχινος21 of 27

“of hair”

G5155

hairy, i.e., made of hair (mohair)

καὶ22 of 27

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ23 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σελήνη24 of 27

“the moon”

G4582

the moon

ἐγένετο25 of 27

“became”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὡς26 of 27

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

αἷμα27 of 27

“blood”

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 6:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 6:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:29Joel 2:10Acts 2:19-20Mark 13:24-25Joel 2:30-31Joel 3:15

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