King James Version

What Does Revelation 6:5 Mean?

Revelation 6:5 in the King James Version says “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; an...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 6:5 · KJV

Context

3

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

4

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

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.

6

And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. A measure: the word choenix signifieth a measure containing one wine quart, and the twelfth part of a quart

7

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

Read Revelation 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 6:5 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 · 31 words
Καὶ1 of 31

“And”

G2532

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

ὅτε2 of 31

“when”

G3753

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

ἤνοιξεν3 of 31

“he had opened”

G455

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

τὴν4 of 31
G3588

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

τρίτου5 of 31

“the third”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

σφραγῖδα6 of 31

“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

ἤκουσα7 of 31

“I heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τοῦ8 of 31
G3588

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

τρίτου9 of 31

“the third”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

ζῴου10 of 31

“beast”

G2226

a live thing, i.e., an animal

λέγοντος11 of 31

“say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἔρχου12 of 31

“Come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Καὶ13 of 31

“And”

G2532

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

βλέπε14 of 31

“see”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

Καὶ15 of 31

“And”

G2532

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

εἶδον16 of 31

“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

Καὶ17 of 31

“And”

G2532

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

ἰδού,18 of 31

“lo”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἵππος19 of 31

“horse”

G2462

a horse

μέλας20 of 31

“a black”

G3189

black

Καὶ21 of 31

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ22 of 31
G3588

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

καθήμενος23 of 31

“he that sat”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπ'24 of 31

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτοῦ25 of 31

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἔχων26 of 31

“had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ζυγὸν27 of 31

“a pair of balances”

G2218

a coupling, i.e., (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales)

ἐν28 of 31

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ29 of 31
G3588

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

χειρὶ30 of 31

“hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτοῦ31 of 31

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 6:2Ezekiel 4:16Zechariah 6:6Revelation 6:1Revelation 4:6-7Leviticus 26:26

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Revelation 6 with CommentaryAll Revelation ChaptersComplete Revelation QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes