King James Version

What Does Revelation 6:9 Mean?

Revelation 6:9 in the King James Version says “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and ...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:”

Revelation 6:9 · KJV

Context

7

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

8

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. unto them: or, to him

9

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

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.

Read Revelation 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:... 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 6:9 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 · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

ὅτε2 of 25

“when”

G3753

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

ἤνοιξεν3 of 25

“he had opened”

G455

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

τὴν4 of 25
G3588

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

πέμπτην5 of 25

“the fifth”

G3991

fifth

σφραγῖδα6 of 25

“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

εἶδον7 of 25

“I saw”

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

ὑποκάτω8 of 25

“under”

G5270

down under, i.e., beneath

τοῦ9 of 25
G3588

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

θυσιαστηρίου10 of 25

“the altar”

G2379

a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)

τὰς11 of 25
G3588

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

ψυχὰς12 of 25

“the souls”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

τῶν13 of 25
G3588

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

ἐσφαγμένων14 of 25

“of them that were slain”

G4969

to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)

διὰ15 of 25

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸν16 of 25
G3588

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

λόγον17 of 25

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ18 of 25
G3588

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

θεοῦ19 of 25

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ20 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

διὰ21 of 25

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὴν22 of 25
G3588

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

μαρτυρίαν23 of 25

“the testimony”

G3141

evidence given (judicially or genitive case)

ἣν24 of 25

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶχον25 of 25

“they held”

G2192

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

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 6:9 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 6:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 20:4John 16:2Revelation 1:9Revelation 12:11-17Revelation 11:3-7Revelation 2:13

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