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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Revelation 6:9 And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/revelation/6-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/66_Rev_06_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Revelation 6:9 - The Fifth Seal: The Martyrs" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nasb/revelation/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; <a href="/nasb77/revelation/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And when He broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; <a href="/lsb/revelation/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And when He opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the witness which they had maintained; <a href="/amp/revelation/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When He (the Lamb) broke open the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained [out of loyalty to Christ]. <a href="/csb/revelation/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God and the testimony they had given. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the people slaughtered because of God&#8217s word and the testimony they had. <a href="/asv/revelation/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of them that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: <a href="/cev/revelation/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of everyone who had been killed for speaking God's message and telling about their faith. <a href="/erv/revelation/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of them that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: <a href="/gwt/revelation/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When the lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of God's word and the testimony they had given about him. <a href="/gnt/revelation/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the Lamb broke open the fifth seal. I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because they had proclaimed God's word and had been faithful in their witnessing. <a href="/isv/revelation/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> When the lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the word of God and the testimony they had given. <a href="/msb/revelation/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. <a href="/net/revelation/6.htm">NET Bible</a> Now when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been violently killed because of the word of God and because of the testimony they had given. <a href="/nheb/revelation/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of people who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony which they had. <a href="/wbt/revelation/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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: <a href="/wey/revelation/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw at the foot of the altar the souls of those whose lives had been sacrificed because of the word of God and of the testimony which they had given. <a href="/web/revelation/6.htm">World English Bible</a> When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And when He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony that they held, <a href="/blb/revelation/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And when He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those having been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had upheld. <a href="/ylt/revelation/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony that they held, <a href="/slt/revelation/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of the slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they had:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/revelation/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw, under the altar, the souls of those who had been slain because of the Word of God and because of the testimony that they held. <a href="/nabre/revelation/6.htm">New American Bible</a> When he broke open the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the witness they bore to the word of God. <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered for the word of God and for the testimony they had given;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the sake of the word of God and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been murdered for the word of God and for the testimony of Yeshua which they had.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they had borne: <a href="/godbey/revelation/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw beneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain on account of the word of God, and the testimony which they had. <a href="/haweis/revelation/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And when he opened the fifth seal I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they maintained. <a href="/mace/revelation/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> When he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they maintain'd. <a href="/wey/revelation/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw at the foot of the altar the souls of those whose lives had been sacrificed because of the word of God and of the testimony which they had given. <a href="/worrell/revelation/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, when He opened the fifth seal, I saw, underneath the altar, the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they were holding. <a href="/worsley/revelation/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they maintained. <a href="/parallel/revelation/6-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJfD7KQcx0I?start=1293" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/revelation/6.htm">The Fifth Seal: The Martyrs</a> 8Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth. 9<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/3753.htm" title="3753: hote (Adv) -- When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.">when</a> <a href="/greek/455.htm" title="455: ēnoixen (V-AIA-3S) -- To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.">the Lamb opened</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3991.htm" title="3991: pemptēn (Adj-AFS) -- The fifth. From pente; fifth.">fifth</a> <a href="/greek/4973.htm" title="4973: sphragida (N-AFS) -- Probably strengthened from phrasso; a signet; by implication, the stamp impressed, literally or figuratively.">seal,</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: eidon (V-AIA-1S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">I saw</a> <a href="/greek/5270.htm" title="5270: hypokatō (Prep) -- Underneath, below, under. From hupo and kato; down under, i.e. Beneath.">under</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2379.htm" title="2379: thysiastēriou (N-GNS) -- An altar (for sacrifice). From a derivative of thusia; a place of sacrifice, i.e. An altar.">altar</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5590.htm" title="5590: psychas (N-AFP) -- From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.">souls</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of those who</a> <a href="/greek/4969.htm" title="4969: esphagmenōn (V-RPM/P-GMP) -- To slay, kill by violence, slaughter, wound mortally. A primary verb; to butcher or to slaughter, or, to maim.">had been slain</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logon (N-AMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">word</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3141.htm" title="3141: martyrian (N-AFS) -- Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given.">testimony</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēn (RelPro-AFS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: eichon (V-IIA-3P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">they had upheld.</a> 10And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/24-9.htm">Matthew 24:9</a> Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. <a href="/luke/21-12.htm">Luke 21:12-19</a> But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors. / This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses. / So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves. ... <a href="/acts/7-54.htm">Acts 7:54-60</a> On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. / But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. / “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” ... <a href="/hebrews/11-36.htm">Hebrews 11:36-38</a> Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. / They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. / The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground. <a href="/2_timothy/3-12.htm">2 Timothy 3:12</a> Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, <a href="/john/16-2.htm">John 16:2</a> They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. <a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a> Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you. <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Acts 12:1-2</a> About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. / He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. <a href="/romans/8-35.htm">Romans 8:35-37</a> Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. <a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">1 Peter 4:12-16</a> Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory. / If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ... <a href="/revelation/20-4.htm">Revelation 20:4</a> Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. <a href="/revelation/12-11.htm">Revelation 12:11</a> They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death. <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a> Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. <a href="/daniel/7-21.htm">Daniel 7:21-22</a> As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them, / until the Ancient of Days arrived and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for them to possess the kingdom. <a href="/daniel/12-1.htm">Daniel 12:1</a> “At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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:I saw.<a href="/revelation/8-3.htm">Revelation 8:3</a> And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.<a href="/revelation/9-13.htm">Revelation 9:13</a> And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,<a href="/revelation/14-18.htm">Revelation 14:18</a> And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.the souls.<a href="/revelation/20-4.htm">Revelation 20:4</a> And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.<a href="/2_corinthians/5-8.htm">2 Corinthians 5:8</a> We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.<a href="/philippians/1-23.htm">Philippians 1:23</a> For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:slain.<a href="/revelation/1-9.htm">Revelation 1:9</a> I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.<a href="/revelation/2-13.htm">Revelation 2:13</a> I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.<a href="/revelation/11-3.htm">Revelation 11:3-7</a> And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/2-21.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/revelation/2-3.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Death</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-19.htm">Fifth</a> <a href="/revelation/1-13.htm">Foot</a> <a href="/revelation/6-2.htm">Held</a> <a href="/revelation/5-12.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Lamb</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Sacrificed</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Seal</a> <a href="/revelation/5-12.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">Souls</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Stamp</a> <a href="/revelation/1-9.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/revelation/5-3.htm">Underneath</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Undone</a> <a href="/revelation/3-14.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/revelation/3-10.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/8-3.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/revelation/12-11.htm">Borne</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/revelation/9-5.htm">Death</a> <a href="/revelation/9-1.htm">Fifth</a> <a href="/revelation/10-2.htm">Foot</a> <a href="/revelation/9-15.htm">Held</a> <a href="/revelation/6-11.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Lamb</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/genesis/8-20.htm">Sacrificed</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Seal</a> <a href="/revelation/11-13.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/revelation/18-13.htm">Souls</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Stamp</a> <a href="/revelation/11-7.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/exodus/28-27.htm">Underneath</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Undone</a> <a href="/revelation/11-7.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/revelation/10-11.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Revelation 6</div>1. <a href="/revelation/6-1.htm">The First Seal: Rider on White Horse</a> 3. <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">The Second Seal: War</a> 5. <a href="/revelation/6-5.htm">The Third Seal: Famine</a> 7. <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">The Fourth Seal: Death</a> 9. <a href="/revelation/6-9.htm">The Fifth Seal: Martyrs</a> 12. <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">The Sixth Seal: Terror</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/revelation/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/revelation/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal This phrase indicates the continuation of the vision given to John, where the Lamb, identified as Jesus Christ, is the only one worthy to open the seals of the scroll. The opening of the seals represents the unfolding of divine judgment and revelation. The Lamb's role as the opener of the seals emphasizes His authority and sovereignty over the events of the end times, as seen in <a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Revelation 5:5-7</a>.I saw under the altar The altar here is symbolic, drawing imagery from the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the altar of burnt offering in the tabernacle and temple (<a href="/exodus/29-12.htm">Exodus 29:12</a>). In the heavenly context, it represents the place where the sacrifices of the faithful are acknowledged by God. The location "under the altar" suggests a place of honor and divine protection, indicating that the souls are precious in God's sight.the souls of those who had been slain This phrase refers to the martyrs who have died for their faith. Historically, Christians have faced persecution and martyrdom, beginning with the early church under Roman rule. The mention of their souls highlights the belief in the immortality of the soul and the hope of resurrection. The concept of martyrdom is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition, as seen in the accounts of Stephen (<a href="/acts/7-54.htm">Acts 7:54-60</a>) and other early Christian martyrs.for the word of God The reason for their martyrdom is their steadfast commitment to the word of God. This phrase underscores the centrality of Scripture in the life of believers and the cost of discipleship. Throughout history, many have faced persecution for upholding biblical truth, reflecting Jesus' warning in <a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-20</a> about the world's hatred towards His followers.and for the testimony they had upheld The testimony refers to their witness to the truth of the Gospel and their personal faith in Jesus Christ. This testimony is not only verbal but also demonstrated through their lives and, ultimately, their deaths. The call to bear witness is a recurring theme in the New Testament, as seen in <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a>, where believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. The martyrs' testimony serves as a powerful example of faithfulness and courage for all believers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lamb.htm">The Lamb</a> Refers to Jesus Christ, who is opening the seals of the scroll. The Lamb symbolizes Jesus' sacrificial role and His authority to execute God's plan. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_fifth_seal.htm">The Fifth Seal</a> Part of the series of seals being opened in the Book of Revelation, each revealing a different aspect of God's judgment and plan for the end times. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_altar.htm">The Altar</a> Represents the heavenly altar, a place of sacrifice and worship. In the context of Revelation, it symbolizes the presence of God and the place where the prayers and sacrifices of the saints are acknowledged. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_souls.htm">The Souls</a> These are the martyrs who have been killed for their faithfulness to the word of God and their testimony. They are depicted as being under the altar, indicating their sacrifice and God's recognition of their faithfulness. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_word_of_god_and_testimony.htm">The Word of God and Testimony</a> The reason for the martyrdom of these souls. They were slain because they upheld the truth of God's word and bore witness to it, even unto death.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_persecution.htm">Faithfulness in Persecution</a> The martyrs exemplify unwavering faithfulness to God's word and testimony, even in the face of death. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the cost. <a href="/topical/h/heavenly_recognition.htm">Heavenly Recognition</a> The placement of the souls under the altar signifies God's acknowledgment and honor of their sacrifice. Our faithfulness on earth is seen and valued by God. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Following Christ may lead to persecution and sacrifice. Believers should be prepared to endure hardships for the sake of the gospel. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_testimony.htm">The Power of Testimony</a> The testimony of the martyrs serves as a powerful witness to the truth of the gospel. Our lives and words should consistently reflect our commitment to Christ. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_justice.htm">Hope in Justice</a> The cry of the martyrs for justice reminds us that God will ultimately vindicate His people. We can trust in His perfect justice and timing.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_revelation_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Revelation 6</a> <a href="/q/what_is_god's_holy_mountain.htm">Do Christians go to heaven immediately after death?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_revelation's_seven_seals.htm">What are Revelation's seven seals?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_the_tribulation_saints.htm">Who are the Tribulation Saints?</a> <a href="/q/why_are_rev_6_and_matt_24_signs_inconsistent.htm">Revelation 6 compared to Matthew 24—Why do alleged end-time signs in Revelation 6 appear inconsistent or out of sequence when compared to other apocalyptic passages in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/revelation/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9-11) The fifth seal differs from the four earlier seals. It is not introduced by the voice of the living beings, and the cry "Come." The voice which is now heard is not the cry of the groaning world, but of the oppressed and troubled Church. In the fourth seal the climax of world-sorrow seemed to be reached in the accumulation of war, famine, pestilence, and noisome beasts. It declared to the evangelist that there were evils which would continue and even increase in the world. "Ye shall hear of wars; nation shall rise against nation." Social troubles, war, poverty, and privation would still exist; religious troubles, evil men and seducers would wax worse and worse. Worldly policy, selfishness, and the untamed passions of mankind would still trouble humanity. Then if such troubles and disorders remain, what has the Church been doing? Where is the promise of that early vision of victory? The answer is given in the fifth seal. The Church has been following her Lord. As the vision of Bethlehem and the angel-song of "peace on earth" passed, and made way for the agony of Gethsemane, the cross of Calvary, and the cry "My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" so the glowing dream of a quick conquest over all evil passes away, and the picture of an agonising, persecuted Church takes its place, and the voice of its anguish is heard, "How long, O Lord!" The Church has her Bethlehem, her Nazareth, her Gethsemane, her Calvary, her Easter morn; for Christ said, "Where I am there shall also My servant be" (<a href="/john/12-26.htm" title="If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.">John 12:26</a>). The seals, then, are not merely visions of war, famine, &c., they are the tokens that the victory of Christ's Church must, like her Lord's, be a victory through apparent failure and certain death. The four seals proclaim her apparent failure; she has not brought peace and social and political harmony to the world. The fifth seal shows her suffering, the witness of the servants of Christ has been rejected; in the world they have tribulation (<a href="/john/16-33.htm" title="These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.">John 16:33</a>).(9) I saw under the altar . . .--Read, when He opened, and, instead of "were slain," &c., had been slain because of the Word of God, and (because of) the testimony which they held. The seal indicates that the mission of the Christian Church can only be carried out in suffering. An altar is seen, and at its foot tokens of the martyrs who had laid down their lives upon it. The word "souls" is to be taken as the equivalent of "lives"; the vision tells that their lives had been sacrificed. The blood of the victims was in the temple service poured out at the foot of the altar. St. Paul makes use of the same imagery--"I am now ready to be poured out" ("offered" in English version). In union with Christ Christians are called upon to suffer with Him, even to carry on to its great end the work of Christ in the world, and so fill up that which is lacking of the sufferings of Christ (<a href="/colossians/1-24.htm" title=" Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:">Colossians 1:24</a>). The word "souls" has been made a resting-place for an argument respecting the intermediate state. There is no ground for this: it is quite beside the object of the seal, which simply exhibits the sufferings of Christ's people as the necessary accompaniment of the progress of the gospel. These sufferings are because of the Word of God and the testimony which they held. It was because of the Word of God and the testimony that the sacred seer himself suffered (<a href="/revelation/1-9.htm" title="I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.">Revelation 1:9</a>). The words here remind us that the same issue which St. John fought, the suffering ones of after ages would be fighting. Their witness and his was the God-man; to this testimony they clung. They were not ashamed of Christ, or of His words, and they suffered for their courage and fidelity.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - And when he had opened the fifth seal; and when he opened, as in vers. l, 3, 5, 7, which see. The second group of visions connected with the opening of the seals now commences. The first group deals with events more immediately attached to this life. By the visions of the first four seals St. John has shown that it is with God's knowledge and consent that afflictions and persecutions are allowed to try the faith of his servants on earth; while yet the ultimate triumph of those who endure is certain. In the last three appearances he goes a step further - he gives his readers a glimpse of events more immediately connected with the life in the world to come. He shows them (1) the faithful, resting from their labours, though longing, in sympathy with those left on earth, for the completion of Christ's triumph; (2) the circumstances attendant upon our Lord's final coming, which he describes in language which is almost a repetition of Christ's words on the same subject; (3) the inexplicable life with God in heaven, which is denoted by the silence following the opening of the last seal. I saw under the altar. This representation is doubtless suggested by the arrangements of the temple. Victims were sacrificed on the brazen altar which stood at the door of the tabernacle (<a href="/exodus/39-39.htm">Exodus 39:39</a> and Exodus 40:29), and the blood was poured out at the foot of this altar (<a href="/leviticus/4-7.htm">Leviticus 4:7</a>). The martyrs are therefore regarded as having offered themselves as sacrifices upon the altar of God by yielding up their lives for him. St. Paul uses a similar figure concerning himself. In <a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">2 Timothy 4:6</a> he says, "For I am now ready to be offered ['to pour out as a libation,' σπένδω], and the time of any departure is at hand;" and in <a href="/philippians/2-17.htm">Philippians 2:17</a>, "If I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith." Bleek and De Wette understand the golden altar of incense (<a href="/exodus/30-1.htm">Exodus 30:1</a>), and consider that the figure is representative of the hearing of the martyrs' prayers. Bossuet says the altar is Christ. The souls of them that wore slain; them that had been slain. An "aesthetical difficulty" (see on Revelation 4:6). How could St. John see the souls? Of course, he did not see them with his bodily vision, nor indeed did he thus see any part of the revelation. He "sees" them while "in the Spirit," i.e. he is somehow made conscious of the existence of the souls. Slain; σφάττω, "sacrificed;" the same word used of the Lamb in <a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Revelation 5:6</a>. The word is in harmony with the use of the word" altar," with which it is naturally connected. It fixes the signification of the altar, which therefore cannot bear the meaning ascribed by Block and De Wette, as mentioned above. St. John sees the souls only of the martyrs, since their bodies will not be reunited with their souls until the judgment day. Meanwhile, the souls rest (see ver. 11) in peace, yet in expectation of the final accomplishment of their perfect bliss, which the words used in ver. 10 show them to desire. Wordsworth quotes (as illustrating this passage) Tertullian, "The souls of martyrs repose in peace under the altar, and cherish a spirit of patience until others are admitted to fill up their communion of glow;" and Irenaeus, "The souls of the departed go to the place assigned them by God, and there abide until the resurrection, when they will be reunited to their bodies; and then the saints, both in soul and body, will come into the presence of God." For the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held. B, Syriac, add, "and of the Lamb." On account of the word, etc. Exactly the same expression which St. John uses in <a href="/revelation/1-9.htm">Revelation 1:9</a> in describing the cause of his own exile at Patmos. The language is peculiarly St. John's (cf. <a href="/revelation/1-2.htm">Revelation 1:2</a>, "John: who bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw;" also <a href="/revelation/12-17.htm">Revelation 12:17</a>, "The dragon... went to make war with... them which have the testimony of Jesus Christ;" also <a href="/revelation/19-10.htm">Revelation 19:10</a>, "I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' The "Word of God" is of course the truth which God has declared, not the Word as in <a href="/john/1.htm">John 1</a>. "The testimony which they held" may differ slightly in signification in different places. It may mean . . . <a href="/commentaries/revelation/6-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. when ὅτε (hote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3753.htm">Strong's 3753: </a> When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When. [the Lamb] opened ἤνοιξεν (ēnoixen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_455.htm">Strong's 455: </a> To open. From ana and oigo; to open up. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. fifth πέμπτην (pemptēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3991.htm">Strong's 3991: </a> The fifth. From pente; fifth. seal, σφραγῖδα (sphragida) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4973.htm">Strong's 4973: </a> Probably strengthened from phrasso; a signet; by implication, the stamp impressed, literally or figuratively. I saw εἶδον (eidon) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. under ὑποκάτω (hypokatō) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5270.htm">Strong's 5270: </a> Underneath, below, under. From hupo and kato; down under, i.e. Beneath. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. altar θυσιαστηρίου (thysiastēriou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2379.htm">Strong's 2379: </a> An altar (for sacrifice). From a derivative of thusia; a place of sacrifice, i.e. An altar. the τὰς (tas) Article - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. souls ψυχὰς (psychas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5590.htm">Strong's 5590: </a> From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely. of those who τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. had been slain ἐσφαγμένων (esphagmenōn) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4969.htm">Strong's 4969: </a> To slay, kill by violence, slaughter, wound mortally. A primary verb; to butcher or to slaughter, or, to maim. for διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. word λόγον (logon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. of God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. for διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. testimony μαρτυρίαν (martyrian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3141.htm">Strong's 3141: </a> Witness, evidence, testimony, reputation. From martus; evidence given. they had upheld. εἶχον (eichon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/6-9.htm">Revelation 6:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/6-9.htm">Revelation 6:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/6-9.htm">Revelation 6:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/6-9.htm">Revelation 6:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/6-9.htm">Revelation 6:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/6-9.htm">Revelation 6:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/6-9.htm">Revelation 6:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/6-9.htm">Revelation 6:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/6-9.htm">Revelation 6:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/6-9.htm">Revelation 6:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/6-9.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 6:9 When he opened the fifth seal (Rev. 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