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Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/nlt/revelation/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living being say, “Come!” I looked up and saw a black horse, and its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/esv/revelation/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/bsb/revelation/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And when the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” Then I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales. <a href="/blb/revelation/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And when He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come!" And I looked, and behold, a black horse, and the one sitting on it having a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/kjv/revelation/6.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/revelation/6.htm">New King James Version</a> When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/nasb_/revelation/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come!” I looked, and behold, a black horse, and the one who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/nasb/revelation/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, &#8220Come.&#8221 I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/nasb77/revelation/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And when He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” And I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/lsb/revelation/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And when He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” Then I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sits on it had a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/amp/revelation/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When He (the Lamb) broke open the third seal, I heard the third living creature call out, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse [of famine]; and the rider had in his hand a pair of scales (a balance). <a href="/csb/revelation/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come! ” And I looked, and there was a black horse. Its rider held a set of scales in his hand. <a href="/hcsb/revelation/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, &#8220Come!&#8221 And I looked, and there was a black horse. The horseman on it had a set of scales in his hand. <a href="/asv/revelation/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, Come. And I saw, and behold, a black horse; and he that sat thereon had a balance in his hand. <a href="/cev/revelation/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come out!" Then I saw a black horse, and its rider had a balance scale in one hand. <a href="/erv/revelation/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, Come. And I saw, and behold, a black horse; and he that sat thereon had a balance in his hand. <a href="/gwt/revelation/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When the lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Go!" I looked, and there was a black horse, and its rider held a scale. <a href="/gnt/revelation/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the Lamb broke open the third seal; and I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there was a black horse. Its rider held a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/isv/revelation/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> When the lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Go!" I looked, and there was a black horse! Its rider held a scale in his hand. <a href="/msb/revelation/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And when the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, ?Come!? Then I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales. <a href="/net/revelation/6.htm">NET Bible</a> Then when the Lamb opened the third seal I heard the third living creature saying, "Come!" So I looked, and here came a black horse! The one who rode it had a balance scale in his hand. <a href="/nheb/revelation/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come." And I saw, and suddenly there was a black horse and he who sat on it had a balance in his hand. <a href="/wbt/revelation/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third living being 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. <a href="/wey/revelation/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come." I looked, and a black horse appeared, its rider carrying a balance in his hand. <a href="/web/revelation/6.htm">World English Bible</a> When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come and see!” And behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a balance in his hand. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/revelation/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And when He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come and behold!” And I saw, and behold, a black horse, and he who is sitting on it is having a balance in his hand, <a href="/blb/revelation/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And when He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come!" And I looked, and behold, a black horse, and the one sitting on it having a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/ylt/revelation/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, 'Come and behold!' and I saw, and lo, a black horse, and he who is sitting upon it is having a balance in his hand, <a href="/slt/revelation/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a black horse, and he sitting upon him having a balance in his hand.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/revelation/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying: Come, and see. And behold a black horse, and he that sat on him had a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/cpdv/revelation/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying: “Draw near and see.” And behold, a black horse. And he who was sitting upon it was holding a balance in his hand. <a href="/nabre/revelation/6.htm">New American Bible</a> When he broke open the third seal, I heard the third living creature cry out, “Come forward.” I looked, and there was a black horse, and its rider held a scale in his hand. <a href="/nrsvce/revelation/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature call out, “Come!” I looked, and there was a black horse! Its rider held a pair of scales in his hand,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/revelation/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And behold, I saw a black horse; and he who sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/revelation/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third Beast saying, “Come”, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat upon him had a balance scale in his hand.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/revelation/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, Come and see. And I saw, and behold, a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/godbey/revelation/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, Come. And I saw; and behold a black horse; and the one sitting on him having a balance in his hand. <a href="/haweis/revelation/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living being say, Come and see. And I saw, and lo! a black horse; and he that sat upon it had a pair of scales in his hand. <a href="/mace/revelation/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> When he had opened the third seal, I heard the third animal say, "come and see." and I beheld, and saw a black horse; and he that sat on him had a balance in his hand. <a href="/wey/revelation/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come." I looked, and a black horse appeared, its rider carrying a balance in his hand. <a href="/worrell/revelation/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, when He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come." And I saw, and, behold, a black horse, and he who sat on him had a balance in his hand. <a href="/worsley/revelation/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when He opened the third seal, I heard the third animal say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo, a black horse, and he that sat upon it had a balance in his hand. <a href="/parallel/revelation/6-5.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=1233" 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 Third Seal: Famine</a> 4Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take away peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword. 5<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/5154.htm" title="5154: tritēn (Adj-AFS) -- Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.">third</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."></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/191.htm" title="191: ēkousa (V-AIA-1S) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">I heard</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/5154.htm" title="5154: tritou (Adj-GNS) -- Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.">third</a> <a href="/greek/2226.htm" title="2226: zōou (N-GNS) -- An animal, living creature. Neuter of a derivative of zao; a live thing, i.e. An animal.">living creature</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legontos (V-PPA-GNS) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">say,</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: Erchou (V-PMM/P-2S) -- To come, go. ">“Come!”</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Then</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 looked</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: idou (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!">saw</a> <a href="/greek/3189.htm" title="3189: melas (Adj-NMS) -- Black. Apparently a primary word; black.">a black</a> <a href="/greek/2462.htm" title="2462: hippos (N-NMS) -- A horse. Of uncertain affinity; a horse.">horse,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">its rider</a> <a href="/greek/2521.htm" title="2521: kathēmenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside."></a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: ep’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. "></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">held</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheiri (N-DFS) -- A hand. ">hand</a> <a href="/greek/2218.htm" title="2218: zygon (N-AMS) -- From the root of zeugnumi; a coupling, i.e. servitude; also the beam of the balance.">a pair of scales.</a> 6And I heard what sounded like a voice from among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine.”…<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="/zechariah/6-2.htm">Zechariah 6:2-6</a> The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, / the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong. / So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?” ... <a href="/ezekiel/4-10.htm">Ezekiel 4:10-16</a> You are to weigh out twenty shekels of food to eat each day, and you are to eat it at set times. / You are also to measure out a sixth of a hin of water to drink, and you are to drink it at set times. / And you shall eat the food as you would a barley cake, after you bake it over dried human excrement in the sight of the people.” ... <a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Amos 8:4-6</a> Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, / asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. / Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!” <a href="/leviticus/26-26.htm">Leviticus 26:26</a> When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied. <a href="/2_kings/7-1.htm">2 Kings 7:1-2</a> Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the LORD says: ‘About this time tomorrow at the gate of Samaria, a seah of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and two seahs of barley will sell for a shekel.’” / But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.” <a href="/lamentations/5-10.htm">Lamentations 5:10</a> Our skin is as hot as an oven with fever from our hunger. <a href="/matthew/24-7.htm">Matthew 24:7</a> Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. <a href="/luke/21-11.htm">Luke 21:11</a> There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven. <a href="/mark/13-8.htm">Mark 13:8</a> Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. <a href="/jeremiah/14-1.htm">Jeremiah 14:1-4</a> This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: / “Judah mourns and her gates languish. Her people wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem. / The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads. ... <a href="/ezekiel/5-16.htm">Ezekiel 5:16</a> When I shower you with the deadly arrows of famine and destruction that I will send to destroy you, I will intensify the famine against you and cut off your supply of food. <a href="/isaiah/3-1.htm">Isaiah 3:1</a> For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water, <a href="/hosea/12-7.htm">Hosea 12:7</a> A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands. <a href="/proverbs/11-1.htm">Proverbs 11:1</a> Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight. <a href="/job/31-6.htm">Job 31:6</a> let God weigh me with honest scales, that He may know my integrity.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and see a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.he had.<a href="/revelation/6-1.htm">Revelation 6:1</a> 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.<a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Revelation 4:6,7</a> And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind… <a href="/revelation/5-5.htm">Revelation 5:5,9</a> And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof… a black.<a href="/zechariah/6-2.htm">Zechariah 6:2,6</a> In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; … had.<a href="/leviticus/26-26.htm">Leviticus 26:26</a> And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.<a href="/lamentations/5-10.htm">Lamentations 5:10</a> Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine.<a href="/ezekiel/4-10.htm">Ezekiel 4:10,16</a> And thy meat which thou shalt eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels a day: from time to time shalt thou eat it… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/6-2.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-6.htm">Balance</a> <a href="/micah/6-11.htm">Balances</a> <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/revelation/5-11.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/jude/1-13.htm">Black</a> <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Creature</a> <a href="/revelation/6-1.htm">First</a> <a href="/revelation/5-7.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/revelation/3-11.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/revelation/6-4.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Lamb</a> <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/luke/2-25.htm">Pair</a> <a href="/revelation/6-4.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Seal</a> <a href="/revelation/6-4.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Stamp</a> <a href="/revelation/6-4.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/revelation/4-7.htm">Third</a> <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Undone</a> <a href="/revelation/6-3.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-27.htm">Balance</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-36.htm">Balances</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Beast</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/revelation/6-12.htm">Black</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Creature</a> <a href="/revelation/8-7.htm">First</a> <a href="/revelation/8-4.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/revelation/6-6.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/revelation/7-1.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Lamb</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/genesis/7-2.htm">Pair</a> <a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Seal</a> <a href="/revelation/6-16.htm">Sitting</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Stamp</a> <a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Thereon</a> <a href="/revelation/8-7.htm">Third</a> <a href="/revelation/6-7.htm">Undone</a> <a href="/revelation/6-6.htm">Voice</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'; 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This act signifies the continuation of the unfolding of God's plan for the end times. The opening of the seals is a pivotal moment in the apocalyptic vision given to John, representing the progressive revelation of God's will and the events leading to the final judgment.I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” The third living creature is one of the four living creatures described in <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Revelation 4:6-8</a>, which are often interpreted as angelic beings or representations of creation that surround the throne of God. Their command to "Come!" is an invitation for the next phase of the vision to be revealed, emphasizing the authority and order in the heavenly realm.Then I looked and saw a black horse The black horse is traditionally associated with famine and economic hardship. In the context of the ancient world, black is often linked to mourning and distress. The color of the horse symbolizes the severity of the conditions that follow, as black is a stark contrast to the abundance and life represented by other colors.and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales The scales are a symbol of commerce and trade, indicating a time of scarcity where food and resources are measured and rationed. In the ancient world, scales were used to weigh goods, and their presence here suggests a period of economic imbalance and inflation. This imagery connects to passages like <a href="/ezekiel/4-16.htm">Ezekiel 4:16</a>, where bread is weighed and rationed during a siege, highlighting the dire circumstances that accompany the rider's appearance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lamb.htm">The Lamb</a> Represents Jesus Christ, who is worthy to open the seals of the scroll, signifying His authority and sovereignty over the unfolding events of the end times. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_third_living_creature.htm">The Third Living Creature</a> One of the four living creatures around the throne of God, possibly representing aspects of God's creation and His attributes. This creature calls forth the third horseman. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_black_horse.htm">The Black Horse</a> Symbolizes scarcity and economic hardship. The color black is often associated with mourning and distress. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_rider.htm">The Rider</a> Holds a pair of scales, indicating a time of economic imbalance and rationing, where basic necessities become scarce and are measured carefully. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_pair_of_scales.htm">The Pair of Scales</a> Represents the weighing and measuring of food, suggesting a time of famine or economic difficulty where resources are limited.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_sovereignty.htm">Understanding God's Sovereignty</a> Recognize that Jesus, the Lamb, is in control of the events of the end times. This should bring comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that nothing happens outside of His divine plan. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_hard_times.htm">Preparation for Hard Times</a> The imagery of the black horse and scales serves as a reminder to be spiritually and practically prepared for times of economic hardship and scarcity. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a> Even in times of scarcity, believers are called to trust in God's provision, as He promises to meet the needs of His people. <a href="/topical/a/awareness_of_spiritual_realities.htm">Awareness of Spiritual Realities</a> The opening of the seals reveals spiritual realities that have physical manifestations. Christians should be aware of the spiritual dimensions of world events. <a href="/topical/c/call_to_compassion_and_generosity.htm">Call to Compassion and Generosity</a> In times of scarcity, believers are encouraged to show compassion and generosity, sharing resources with those in need as a testimony of God's love.<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_are_revelation's_seven_seals.htm">What are Revelation's seven seals?</a> <a href="/q/keep_oil_and_wine_unharmed.htm">Should the oil and wine remain unharmed?</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 href="/q/why_does_the_lamb_have_7_horns_eyes.htm">Why does the Lamb have seven horns and seven eyes (Revelation 5:6), and is there any scientific or historical precedent for such a creature?</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>(5, 6) When He had opened.--Better, When he opened. The words "and see" are to be omitted here, as in the other seals. And I saw, and behold a horse, black, and he that sat on him having a balance in his hand. And I heard as it were a voice in the midst of the four living beings, saying, A choenix of wheat for a denarius (penny), and three choenixes of barley for a denarius (penny), and the oil and the wine do thou not hurt. "Balance:" There is scarcely a doubt that a balance, or pair of scales, is intended (the Greek word also means a yoke); but the whole imagery of the seal harmonises with the balance, and the passage from Ezekiel (<a href="/ezekiel/45-10.htm" title="You shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath.">Ezekiel 45:10</a>), cited by Alford, in which there is a "righteous balance" (the LXX. using the same Greek word as here) seems conclusive. It is the emblem of scarcity: food is not weighed out thus in times of abundance. (Comp. <a href="/ezekiel/4-16.htm" title="Moreover he said to me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:">Ezekiel 4:16</a>, "Behold I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem, and they shall eat bread by weight and with care.") The choenix ("measure" in English version) was the amount of food sufficient to support a man for a day. "A choenix is the daily maintenance" (Suidas, quoted by Alford). The denarius ("penny" of English version, here and in <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm" title="But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that you owe.">Matthew 18:28</a>, and <a href="/mark/12-37.htm" title="David therefore himself calls him Lord; and from where is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.">Mark 12:37</a>) amounted to between sixpence and sevenpence of our money, and was the usual daily pay of the labourer, and of the soldier. (See especially Note on <a href="/matthew/20-2.htm" title="And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.">Matthew 20:2</a>.) It is difficult to speak of this as other than terribly high prices for food. The whole of a man's pay goes for food, and even the coarser bread is so expensive that it takes a whole day's wages to supply food for three adults. It has been thought that the voice calls to the rider to check his devastations, lest the growing famine should exterminate the whole human race. This may be, but the check is at a point which has already wrought the highest misery. The extent of the misery may be imagined by imagining what wretchedness would be entailed were a man obliged to pay three or four shillings for bread sufficient to keep him nourished for a day. Or we may measure it by the estimate of the disciples (<a href="/mark/6-37.htm" title="He answered and said to them, Give you them to eat. And they say to him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?">Mark 6:37</a>) that two hundred pennyworth of bread would give a short meal to upwards of five thousand people. At the price in this seal, the cost of bread would have so risen that the two hundred pennyworth of bread would not suffice to feed one thousand. But what is meant by the words, "the oil and wine do not thou hurt"? They were not, like the bread, necessary to life, but among its luxuries and superfluities. There is a kind of irony in times of straitness, when the necessaries are scarcely to be had, and the luxuries remain comparatively low in price. The splendours and comforts of life are held cheap, when hunger is showing that the life is more than the dainty meat, and the body than raiment. The seal then tells the seer that in the ages the Church of Christ must expect to see famines and distress in the world, and luxuries abounding in the midst of straitness. Is it not true that the contrast, which is so ugly, between pampered opulence and indolent, pauperism, is the result of the prevalence of world-principles? Wealth, self-indulgent and heartless, and poverty, reckless and self-willed, are sure tokens that the golden rule of Christ is not understood and obeyed. There is a similar experience in the history of the Church. The red horse of controversy is followed by the black horse of spiritual starvation. In the heat of polemical pride and passion for theological conquest is developed that love of barren dogmatics which forgets the milk of the word and the bread of life, which are the needed food of souls. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/revelation/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - And when he had opened the third seal; when he opened, as in the case of the other seals (see on ver. 3). I heard the third beast say; the third living being saying. (On the living beings, see <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Revelation 4:6</a>.) Wordsworth takes the third living being to be that with the human face, and considers it to be typical of the whole vision of the third seal, by symbolizing the source of the next trial of the Church; namely, the rise of heresy, which he thinks is depicted by this appearance. But probably the four living beings represent all creation, and thus invite St. John to witness the troubles in store for mankind in general. (For a full consideration of this point, see on Revelation 4:6.) Come and see. The majority of authorities emit "and see" (see the corresponding passage in vers. 1 and 3, where also is discussed the question as to whom the sentence is addressed). And I beheld, and lo a black horse. The black is typical of woe and mourning - the result of the scarcity foretold in the following words. This vision is typical of famine; it is the second of the three trials foretold - war, famine, death (cf. <a href="/ezekiel/14.htm">Ezekiel 14</a>, where the "four sore plagues" are wild beasts, the sword, famine, and pestilence). St. John seems to foretell the recurrence of three of these troubles to try mankind in general, and Christians in particular. Those who interpret the vision to mean scarcity of faith, or in other words the prevalence of heresy, do so on the supposition that the events denoted at the opening of the seals follow each other in historical order. They therefore assign these events to the period subsequent to A.D. , when persecution had ceased, and the rise of heresies took place. Others, accepting the historical view, yet consider the vision to foretell famine; and Grotius and Wetstein point to the famine in the reign of Claudius as the fulfilment. But it is not probable that the meaning of the book is so limited in extent; but rather that its prophecies point to events which have happened, and are recurring, and will continue to recur until the end of the world. We therefore understand that this vision denotes famine in the ordinary sense, as one of the trials awaiting the members of the Church of God at various times during the existence of the Church on earth. This affliction may happen concurrently with, or antecedent to, or subsequent to, any of those trials denoted by the other visions, and even the victorious career of the Church as foretold under the first seal; for by suffering the Church conquers and is made perfect. And he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. Ζυγός is rightly rendered "a balance," as in <a href="/ezekiel/45-10.htm">Ezekiel 45:10</a>; not (as it primarily meant) a "yoke." The idea intended to be conveyed is that of scarcity so great that food is weighed carefully as something very rare and precious, though there is not yet a complete absence of food. <a href="/commentaries/revelation/6-5.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. third τρίτην (tritēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5154.htm">Strong's 5154: </a> Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly. 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 heard ἤκουσα (ēkousa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. 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. third τρίτου (tritou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5154.htm">Strong's 5154: </a> Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly. living creature ζῴου (zōou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2226.htm">Strong's 2226: </a> An animal, living creature. Neuter of a derivative of zao; a live thing, i.e. An animal. say, λέγοντος (legontos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “Come!” Ἔρχου (Erchou) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. Then Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. I looked 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. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. saw ἰδοὺ (idou) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo! a black μέλας (melas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3189.htm">Strong's 3189: </a> Black. Apparently a primary word; black. horse, ἵππος (hippos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2462.htm">Strong's 2462: </a> A horse. Of uncertain affinity; a horse. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. its rider ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative 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. held ἔχων (echōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <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. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. hand χειρὶ (cheiri) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> A hand. a pair of scales. ζυγὸν (zygon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2218.htm">Strong's 2218: </a> From the root of zeugnumi; a coupling, i.e. servitude; also the beam of the balance. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/revelation/6-5.htm">Revelation 6:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/revelation/6-5.htm">NT Prophecy: Revelation 6:5 When he opened the third seal (Rev. Re Apocalypse)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/revelation/6-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Revelation 6:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Revelation 6:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/revelation/6-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Revelation 6:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Revelation 6:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>