New Testament

Revelation 6:1

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 6:1, the scene unfolds with the Lamb, representing Jesus, opening one of the seals on a scroll.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

I watched as the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures speak with a voice like thunder: "Come and see!"

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 6:1, the scene unfolds with the Lamb, representing Jesus, opening one of the seals on a scroll. This act signifies the beginning of a series of events that will lead to the end times. The four living creatures, which symbolize God's creation and authority, call out with a voice like thunder, inviting John to witness what is about to happen. The thunderous voice indicates the seriousness and power of the events that will follow. The opening of the seals reveals God's plan for judgment and redemption, emphasizing that these events are under divine control. This moment marks a pivotal point in the apocalyptic narrative, where the unfolding of God's will is made known to humanity. The imagery of the Lamb and the living creatures highlights the majesty and sovereignty of God in the midst of chaos and tribulation.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 6:1 to your life

This verse encourages believers to be attentive to God's revelations and to understand that He is in control of history. It reminds us to be prepared for the unfolding of God's plans and to respond to His call with faith and readiness.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 6:1 mean?

Revelation 6:1 describes the moment when the Lamb, symbolizing Jesus, opens one of the seals on a scroll, signaling the start of significant events related to the end times. The voice of one of the four living creatures invites John to witness these unfolding events, emphasizing their importance.

What is the significance of the Lamb in Revelation 6:1?

In Revelation 6:1, the Lamb represents Jesus Christ, who has the authority to open the seals of the scroll. This act signifies His role in revealing God's plan for judgment and redemption during the end times.

What does the phrase 'voice like thunder' mean in Revelation 6:1?

The phrase 'voice like thunder' in Revelation 6:1 indicates the power and seriousness of the message being conveyed. It suggests that the events to follow are significant and demand attention.

Who are the four living creatures in Revelation 6:1?

The four living creatures in Revelation 6:1 symbolize God's creation and authority. They play a role in the heavenly realm, calling attention to the significant events that are about to unfold.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

Premium

Unlock the full Revelation summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Revelation — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 22 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Revelation summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.

Verse 2 →