New Testament

Revelation 6:5

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 6:5, the opening of the third seal reveals a black horse, symbolizing famine and scarcity.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see!" I looked, and there was a black horse. Its rider held a pair of scales in his hand.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 6:5, the opening of the third seal reveals a black horse, symbolizing famine and scarcity. The rider of this horse carries a pair of scales, indicating the weighing and measuring of food, which suggests that resources will be limited and carefully rationed. This imagery reflects a time of economic hardship where basic necessities may become difficult to obtain. The call to 'come and see' invites the reader to witness the unfolding events and understand the severity of the situation. The black horse and its rider serve as a warning about the consequences of human actions and the challenges that lie ahead, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness in times of crisis. Explore related suffering.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 6:5 to your life

This verse reminds us to be mindful of our resources and the needs of others, especially during difficult times. It encourages us to prepare for potential hardships and to support those who may be struggling with scarcity. Compassion and generosity are vital in times of need.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 6:5 mean?

Revelation 6:5 describes the opening of the third seal, revealing a black horse whose rider holds scales. This symbolizes famine and scarcity, indicating a time of economic hardship where resources are limited and must be carefully measured.

What is the significance of the black horse in Revelation 6:5?

The black horse in Revelation 6:5 represents famine and scarcity. Its rider's scales suggest that food and resources will be weighed and rationed, highlighting the severity of economic challenges during this time.

What does the rider with scales represent in Revelation 6:5?

The rider with scales in Revelation 6:5 symbolizes the weighing and measuring of food, indicating that during times of famine, resources will be scarce and need to be distributed carefully.

What themes are present in Revelation 6:5?

Revelation 6:5 encompasses themes of famine, scarcity, judgment, and economic hardship. It serves as a warning about the consequences of human actions and the need for preparedness in difficult times.

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.

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