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

REVELATION 6:3KJV
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Revelation 6:3 (KJV)

What does Revelation 6:3 mean?

Revelation 6:3 describes the moment when the Lamb opens the second of seven seals, and the second living creature calls out, inviting John to come and witness what happens next. This verse marks the beginning of the second event in a series of dramatic visions shown to John.

In the setting of Revelation, John is watching a vision in heaven where the Lamb (understood as Jesus) is opening a scroll sealed with seven seals. Each time a seal is opened, a living creature—one of four around God's throne—speaks. Here, the second living creature speaks directly to John, inviting him to observe the unfolding scene, which will be described in the next verse.

The Greek behind Revelation 6:3

  • "σφραγῖδα" (sphragida, "seal"): This word refers to a wax or clay seal used to close a document, symbolizing authority and secrecy. The breaking of the seal means revealing something previously hidden.
  • "ζῷον" (zōon, "beast" or "living creature"): This term is used for the four unique beings around God's throne, emphasizing their role as heavenly messengers or attendants.
  • "ἔρχου" (erchou, "Come"): The Greek verb is a command, inviting John to approach or pay attention, showing that he is being personally summoned to witness the next vision.

Why Revelation 6:3 matters

  • This verse shows the orderly and intentional way each seal is opened, with each living creature taking a turn to invite John, highlighting the structure and significance of the vision sequence.
  • Understanding the role of the "living creatures" helps clarify that these are not random animals but special beings with authority in the heavenly scene, guiding John through the revelation.
  • The invitation to "Come and see" emphasizes John's role as a witness, drawing the reader into the unfolding drama and setting up the importance of what is about to be revealed.

Where else these words appear

“seal” Greek G4973 · used in 16 verses

  • Romans 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
  • Revelation 5:5 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.
  • Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

“beast” Greek G2226 · used in 20 verses

  • Hebrews 13:11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
  • Revelation 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
  • Revelation 6:5 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.

“second” Greek G1208 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
  • Acts 7:13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
  • Hebrews 9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

“opened” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
  • Colossians 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: