And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
REVELATION 6:4KJVWhat does Revelation 6:4 mean?
Revelation 6:4 describes a vision where a fiery red horse is sent out, and its rider is given the power to take peace from the earth, leading people to kill one another, and he is given a large sword. This verse shows a time of violent conflict and widespread bloodshed coming upon the world.
In the book of Revelation, John is describing a series of visions given to him, and this verse is part of the opening of the "seven seals." The red horse and its rider symbolize war and the removal of peace, which causes chaos and violence among people. The "great sword" emphasizes the scale and seriousness of the conflict unleashed.
The Greek behind Revelation 6:4
- ἵππος (hippos) — "horse": The horse is a key symbol in this vision, representing a force or event being sent out into the world.
- πυρρός (pyrros) — "red": The Greek word for "red" here suggests a fiery or blood-like color, underlining the theme of bloodshed and violence.
- εἰρήνη (eirēnē) — "peace": The word for "peace" highlights that what is being taken away is not just a lack of war, but a deeper sense of order and safety.
- μάχαιρα (machaira) — "sword": This term refers to a large sword, often used in battle, stressing the destructive power given to the rider.
Why Revelation 6:4 matters
- Revelation 6:4 clarifies that the violence described is not random but is allowed or permitted as part of a larger vision, showing that these events are under a kind of control or authority.
- The verse emphasizes that the loss of peace is a deliberate act, not just a natural consequence, which highlights the seriousness of the judgment being described.
- Understanding this verse helps make sense of the sequence of the four horsemen in Revelation, each bringing a different kind of hardship or judgment on the earth.