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 6:4KJV
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Revelation 6:4 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“red” Greek G4450 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

“kill” Greek G4969 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 John 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
  • Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
  • Revelation 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

“horse” Greek G2462 · used in 15 verses

  • James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
  • Revelation 9:7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.
  • Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

“sword” Greek G3162 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
  • Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
  • Acts 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.