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.

REVELATION 6:5KJV
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Revelation 6:5 (KJV)

What does Revelation 6:5 mean?

Revelation 6:5 describes the opening of the third seal in John's vision, where a black horse appears, and its rider holds a pair of balances (scales) in his hand. This scene introduces a symbol of economic hardship or scarcity, as the balances suggest weighing and rationing of food or resources.

In this part of the vision, John hears the third living creature invite him to observe what happens as the Lamb (Jesus) opens the third of seven seals. The black horse and its rider are often understood as representing famine or economic difficulty, fitting into a sequence where each horseman brings a different form of trouble upon the earth. The image of the scales in the rider’s hand points to careful measurement, hinting that basic necessities will be in short supply and must be rationed.

The Greek behind Revelation 6:5

  • "ζυγός" (zygos, G2218) — translated as "balances" or "scales," this word refers to a device for weighing. Its use here highlights the idea of measuring out food or goods carefully, which often points to scarcity or rationing in ancient times.
  • "ἵππος μέλας" (hippos melas, G2462 + G3189) — "black horse." The color black in this context is often associated with suffering, distress, or mourning, which fits the theme of famine or hardship.
  • "ἰδοὺ" (idou, G2400) — translated as "lo" or "behold," this word signals something important or startling is being revealed to John, drawing attention to the significance of what he sees.

Why Revelation 6:5 matters

  • Revelation 6:5 clarifies that the troubles unleashed by the seals are not just about war or violence but also include economic and social hardship, broadening the scope of the vision’s warnings.
  • The specific mention of balances (scales) helps readers understand that the hardship described is not just general suffering but a time when basic resources are so limited that they must be weighed and rationed.
  • This verse connects to the larger sequence of the four horsemen, each bringing a different form of judgment or difficulty, showing a progression of troubles affecting every part of life.

Where else these words appear

“black” Greek G3189 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
  • Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

“balances” Greek G2218 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
  • Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
  • Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

“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.

“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: