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

REVELATION 6:7KJV
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Revelation 6:7 (KJV)

What does Revelation 6:7 mean?

Revelation 6:7 describes the moment when the Lamb opens the fourth of seven seals, and the fourth living creature calls out for John, the writer, to come and see what happens next. This verse marks the introduction to the next vision in a series of dramatic events that unfold as each seal is opened.

In this setting, John is witnessing a heavenly scene where Jesus (the Lamb) is opening seals on a scroll, each one revealing a new vision. The "fourth beast" refers to one of four living creatures around God's throne, each taking turns to speak as the seals are opened. The command "Come and see" invites John—and by extension, the reader—to pay close attention to what is about to be revealed.

The Greek behind Revelation 6:7

  • "ζῷον" (zōon, translated "beast" or "living creature"): This word means a living being, not a wild animal. In Revelation, these are majestic, symbolic creatures near God's throne, not monsters.
  • "ἔρχου" (erchou, translated "Come"): This is a command, inviting John to approach or observe closely. The sense is direct and urgent, signaling that something important is about to happen.
  • "ἄκουσα" (ēkousa, translated "I heard"): This emphasizes that John is not just seeing but also hearing the events, highlighting the vividness and reality of his vision.

Why Revelation 6:7 matters

  • The verse clarifies that each living creature plays a specific role in the unfolding of the visions, showing order and purpose in the heavenly scene.
  • The command "Come and see" is a repeated phrase, emphasizing the importance of witnessing each event as it happens, not just hearing about it later.
  • Understanding that "beast" means "living creature" helps avoid confusion with the later, evil "beast" figures in Revelation, keeping the focus on these as holy beings serving God.

Where else these words appear

“fourth” Greek G5067 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
  • Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
  • Revelation 8:12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

“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 6:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

“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: