And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.

ZECHARIAH 6:3KJV
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Zechariah 6:3 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 6:3 mean?

Zechariah 6:3 describes the third chariot with white horses and the fourth chariot with horses that are both "grisled" (spotted or dappled) and "bay" (reddish or strong-colored). The verse is part of Zechariah’s vision where he sees four chariots, each pulled by horses of different colors, symbolizing different roles or missions.

In this vision, Zechariah is being shown a scene by an angel, with each chariot and its horses representing a force or message sent out by God. The specific mention of white, grisled, and bay horses highlights the diversity and purpose of these chariots, which are later explained as spirits going out to patrol the earth.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 6:3

  • "White" (לְבָנִים, levanim): This word means white, often associated with purity or victory in biblical imagery. Here, it may suggest a positive or peaceful mission for the third chariot.
  • "Grisled" (בְּרֻדִּים, beruddim): This word refers to horses that are spotted or dappled. The unusual coloring might indicate a mixed or complex role for the fourth chariot.
  • "Bay" (אֲמֻצִּים, amutzim): This word means strong or powerful, and while the KJV translates it as "bay," it more directly points to the strength or vigor of the horses, not just their color.

Why Zechariah 6:3 matters

  • The verse helps set up the symbolic meaning of the four chariots, which is explained in the following verses as representing the four spirits or winds of heaven sent out by God.
  • The specific colors and descriptions of the horses suggest that each chariot has a distinct purpose, not just a random detail, which invites readers to pay attention to the symbolism.
  • Understanding the original Hebrew words clarifies that "bay" refers to the strength of the horses, not simply a color, which can affect how readers interpret the meaning of the vision.

Where else these words appear

“bay” Hebrew H554 · used in 2 verses

  • Zechariah 6:7 And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth.

“grisled” Hebrew H1261 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 31:10 And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.
  • Genesis 31:12 And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.
  • Zechariah 6:6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.

“white” Hebrew H3836 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 30:35 And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.
  • Leviticus 13:13 Then the priest shall consider: and, behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: it is all turned white: he is clean.
  • Leviticus 13:26 But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hair in the bright spot, and it be no lower than the other skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:

“chariot” Hebrew H4818 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 1 Kings 20:33 Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:24 His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.