What does Revelation 6:3 mean?

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

Explanation

Revelation 6:3, as part of the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, describes a sequence of events signaled by the breaking of seven seals on a scroll in heaven. This particular verse refers to the event that follows the breaking of the second seal. John, the author of Revelation, narrates his vision wherein he hears the second of four living creatures say, “Come and see.” After the command is issued, John observes the consequences that follow this seal being opened. The verse is cryptic and filled with apocalyptic symbolism, suggesting a turning point in the prophetic narrative. The “beast” that speaks is more accurately described as a living creature or being and is part of a quartet that stands around the throne of God, each with a different face: lion, ox, human, and eagle. The deeper meaning often attributes the second seal to war and conflict, as the opening of the seals in succession brings forth various judgments and calamities upon the earth.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation is traditionally believed to have been written by John of Patmos, likely around 95 AD during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. The historical setting is significant, as early Christians endured severe persecution at the hands of the Roman Empire. The apocalyptic tone may have been a reflection of the widespread suffering, as well as an assertion of spiritual victory in the face of earthly trials. The allegorical imagery used by John resonated with a contemporary audience that was familiar with the symbolic language of Jewish apocalyptic literature.

Theological Insights

Theologically, different interpretations arise from Revelation 6:3. A Preterist viewpoint may consider this verse, and the opening of the seals in general, as reflecting events that occurred in the first century, such as the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Futurists could interpret this as a future event that will precede the end times. Historicists might view this as part of an ongoing historical process related to the rise and fall of empires and the church’s struggle over time. Lastly, an Idealist or Symbolic perspective would read this as a timeless symbol of war and conflict that emerges as a consequence of human sinfulness, applicable to any time in history.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can serve as a reminder of the consequences of humanity’s departure from divine will—where the breaking of each seal may be seen as a natural progression towards chaos when people reject peace and justice. Individuals can use this as a prompt to reflect on the ways in which they contribute to conflict in their lives and society, and to seek ways to promote peace and harmony within their communities.

Cross-References

• Revelation 6:1 – “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.”
• Revelation 6:5-6 – “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.”
• Ezekiel 1:5-10 – “Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.”

Language Study

In Revelation 6:3, the Greek term translated as “beast” is actually “ζῷον” (zoon), which is more correctly understood as “living creature.” The word “second” is “δεύτερος” (deuteros), which is ordinal, meaning it refers to the order in which the seals are opened. “Come and see” in Greek is “ἔρχου καὶ βλέπε” (erchou kai blepe), an imperative invitation for John to witness what will occur after the seal is broken.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The four living creatures depicted here bear some resemblance to beings in other ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the cherubim in Babylonian mythology. Similar creatures appear in the vision of Ezekiel, which suggests a shared pool of religious and mythological symbolism in the region. The use of apocalyptic elements and the personification of war, conquest, and other abstract concepts also finds parallels in various ancient mythologies.

Scientific Perspectives

While Revelation 6:3 doesn’t lend itself to direct scientific analysis due to its symbolic nature, the methodology behind studying ancient texts does intersect with scientific inquiry, such as using archaeology to understand historical context or psychology to understand the impact of oppressive regimes on religious expression.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer different insights into Revelation 6:3:

• G.K. Beale sees the opening of the second seal as part of the unfolding of eschatological judgments representing historical and cosmic conflicts.
• Craig Keener views the passage as a reflection of first-century expectations of end-time tribulation.
• Robert H. Mounce emphasizes the pattern of the four horsemen as symbols of conquest, war, famine, and death, interpreting this verse as a warning about the wars that will come.
• Leon Morris suggests that the emphasis is on the divine authority behind the scenes, as the living creatures command John to observe what is to happen next, affirming God’s sovereign control over the events.