What does Revelation 6:4 mean?

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 6:4

Explanation

Revelation 6:4 describes the release of the second of four horsemen following the breaking of the second seal by the Lamb in the Book of Revelation. This verse illustrates a figure riding a red horse, which symbolizes war and bloodshed. The rider is granted the power to remove peace from the earth, leading to widespread violence and conflict among people. The “great sword” given to the rider is a metaphor for the capacity to inflict severe and extensive destruction through warfare.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was likely written near the end of the 1st century AD by John of Patmos. The historical context includes the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire and the early church’s expectation of impending judgement and end times. The vivid imagery of the four horsemen is part of an apocalyptic vision that reflects the social, political, and religious turmoil of the period and serves to convey a message of divine sovereignty and eventual deliverance.

Theological Insights

The passage is often interpreted from various perspectives:

• Preterists believe it refers to historical events that have already occurred.
• Futurists view it as a prophecy regarding future events.
• Idealists take it as a symbolic representation of spiritual or ethical conflict through the ages.
• Historicists interpret it as an unfolding prophecy throughout the course of history. Within these viewpoints, the red horse typically represents widespread conflict and war as an aspect of the human experience under divine judgment or as part of the end times.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse challenge individuals to reflect on their roles in perpetuating or resolving conflicts. It serves as a cautionary tale against inciting violence and emphasizes the importance of seeking peace and reconciliation in personal and communal relationships. It also offers a perspective on the inevitability of conflict in life and the need for spiritual preparedness.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:6-7: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars… For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…”
• Revelation 6:8: “And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him…”
• Ezekiel 21:9-11: “Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the LORD; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished…”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

• “Erythros” (ἐρυθρός): Meaning red, symbolizing blood and war.
• “Spathē” (σπαθη): Translated as “sword,” indicating a weapon for warfare and possibly referencing a Roman short sword, hinting at the military might of the time.
• “Airein” (αἴρειν): Translated as “to take,” suggestive of an aggressive or forceful removal of peace.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, the concept of apocalyptic horsemen can be likened to figures in other ancient mythologies that represent war and chaos. For example, in Norse mythology, there are similar motifs involving horses and their riders, such as the Valkyries. In other religious contexts, the Mahabharata and other Hindu texts depict wars that carry significant spiritual and moral lessons, not unlike the cataclysmic battles foretold in Revelation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the imagery of warfare causing widespread death and destruction can be examined in terms of its psychological and societal impact. Modern studies explore the effects of war on humans and the environment, and this verse might be interpreted as an ancient representation of the disastrous consequences of human conflict.

Commentaries

Expert commentary on Revelation 6:4 ranges widely; some view it as a bleak reminder of the consequences of sin and a call to repentance. Others see it as an allegorical representation of the cycles of history, where empires rise and fall through conflict. Some scholars argue that the verse is part of a larger literary and theological framework designed to encourage faithfulness amidst persecution and to offer hope in the ultimate triumph of good over evil.