What does Revelation 6:5 mean?
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 6:5
Explanation
Revelation 6:5 pertains to the vision of the Apostle John of the opening of the third of the seven seals by the Lamb of God, which corresponds to the third of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. As the seal is broken, John hears the command “Come and see” from the third living creature, which prompts the appearance of a black horse. The rider of this black horse holds a pair of balances, which are traditional symbols of justice and, in this case, may symbolize economic inequality and scarcity. The color of the horse, black, often implies famine or scarcity throughout history and literature. Therefore, a literal interpretation involves the impending judgement that brings about famine. A deeper reading may suggest a symbolic meaning—imbalances in life, scarcity in a spiritual sense, or a widespread period of economic hardship.
Historical Context
The Book of Revelation was written in a time of persecution for the early Christian Church, which was often viewed with skepticism or hostility by the Roman authorities. In this environment, apocalyptic literature like Revelation provided both warning and hope to the believers. The geopolitical situation included conflict, economic instability, and the disparity which may be represented by the rider on the black horse with balances in hand. The text reflects not only the real hardships faced by people at that time but also an eschatological expectation of an end to such challenges with God’s intervention.
Theological Insights
Theological perspectives on this verse vary. Some read it as a prophetic insight into future historical events, often through an eschatological lens focusing on the ‘end times.’ Others interpret it allegorically, considering the horsemen as symbolic of different types of human suffering or divine judgement. Preterists would interpret the verse as a reference to past historical events, specifically those occurring in the first century. Meanwhile, futurists perceive it as events that will transpire in the future, most likely leading to the Christian idea of the final judgement. The symbol of scales held by the rider suggests divine judgement, a theme prevalent throughout Christian teachings, and could also allude to God weighing the souls of individuals or measuring the morality of human actions.
Practical Applications
Even though Revelation 6:5 is deeply steeped in apocalyptic imagery, the idea of balance and scarcity can apply to daily life. Individuals can be reminded to practice fairness and strive for balance in personal and social dealings. On a societal level, advocating for economic justice and equality can be seen as a response to the warnings depicted by the black horse’s rider. Furthermore, the verse can be interpreted as a call for preparation and the wise allocation of resources in anticipation of hard times.
Cross-References
- Revelation 6:6 – “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.”
- Ezekiel 4:16 – “Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment.”
- Leviticus 26:26 – “And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver [you] your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.”
Language Study
A key phrase in the original Greek manuscript is “ζυγὸν ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ,” roughly translating to “a pair of balances in his hand.” The Greek word “ζυγὸν” (zygon) specifically refers to a “yoke” or “balance.” Yokes were historically used to harness animals for plowing but balances here relate more to the tools used for weighing items, pointing towards the idea of measurement and justice. The phrase underscores the theme that judgment and perhaps economic scarcity is at hand.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
Comparatively, scales or balances are used in various cultures and religions as a symbol of justice and judgement. For example, in ancient Egyptian mythology, the god Anubis would weigh the hearts of the deceased against the feather of Ma’at to determine their fate in the afterlife. In the Greco-Roman tradition, the goddess of justice, Dike or Justitia, is often depicted with scales. The black horse and its association with famine can also be compared to various myths that personify famine, such as the Norse myth of Famine (Old Norse ‘Famin’).
Scientific Perspectives
Modern scientific perspectives might focus on the ecological or agricultural implications referenced by the third seal. Famine often results from a black horse, could be tied to crop failures or socioeconomic factors affecting the availability of food. In this light, Revelation 6:5 can be interpreted metaphorically to illustrate the consequences of ecological imbalance and the need for sustainable practices to prevent scarcity and famine.
Commentaries
Various experts provide commentary on this verse. Historicist interpreters might suggest the black horse represents a specific period of economic hardship in human history. Futurist commentators might argue that this verse foretells an impending global crisis that will precede the final judgment. Others might focus on the symbolic representation of justice and divine judgment, arguing the need for ethical behavior and fair distribution of resources. Each perspective offers a unique viewpoint on the text’s meaning, though consensus in interpretation remains elusive due to its prophetic and symbolic nature.
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