Revelation – Chapter 6

New Testament17 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And I saw that the Lamb had opened one of the seven seals: and I heard one of the four living creatures, as it were the voice of thunder,…" — so begins Revelation 6. Across its 17 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and God's kingdom and kingship. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And I saw that the Lamb had opened one of the seven seals: and I heard one of the four living creatures, as it were the voice of thunder, saying: Come and see.

2And I saw: and behold a white horse, and he that sat on him had a bow, and there was a crown given him, and he went forth conquering that he might conquer.

3And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying: Come and see.

4And there went out another horse that was red. And to him that sat thereon, it was given that he should take peace from the earth: and that they should kill one another. And a great sword was given to him.

5And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying: Come and see. And behold a black horse. And he that sat on him had a pair of scales in his hand.

6And I heard, as it were a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying: Two pounds of wheat for a penny, and thrice two pounds of barley for a penny: and see thou hurt not the wine and the oil.

7And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying: Come and see.

8And behold a pale horse: and he that sat upon him, his name was Death. And hell followed him. And power was given to him over the four parts of the earth, to kill with sword, with famine and with death and with the beasts of the earth.

9And 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.

10And they cried with a loud voice, saying: How long, O Lord (Holy and True), dost thou not judge and revenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

11And white robes were given to every one of them one; And it was said to them that they should rest for a little time till their fellow servants and their brethren, who are to be slain even as they, should be filled up.

12And I saw, when he had opened the sixth seal: and behold there was a great earthquake. And the sun became black as sackcloth of hair: and the whole moon became as blood.

13And the stars from heaven fell upon the earth, as the fig tree casteth its green figs when it is shaken by a great wind.

14And the heaven departed as a book folded up. And every mountain, and the islands, were moved out of their places.

15And the kings of the earth and the princes and tribunes and the rich and the strong and every bondman and every freeman hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of mountains:

16And they say to the mountains and the rocks: Fall upon us and hide us from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb.

17For the great day of their wrath is come. And who shall be able to stand?

Important Verses in Revelation 6

And I saw that the Lamb had opened one of the seven seals: and I heard one of the four living creatures, as it were the voice of thunder, saying: Come and see.

Revelation 6:1

And there went out another horse that was red. And to him that sat thereon, it was given that he should take peace from the earth: and that they should kill one another. And a great sword was given to him.

Revelation 6:4

And they cried with a loud voice, saying: How long, O Lord (Holy and True), dost thou not judge and revenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Revelation 6:10

And the stars from heaven fell upon the earth, as the fig tree casteth its green figs when it is shaken by a great wind.

Revelation 6:13

Historical Context

Revelation addresses persecuted churches, lifted to see Christ's final victory within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 6 of 22 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a apocalyptic vision revealing God's ultimate victory over evil with 17 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "And I saw that the Lamb had opened one of the seven seals: and I heard one of the four living creatures, as it were the…" The final verse reads: "For the great day of their wrath is come. And who shall be able to stand? " In terms of historical background, Written to seven churches of Asia suffering under Rome's demand for emperor worship, Revelation unveils history's hidden meaning through visions of heavenly liturgy: the Lamb who was slain stands victorious, and every… Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Revelation around About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian.

Who Wrote It

John, exiled on the island of Patmos; tradition identifies him with the Apostle

When It Was Written

About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense involves visions, symbols, and oracles addressed to communities under persecution or trial. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And I saw that the Lamb had opened one of the seven seals: and I heard one of the four living creatures, as it were the voice of thunder, saying: Come and see." The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of Christ's victory and the new creation. Revelation reveals the Church's ultimate destiny (CIC 1042-1050). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 355).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

Reflection for Today

In Revelation Chapter 6, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of Christ's victory and the new creation.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Revelation Chapter 6 supports that call by drawing attention to humility before the mystery of God within the wider message that Behold, I am making all things new.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of humility before the mystery of God bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Revelation Chapter 6 about?

Revelation 6 contains 17 verses. It opens with "And I saw that the Lamb had opened one of the seven seals: and I heard one of the four living creatures, as it were the…" and closes with "For the great day of their wrath is come. And who shall be able to stand? ". The book as a whole is apocalyptic prophecy and epistle.

What is a key verse in Revelation 6?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And I saw that the Lamb had opened one of the seven seals: and I heard one of the four living creatures, as it were the voice of thunder, saying: Come and see." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Revelation and when?

John, exiled on the island of Patmos; tradition identifies him with the Apostle. About AD 95, under the persecution of Emperor Domitian.

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