Revelation Chapter 6 Explained: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Updated: 8-8-2026

Revelation Chapter 6 – Introduction

Revelation chapter 6 records the events of the Lamb of God – Jesus Christ – opening six of the seven seals of the seven sealed book which I believe is the Book of Life. After He removed each of the seals, there was a corresponding judgement of God on the earth. These judgements are collectively called “The Seal Judgements”.

During this time, which John saw as “past history”, is to us today future prophecy. During the time of these terrible events, the Church, the entire body of believers, will have been already taken up in the Rapture to be with God in heaven.

Revelation 6:1 – The First Seal Opened

“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.” (KJV)

Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, began to open this mysterious book, the Book of Life, that only He was worthy of opening. John saw this book was sealed with seven seals. As He broke each seal, a judgment resulted on Earth.

When He opened the first seal, John heard a noise that sounded like thunder. One of the four angelic beasts invited John to view what made the thunderous noise.

Revelation 6:2- The White Horse

“And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” (KJV)

There is a sinister progression with these four horses, their riders, and what they are going to accomplish.

With the opening of the first seal of God’s book, and the noise of thunder, John saw a male figure on a white horse wearing a crown and holding a bow. Since John saw that this man was given a crown, it meant that he had kingly, authoritative power. But if you will notice, he is holding a bow, but he doesn’t have any arrows in this bow.

This individual conquers his subjects by using peace (no arrows), but with a show of force (a bow). Many Bible scholars identify this man on the white horse with his crown and bow as “the Antichrist,” also called in Revelation, “the beast.” His actions of creating a false, global peace are the first works done on Earth after John (a type of all Christian believers) had been taken to heaven.

Revelation 6:3 – The Second Seal Opened

“And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.” (KJV)

Jesus Christ unloosed the second of the seven seals from the book that He took from God the Father. The second of the heavenly beasts at the throne of God invited John to view the effects of this horse on Earth.

Revelation 6:4 – The Red Horse

“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.” (KJV)

This time, John saw another horse, a red one. God gave this rider authority, indicated by the phrase “power was given.” Who else can give such permission? To remove the false illusion of peace, which had been instituted by the rider of the first horse, the second horseman wielded a great sword, which symbolized his destructive intent. This rider introduces deadly chaos to Earth, inciting wars and riots so people would kill each other. After the false peace ends, there will come both war and death.

Revelation 6:5 – The Black Horse

“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.” (KJV)

After Jesus opened the third seal of the book, the third heavenly beast invites John to look down on Earth to see the effects of this third action. This time, John saw another horse, a black one. Its rider held a pair of balances. The balances symbolize that the rider measures something.

Revelation 6:6 – Famine

“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.” (KJV)

John heard a heavenly voice explaining the balances. There would be severe food rationing due to famine on Earth. Famine naturally follows war. What little food would be available will be extremely expensive, the equivalent of a man’s daily pay. More expensive bread, wheat, would cost more. The cheaper bread, barley, would cost less. Regardless, it takes all that a man or woman earns just to feed themselves. Also interesting, notice that “the oil and the wine” are not to be harmed. This may indicate that, economically, the wealthy will still be able to afford the good things in life (At least, for a while) while the poor will become poorer.

Revelation 6:7 – The Fourth Seal Opened

“And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.” (KJV)

Again, Jesus Christ loosened the fourth seal of the book, and the fourth beast took its turn in inviting John to observe the effects of that broken seal.

Revelation 6:8 – The Pale Horse

“And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” (KJV)

This time, John saw a pale-colored horse whose rider is identified as Death. Hell is described as “the second death.” Death will come to those from both war and famine and those who survived them. Nevertheless, the destruction will continue. The majority of those on Earth who die will also go to hell. God granted this lethal duo to kill a quarter of the inhabitants of the Earth in any way they wish: famine, violence, disease, or by wild animals.

Description of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Seal	Horse	Rider	What They Bring
First Seal	White Horse	A crowned rider with a bow but no arrows — widely identified as the Antichrist	False, global peace won through conquest rather than war
Second Seal	Red Horse	A rider given power and a great sword	War — peace is taken from the earth, and people kill one another
Third Seal	Black Horse	A rider holding a pair of balances	Famine — severe food rationing and inflated prices
Fourth Seal	Pale Horse	Death, with Hell following behind him	Power to kill a fourth of the earth by sword, hunger, death, and wild beasts

Click here to download a printable PDF of this chart showing the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Revelation 6:9 – The Fifth Seal Opened

“And 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:” (KJV)

John saw that the souls of these special martyrs were “under the altar.” The altar that John saw and referred to here seems to be the golden altar in heaven. The souls of these martyrs were in present with the Lord in heaven, but they had a special request. So, just like what they did when they were in their mortal bodies, they went to the altar to pray. Now that they are in heaven, they can get even closer to the heavenly altar, so John saw them petitioning God from “under the altar.”

This verse also shows that souls can see, hear, speak, and think, since the souls of these martyrs did all these everyday things while they were alive on Earth.

Revelation 6:10 – The Pleading Souls

“And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” (KJV)

These souls of these brave men and women, as they were watching the events unfold along with God’s judgments on Earth, wanted to see a specific judgment — they wanted to see God avenge their deaths — judgment on those who had killed them. These people had every right to ask the just God, who they declared to be both “holy and true,” since God Himself declared in Romans 12:19, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” (KJV)

 These souls wanted to see God’s judgment on those who took their physical lives. They wanted vengeance for their unjust deaths, and they pleaded with God for this.

Revelation 6:11 – The Comforted Souls

“And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (KJV)

This request to God was honored though not fulfilled at this time. The souls of these martyrs were given white robes and peaceful rest. Their request for vengeance was not denied, but they were told to wait. God is long suffering, and even if God did not immediately grant their request, He gives those who had killed His people space to repent. Also, He knew there would be others who would also be killed for their witness for Christ, then welcomed into heavenly rest to join the others. But God never denied their request for vengeance by those who did not repent of killing His people.

Revelation 6:12 – The Sixth Seal Opened

“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;” (KJV)

After Jesus opened the sixth seal of the seven-sealed book, John saw some fantastic natural disasters. He saw a great earthquake on Earth. This earthquake John saw seemed to affect the heavens as well, since the light of the sun seemed to be suddenly snuffed out. It is possible this earthquake may jolt the Earth out of its orbit. Also, the moon, which normally reflects the light of the sun, appears to become blood red.

Revelation 6:13 – The Falling Stars

“And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” (KJV)

The stars mentioned in this verse may be literal stars, or this could be figurative of fallen angels. Relating this verse to the other verses, it could mean both. The illustration of the fig tree refers to immature figs, which don’t fully ripen. These figs easily drop off a tree in a windstorm. So, too, does this great earthquake affect the stars.

Revelation 6:14 – Other Major Disturbances

“And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.” (KJV)

If the heaven itself “rolled up,” there is no place for the stars. Majestic mountains like Mount Everest, mountain chains like the Rockies, island nations like the Philippines, Japan, and even England, get displaced. The Creator of this world can easily do this.

Revelation 6:15 – The Hiding Nobles

“And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;” (KJV)

Those still alive on Earth, despite their riches, power, position, or lack of it, were all suddenly equalized because they were all equally helpless. John saw these individuals trying to hide themselves in “dens and in the rocks of the mountains.” It is well known that there are underground mountain fortresses and bunkers built by various governments on Earth in case of nuclear war. These places will finally be used.

Revelation 6:16 – Their Request

“And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:” (KJV)

But… strangely enough, this verse states their reason for their hiding in these petrified palaces. They were not trying to escape worldwide disaster, rather, they were seeking death to escape the power and judgement of an angry God. They would rather be dead than to experience the terrors of the God they rejected. At last, mankind realizes who is truly in control!

Revelation 6:17 – Their Fear

“For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (KJV)

As they do so, knowing Who is behind these terrible natural disasters, they echo the verse in Nahum 1:6 “Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.” (KJV)

These people could not even stand upright in the face of an angry God pouring out His judgment.

Revelation Chapter 6 – Questions for Review

Revelation Chapter 6 – Personal Reflection Question

After reading about the request of the martyred individuals, how does that make you feel about asking God to deal with those who have done wrong to you and have not repented?

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Revelation chapter 6 – Behind the Scenes Stuff

When I read about this wonderful book of God, and how with the breaking of each seal there is a resulting severe judgment of God on Earth, I realized that there is power associated with this book. My pastor has the theory that the Book of Life is none other than the Bible. I like that idea, and I agree with it.

It is true the Bible is far more than just mere words printed on paper, or bytes on a computer. Do we hold in our hands a copy of the Book of Life in heaven? Perhaps we do. If nothing else, God, in His grace gave us the way to avoid these terrible judgments and to be like John, looking on and safely observing. I love that fact!

The Complete Revelation Bible Study Series

Chapter	Summary
Revelation Chapter 1: John’s Vision of Jesus Christ	John’s vision of the risen Christ standing among seven golden candlesticks on the island of Patmos; Christ identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega.
Revelation Chapter 2: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos & Thyatira	Christ’s messages to four of the seven churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.
Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea	Christ’s messages to the remaining three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Revelation Chapter 4: John’s Vision of God’s Throne in Heaven	John is caught up to heaven and sees God’s throne room, the twenty-four elders, and the four living creatures.
Revelation Chapter 5: The Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who Was Slain	God holds a seven sealed book; but only Jesus Christ, Who is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who was slain, is worthy to open it.
Revelation Chapter 6: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse	The Lamb opens six of the seven seals, releasing the Four Horsemen, the cry of martyrs, and cosmic disturbances.
Revelation Chapter 7: The 144,000 and the Great Multitude	An interlude: 144,000 are sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel, and a great multitude in white robes stands before God’s throne.
Revelation Chapter 8: Meaning of the Seven Trumpets	The seventh seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven, followed by the first four trumpet judgments.
Revelation Chapter 9: The Locusts of Abaddon and the 200 Million	The fifth and sixth trumpets release demonic locusts led by Abaddon and an army of 200 million horsemen.
Revelation Chapter 10: The Little Book and the Seven Thunders	A mighty angel gives John a little book; the words of seven thunders are sealed; the book is sweet, then bitter.
Revelation Chapter 11: Who Are the Two Witnesses of the Apocalypse?	The ministry, death, and resurrection of the two witnesses; the seventh trumpet sounds.
Revelation Chapter 12: The Woman, the Dragon, the Angel Michael and War in Heaven	A woman, a great red dragon, and a man child; war breaks out in heaven as Michael defeats Satan.
Revelation Chapter 13: The Mark of the Beast and 666 Explained	Two beasts rise — one from the sea, one from the land — introducing the mark of the beast, 666.
Revelation Chapter 14: The 144,000, the Three Angels, and the Harvest of Wrath	The 144,000 stand victorious on Mount Zion; three angels proclaim their messages; the wheat and grape harvests.
Revelation Chapter 15: The Sea of Glass and Song of Moses	Seven angels prepare the seven last plagues; the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb beside a sea of glass.
Revelation Chapter 16: The Seven Vial Judgments and the Battle of Armageddon	The seven vial (bowl) judgments are poured out; the Euphrates dries up, gathering the nations to Armageddon.
Revelation Chapter 17: The Woman on the Beast	A vision of “Mystery, Babylon the Great,” a woman riding a scarlet, seven-headed beast.
Revelation Chapter 18: The Fall of Babylon the Great	The sudden fall of Babylon the Great; kings and merchants mourn her destruction while heaven rejoices.
Revelation Chapter 19: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ’s Return	The Marriage Supper of the Lamb; Christ returns as King of Kings and defeats the beast and false prophet.
Revelation Chapter 20: The Millennium, Satan’s Doom, and the Great White Throne	Satan is bound for a thousand years; the Millennium; Satan’s final rebellion; the Great White Throne judgment.
Revelation Chapter 21: The New Jerusalem Described	A new heaven and a new earth; the heavenly city of New Jerusalem descends from God, adorned like a bride.
Revelation Chapter 22: The River of Life and the Bible’s Final Invitation	The river and tree of life; the Bible’s final invitation and the promise and warning; “Surely I come quickly.”

Download a printer-friendly PDF of this Revelation Bible study guide here.

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