Revelation 6:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξῆλθεν

G1831

there went out

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἄλλος

G243

another

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἵππος

G2462

horse

a horse

πυῤῥός

G4450

that was red

fire-like, i.e., (specially), flame- colored

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καθημένῳ

G2521

that sat

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπ'

G1909

thereon

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#10

αὐτῷ

G846

to him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#11

ἐδόθη

G1325

power was given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#12

αὐτῷ

G846

to him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#13

λαβεῖν

G2983

to take

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

#14

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

εἰρήνην

G1515

peace

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

#16

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#17

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

γῆς

G1093

the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

#19

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#20

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#21

ἀλλήλους

G240

one another

#22

σφάξωσιν

G4969

they should kill

to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)

#23

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#24

ἐδόθη

G1325

power was given

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#25

αὐτῷ

G846

to him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#26

μάχαιρα

G3162

sword

a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment

#27

μεγάλη

G3173

a great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

Analysis

This verse develops the hope and restoration theme central to Revelation. The concept of peace reflects the development of hope and restoration within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on hope and restoration particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the hope and restoration theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?