Revelation 6:2 kjv

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.

Revelation 6:2 nkjv

And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

Revelation 6:2 niv

I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.

Revelation 6:2 esv

And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.

Revelation 6:2 nlt

I looked up and saw a white horse standing there. Its rider carried a bow, and a crown was placed on his head. He rode out to win many battles and gain the victory.

Revelation 6 verses

Revelation 6 2 Meaning

Revelation 6:2 describes the opening of the first of seven seals, revealing a rider on a white horse, equipped with a bow and given a victor's crown. This figure embarks on a continuous path of conquest. It signifies the emergence of a force of powerful, often deceptive, victory or expansion that precedes a series of escalating judgments. It is widely interpreted not as Christ, but as a symbolic representation of conquest, possibly through deception, false peace, political dominance, or ideological influence, initiating the woes of the tribulation period.

Revelation 6 2 Context

Revelation chapter 6 begins the unveiling of God's judgments through the breaking of seven seals. Each seal, when opened, releases a distinct woe or judgment upon the earth. Revelation 6:2 describes the very first of these seals, setting the tone for a period marked not by peace and blessing, but by increasing tribulation, conflict, famine, and death. It introduces the "four horsemen" as sequential manifestations of these judgments. Historically, for the original audience living under the Roman Empire, the imagery of conquest, particularly with a crown and military prowess, would evoke parallels to the Roman triumphs and the powerful expansion of imperial rule. This verse marks the inauguration of the end-time sorrows before the great day of the Lord.

Revelation 6 2 Word analysis

• And I saw, and behold: This phrase, kai eidon, kai idou in Greek, is common in prophetic literature and emphasizes an immediate visual perception in John's vision, drawing the reader's attention emphatically to what is about to be revealed. It signals a new, striking element within the ongoing visionary sequence.
• a white horse: The Greek term is hippos leukos. "White" (leukos) often symbolizes purity, victory, and righteousness in the Bible (e.g., Rev 7:9, 19:8). However, its meaning here is contentious. While white is associated with Christ's return (Rev 19:11), the context of the subsequent seals bringing forth judgment (war, famine, death) strongly suggests that this white horseman does not represent Christ but rather a form of triumphant conquest that precedes tribulation, possibly a deceptive "peace" or powerful, yet ultimately destructive, political or ideological victory. It could evoke Roman Triumphs where victorious generals rode white horses.
• and he that sat on him: This identifies the agent of the conquest. It's an active participant, distinct from the horse itself.
• had a bow: The Greek is toxon. A bow is a weapon of warfare, but its appearance here without mention of arrows is significant. This absence is sometimes interpreted to mean that the initial conquest is achieved not through direct violent combat but through more subtle means, such as deception, diplomatic influence, or ideological spread, before open warfare breaks out (symbolized by the red horse). Alternatively, the bow itself, as a long-range weapon, can symbolize power from afar, a distant threat, or even the power of deceitful words (Psa 64:3). The Parthian archers, formidable foes of the Roman Empire, were known for their bows, which could also be a subtle reference to external threats to Rome.
• and a crown was given unto him: The Greek word for "crown" here is stephanos, which refers to a victor's crown or wreath, given as a prize for success in a contest or battle. This is distinct from a diadema, a royal crown, which Christ wears in Revelation 19:12. The stephanos indicates achieved triumph or conferred authority, not inherent kingship. The phrase "was given" (edothe), in the passive voice, implies that this authority or permission for conquest does not originate with the rider but is divinely permitted or allowed, showing God's ultimate sovereignty even over destructive forces.
• and he went forth conquering, and to conquer: This phrase in Greek, nikōn kai hina nikēsē, emphasizes continuous and unrelenting victory. Nikōn is a present participle, meaning "he who is conquering," describing his present action. Hina nikēsē is a purpose clause meaning "in order that he might conquer" or "with the intention of conquering," indicating a persistent future aim. This points to a ceaseless drive for expansion, influence, and triumph, whether military, political, or ideological.

Revelation 6 2 Bonus section

The specific choice of stephanos for the crown highlights that the rider's authority or victory is granted, achieved, or temporary, rather than being an inherent royal dominion. This emphasizes that God remains sovereign even over the emergence of such a formidable force of conquest, as it is "given" to the rider. The absence of arrows for the bow could also suggest that this first stage of conquest is not initially bloody warfare, but rather a more subtle form of infiltration or dominance—ideological, political, or economic—paving the way for more violent conflicts represented by the later horses. This "triumphal" appearance initially obscures the tribulation that immediately follows.

Revelation 6 2 Commentary

Revelation 6:2 depicts the first in a series of dramatic judgments upon the earth, unveiled through the opening of the seals. The white horseman, with his bow and victor's crown, symbolizes a conquering power. Many interpretations view this as a deceptive force of conquest, which might initially appear peaceful or bring a false sense of security, much like a conquering nation promising order. However, its true nature becomes apparent in the subsequent seals which reveal war, famine, and death. This figure is distinguished from Christ by the type of crown (stephanos vs. diadema) and the context of the ensuing global turmoil rather than righteous judgment or a complete and final end to evil. It represents the spirit of worldly power and ambition, given permission by God to extend its influence, thereby setting the stage for increasing human suffering and divine judgment. This precursory conquest, perhaps through propaganda or insidious political maneuvers, leads directly into a cascade of tribulations that define the end times.