Revelation 6:6 kjv

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.

Revelation 6:6 nkjv

And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine."

Revelation 6:6 niv

Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "Two pounds of wheat for a day's wages, and six pounds of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!"

Revelation 6:6 esv

And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!"

Revelation 6:6 nlt

And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, "A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day's pay. And don't waste the olive oil and wine."

Revelation 6 verses

Revelation 6 6 Meaning

Revelation 6:6 describes a severe economic judgment signified by the third seal, depicting a profound and pervasive food scarcity. A day's wage (a denarius) will buy only a day's portion of basic food: a quart of wheat or three quarts of cheaper barley. This signifies hyperinflation and widespread famine, where sustenance consumes all income. Crucially, the command "do not harm the oil and the wine" indicates a partial or selective nature to this hardship, possibly protecting the livelihoods of some, or emphasizing that while core staples become scarce, certain more stable or luxurious commodities (or the Church's symbolic provisions) might remain, signifying divine restraint amidst judgment.

Revelation 6 6 Context

Revelation 6:6 describes the opening of the third seal, revealing a distinct phase of judgment following the conquest (white horse) and widespread war (red horse). The vision of a black horse, whose rider carries a pair of scales, immediately precedes the pronouncement of food rationing. This economic judgment impacts daily life, turning a staple livelihood into a means of mere survival. Historically, famine and food scarcity were constant threats in the ancient world, exacerbated by political instability, military conflict, and natural disasters. The Roman Empire, despite its "Pax Romana" facade, frequently faced local famines due to poor harvests, disrupted trade routes, or population pressures. This verse can be seen as a polemic against the perceived economic stability and abundant provision often celebrated by imperial propaganda, highlighting how God's judgment can disrupt human systems of supply and control, revealing their fragility. The focus on basic grains (wheat and barley) highlights the plight of the common people, for whom these were dietary staples.

Revelation 6 6 Word analysis

• And I heard: John's sensory experience, emphasizing the audible declaration of divine will in the vision. This voice comes directly from the throne room, carrying supreme authority.
• a voice: Greek: φωνή (phōnē). A divine or authoritative declaration, often carrying God's will. Its origin from within the living creatures signifies proximity to God's throne and profound authority, suggesting it might be Christ, God, or an angelic emissary conveying a direct decree from the divine presence.
• in the midst of the four living creatures: Greek: ἐν μέσῳ (en mesō) - literally "in the middle." The living creatures (cherubim-like beings of Rev 4:6-8) are close to God's throne and symbolize creation's worship or divine attributes. Their central location emphasizes the voice's immediate and supreme authority, issuing from the very presence of God, signifying a divine mandate for this judgment.
• Saying: An explicit proclamation of the coming judgment and its specific parameters.
• A quart: Greek: χοῖνιξ (choinix), "choenix." A dry measure, roughly 1 liter or 2 pints, considered a typical daily food ration for one person.
• of wheat: Greek: σίτου (sitou). The preferred and higher-quality grain, primarily for human consumption.
• for a denarius: Greek: δηνάριον (dēnarion), "denarius." A Roman silver coin, a typical daily wage for a common laborer, soldier, or artisan (Matt 20:2). This economic comparison highlights extreme inflation: an entire day's labor only buys enough food for one person for one day, leaving nothing for family, other necessities, or savings.
• and three quarts of barley: Barley (Greek: κριθή - krithē) was cheaper and less desirable than wheat, often used for animal fodder or consumed by the very poor. Three times the quantity for the same price underscores the desperation: people resort to inferior food at an inflated cost.
• for a denarius: Reinforces the severe hyperinflation applied even to lesser goods.
• and do not harm: Greek: ἀδικήσῃς (adikēsēs) - a strong command, "do not wrong, injure, damage." This indicates a divine limitation or restriction on the judgment, preventing its total devastation.
• the oil and the wine: Greek: ἔλαιον (elaion - olive oil) and οἶνος (oinos - wine). These were not just luxuries but staple components of the Mediterranean diet and significant agricultural products. Their preservation implies:
  • Partial Famine: The judgment is not absolute; some basic, though perhaps less essential, goods are protected, implying some survival or resilience.
  • Class Distinction: Oil and wine might be more accessible to the wealthy, suggesting the famine disproportionately affects the grain-dependent poor, while the rich might suffer less initially.
  • Symbolic Protection: Oil and wine hold spiritual significance (anointing, communion, medical use – Lk 10:34), suggesting the church or its provisions (e.g., the Spirit, God's joy) might be protected from the worst effects of this specific material famine, or that basic sources of physical comfort for some are divinely guarded.

Revelation 6 6 Bonus section

• The black color of the horse associated with this judgment is often interpreted as symbolic of famine, death, mourning, and deep scarcity, visually reinforcing the severe nature of the economic crisis.
• The phrase "breaking the staff of bread" (Lev 26:26, Eze 4:16, Eze 5:16) is a common biblical idiom for famine and the cutting off of food supply, directly echoing the implications of Rev 6:6.
• Some scholars note the contrast between this judgment and the abundant provisions of God in Genesis or Exodus, highlighting how easily human systems of supply can collapse without divine blessing or during divine judgment.
• The selective protection of "oil and wine" can also be interpreted as God ensuring that while people suffer hardship, certain crucial elements of life or agricultural sustainability are not completely annihilated, leaving a pathway for recovery or a partial sustenance for those who possess these assets. This hints at divine mercy even in judgment.

Revelation 6 6 Commentary

Revelation 6:6 paints a stark picture of economic collapse, a direct consequence of the global instability and warfare unleashed by the preceding seals. The command from the divine throne room sets out specific economic terms, indicating a precise and controlled judgment. The astronomical prices for basic grains reveal a society pushed to the brink of starvation, where a worker's entire day's wage can barely secure enough food for themselves, making it impossible to provide for families or to progress. This hyperinflation forces an agonizing choice between life's barest necessities and total destitution. The contrast between expensive wheat and barley signifies that even the poorest must pay exorbitant amounts for survival. The unique restraint—"do not harm the oil and the wine"—suggests that divine judgment is purposeful and selective, not chaotic. It could point to a limited famine where not all staples are destroyed, reflecting either an intentional distinction between social classes in suffering or a symbolic preservation of elements tied to blessing or spiritual well-being, assuring that ultimate hope or means of spiritual sustenance (like the anointing of the Spirit, symbolized by oil) are not entirely removed even amid severe material distress. This passage serves as a prophetic warning against misplaced trust in worldly provisions and a reminder of divine sovereignty over economic forces.