Revelation 6:1–8

The Seals

6Then I saw the Lamb break open the first of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice that sounded like thunder, “Come!” ^2*I looked, and there was a white horse. Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown. He rode out as a conqueror to conquer.

³Then the Lamb broke open the second seal; and I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” ^4*Another horse came out, a red one. Its rider was given the power to bring war on the earth, so that people should kill each other. He was given a large sword.

^5*Then the Lamb broke open the third seal; and I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there was a black horse. Its rider held a pair of scales in his hand. ⁶I heard what sounded like a voice coming from among the four living creatures, which said, “A litre of wheat for a day’s wages, and three litres of barley for a day’s wages. But do not damage the olive trees and the vineyards!”

⁷Then the Lamb broke open the fourth seal; and I heard the fourth living creature say, “Come!” ^8*I looked, and there was a pale-coloured horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades^c followed close behind. They were given authority over a quarter of the earth, to kill by means of war, famine, disease, and wild animals.