Zechariah 6:2
Zechariah 6:2 in Multiple Translations
The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses,
In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
In the first war-carriage were red horses; and in the second, black horses;
The first chariot was pulled by red horses, the second by black horses,
In the first charet were red horses, and in the second charet blacke horses,
In the first chariot [are] red horses, and in the second chariot brown horses,
In the first chariot were red horses. In the second chariot were black horses.
In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
In the first chariot were red horses, and in the second chariot black horses.
The first chariot was pulled by red horses, the second chariot was pulled by black horses,
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 6:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Zechariah 6:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בַּ/מֶּרְכָּבָ֥ה
הָ/רִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה
סוּסִ֣ים
אֲדֻמִּ֑ים
וּ/בַ/מֶּרְכָּבָ֥ה
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֖ית
סוּסִ֥ים
שְׁחֹרִֽים
בַּ/מֶּרְכָּבָ֥ה
merkâbâh
H4818
chariot
Prep | N-fs
הָ/רִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Art | Adj
סוּסִ֣ים
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-mp
אֲדֻמִּ֑ים
ʼâdôm
H122
red
Adj
וּ/בַ/מֶּרְכָּבָ֥ה
merkâbâh
H4818
chariot
Conj | Prep | N-fs
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֖ית
shênîy
H8145
second
Art | Adj
סוּסִ֥ים
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-mp
שְׁחֹרִֽים
shâchôr
H7838
black
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 6:2
בַּ/מֶּרְכָּבָ֥ה
merkâbâh
H4818
"chariot"
Prep | N-fs
This word is also used for a chariot, a vehicle used for transportation or warfare in ancient times. It is similar to H4817 and appears in stories about the prophet Ezekiel's visions, like in Ezekiel 1:15. The word is usually translated as 'chariot' in English Bibles.
Definition: chariot
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: chariot. See also H1024 (בֵּית הַמַּרְכָּבוֹת). See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 28:18; Isaiah 2:7.
הָ/רִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Art | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
סוּסִ֣ים
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
אֲדֻמִּ֑ים
ʼâdôm
H122
"red"
Adj
This word means red or ruddy, often used to describe the color of skin or objects. It appears in the Bible to describe people, such as Esau, who was born with red hair. In the book of Genesis, it is used to describe the red earth.
Definition: red, ruddy (of man, horse, heifer, garment, water, lentils)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: red, ruddy. See also: Genesis 25:30; Song of Solomon 5:10; Isaiah 63:2.
וּ/בַ/מֶּרְכָּבָ֥ה
merkâbâh
H4818
"chariot"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
This word is also used for a chariot, a vehicle used for transportation or warfare in ancient times. It is similar to H4817 and appears in stories about the prophet Ezekiel's visions, like in Ezekiel 1:15. The word is usually translated as 'chariot' in English Bibles.
Definition: chariot
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: chariot. See also H1024 (בֵּית הַמַּרְכָּבוֹת). See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 28:18; Isaiah 2:7.
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֖ית
shênîy
H8145
"second"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.
סוּסִ֥ים
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
שְׁחֹרִֽים
shâchôr
H7838
"black"
Adj
The Hebrew word for black, often used to describe dark colors or shadows, appears in several books including Leviticus and Lamentations. It is also used to describe dark hair or skin. This word is used to contrast with light.
Definition: black
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: black. See also: Leviticus 13:31; Song of Solomon 5:11; Zechariah 6:6.
Study Notes — Zechariah 6:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 6:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 6:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 6:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 6:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 6:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 6:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 6:2
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 6:2
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 6:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 6:2
- Sermons on Zechariah 6:2
Context — The Vision of the Four Chariots
1And again I lifted up my eyes and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze.
2The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses,
3the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong. 4So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 1:8 | I looked out into the night and saw a man riding on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in the hollow, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses. |
| 2 | Revelation 6:2–6 | So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer. And when the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take away peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword. And when the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” Then I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales. And I heard what sounded like a voice from among 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.” |
| 3 | Zechariah 6:6 | The one with the black horses is going toward the land of the north, the one with the white horses toward the west, and the one with the dappled horses toward the south.” |
| 4 | Revelation 12:3 | Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. |
| 5 | Revelation 17:3 | And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, where I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. |
Zechariah 6:2 Summary
In Zechariah 6:2, we see a vision of four chariots with different colored horses, which may represent different aspects of God's judgment and providence. The red and black horses are the first two mentioned, and they may symbolize bloodshed and famine, respectively (see Revelation 6:1-8). Just as God used horses and chariots in biblical times to accomplish His will, He is still at work in the world today, using various means to bring about His plans (as seen in Psalm 33:16-17). By trusting in God's power and strength, we can have confidence in His ability to guide and direct us, even in uncertain times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the different colored horses in Zechariah 6:2 represent?
The colors of the horses may symbolize different aspects of God's judgment or providence, similar to the horses in Revelation 6:1-8, where white, red, black, and pale horses represent conquest, bloodshed, famine, and death.
Why are the horses described as coming out from between two mountains of bronze in Zechariah 6:1 before being described in Zechariah 6:2?
The bronze mountains may represent a place of strength and judgment, as bronze was a strong and durable metal in biblical times, similar to the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:9, which represented God's power to heal and redeem.
How do the chariots and horses in Zechariah 6:2 relate to the rest of the book of Zechariah?
The chariots and horses are part of a vision given to Zechariah, which is meant to encourage and comfort the post-exilic community in Jerusalem, as seen in Zechariah 1:13-17, where God promises to comfort and restore Zion.
What can we learn from the fact that the horses are described as 'strong' in Zechariah 6:3?
The strength of the horses may emphasize God's power and ability to accomplish His will, as seen in Psalm 29:1-11, where God's power is described as being greater than the strength of horses or any other created thing.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the red and black horses evoke in my heart and mind, and how can I apply the lessons of God's judgment and providence to my own life?
- How can I trust in God's power and strength, as represented by the strong horses, when faced with challenges and uncertainties in my own life?
- What are some ways that God's judgment and providence are at work in the world today, and how can I be a part of His plan to bring comfort and restoration to those in need?
- How can I balance the ideas of God's judgment and mercy, as represented by the different colored horses, in my own understanding of God's character and love?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 6:2
In the first chariot [were] red horses,.... If these are to be understood of the apostles of Christ, and ministers of the Gospel, they may be compared to "horses", for bearing the name of Christ, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 6:2
In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; In the first chariot were red horses - implying carnage.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 6:2
There is no distinction made between chariot and chariot, nor any mention made of the drivers of these chariots, though these are included in the chariots. Now by the different colours of the horses doth the prophet distinguish the chariots, and possibly that is all intended by the various colours, though generally interpreters do guess by the colour of the horses what should be the quality and temper of the times pointed at; of which a little: red horses may signify bloody times, a fiery execution of wrath, ; black, a time of mortality, and wasting diseases, .
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 6:2
Zechariah 6:2 In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;Ver. 2. In the first chariot were red horses, &c.] These various colours seem to set forth the various administrations of the angels, deputed to various employments. The black colour betokeneth sorrowful occurrences and revolutions. The white, joyful. The red, bloody. The grizzled, various and mixed matters, partly joyful and partly sorrowful. But I easily subscribe to him that said, We must be content to be ignorant of the full meaning of this vision. Tanta est profunditas Christianarnm literarum, saith Austin so great is the depth of divine learning that there is no fathoming of it. Prophecy is pictured like a matron, with her eyes covered, for the diffculty. For which cause Paulinus Nolanus would never be drawn to write commentaries; and Psellus in Thedoret asketh pardon for expounding the Canticles of Solomon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 6:2
(2) Red.—Better, bay, as in Zechariah 1:8. “Red” is applicable to cows, but “bay” to horses.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 6:2
Verse 2. In the first chariot were red horses] The empire of the Chaldeans, which overthrew the empire of the Assyrians. The second chariot black horses] The empire of the Persians founded by Cyrus, which destroyed the empire of the Chaldeans.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 6:2
2. red horses] The colours of the horses are not necessarily significant (see Zechariah 1:8, and note there). They have, however, been interpreted, as for example by Pusey: “Red, as the colour of blood, represented Babylon as sanguinary (Revelation 6:4).” “The colour black doubtless symbolises the heavy lot, inflicted by the Medo-Persians (Ib. 5, 6).” “White is a symbol of joy, gladness (Ecclesiastes 9:8), victory (Revelation 6:2), perhaps also, from its relation to light of acute intelligence.” “The grizzled, the Romans in their mingled character, so prominent in the fourth empire of Daniel (Daniel 2:41-43).”
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 6:2
The symbol is different from that in the first vision. There Zechariah 1:8, they were horses only, with their riders, to go to and fro to enquire; here they are war-chariots with their horses, to
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 6:2
2, 3. The chariots were drawn by horses of different colors. Red… black… white… grisled and bay — For the last R.V.
Sermons on Zechariah 6:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Incarnation and Birth of Christ by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. The preacher emphasizes how Nebucha |
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(Revelation) the Last Dictator by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of numbers in relation to biblical concepts. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity and fellowship with God, represen |
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Conquering Warriors by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for Christians to be conquering warriors in the spiritual war. He describes how many believers have become complacent and are simpl |
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(Demonology) When the Church Goes by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the worship of the dragon and the beast mentioned in verse 4. He emphasizes that the devil energizes men to carry out his tactics, just like |
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Church History - Session 7 (The Book of Revelation) by Edgar F. Parkyns | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the divine intervention on the human scene in judgment, specifically focusing on the seven angels with the seven trumpets. The first four tru |
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Day 244, Revelation 6 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the Book of Revelation, highlighting the perilous days that precede Christ's return. The chapter reveals the antichrist, symbolized by the first horseman |
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(Revelation) Part 1 the Scarlet Womans Future Judgement by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation Chapter 17 and the woman mentioned in the text. The woman is described as sitting upon many waters, representing peoples, nations |