UTN uW Translation Notes:

Revelation 6 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter describes what John saw happen when the Lamb opened each of the first six seals on the scroll that God gave him. (The Lamb does not open the seventh seal until chapter 8.)

• The first seal (6:1–2)
• The second seal (6:3–4)
• The third seal (6:5–6)
• The fourth seal (6:7–8)
• The fifth seal (6:9–11)
• The sixth seal (6:12–16)

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Seven seals

See the discussion in the introduction to chapter 5 of the seals that kept important documents secure in this culture.

Four horsemen

As the Lamb opens each of the first four seals, John describes seeing horsemen riding differently colored horses. The colors of the horses may symbolize how each rider will affect the earth. However, it is not necessary to suggest the meaning of these colors in your translation. (See: writing-apocalyptic)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Ordinal numbers

John uses the ordinal numbers “second” through “sixth” in verses 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12. If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use cardinal numbers or equivalent expressions in your translation. (See: translate-ordinal)

Similes

In verses 12–14, John makes several comparisons in order to describe the images he saw in his vision. He compares these images to everyday things. Notes to these verses suggest ways you might indicate the points of these comparisons in your translation. (See: figs-simile)