Translation
When the LAMB
opened the third seal
I heard the third [of the four] living beings say,
“Trouble’s comin’!”
Go to footnote numberI paid attention and behold,
there was a horse, a black horse.
Go to footnote numberThe one sitting on it had a pair of scales
Go to footnote numberin his hand.
Paraphrase
When THE ONLY EFFICACIOUS SACRIFICE gave the third confirmation of His authority, I heard the third representative of all living things say, “Trouble’s comin’!” I paid close attention, and wouldn’t you know? I saw a personification of unlimited swiftness, and power bringing hardship and sorrow. Its companion was bringing scarcity to the people.
Footnotes
1: “trouble’s comin’!”
This is the same Greek word used above that literally means “come” or “go.” Several translations are acceptable according to the context. I have chosen to use different options for this phrase to indicate the wide variety of possibilities.
2
Black” can mean several things, all of which are associated with mourning, sorrow or hardship.
3
“Scales” were used to measure out grain. A careful measurement is very important in times of famine, as will be described in verse 6. While scales are used elsewhere as a symbol for justice, the scales in this case are a symbol of scarcity.