Revelation 6:6
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 (KJV)
Context
The book of Revelation is a prophetic vision given to the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It reveals future events that will culminate in the second coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of God’s kingdom. This verse is part of the vision of the opening of the seven seals, which reveal various aspects of God’s judgment and the unfolding of His plan.
Revelation is filled with symbolism, and the language is often figurative, representing spiritual truths and future events. The voice in the midst of the four living creatures (the “four beasts” in the King James Version) connects this judgment to the throne room of God, showing that these events are under divine authority and control.
Meaning
The verse depicts a voice from the midst of the four living creatures proclaiming the value of wheat, barley, oil, and wine. The “penny” refers to a denarius, a Roman coin equivalent to a day’s wage for a laborer. A “measure” (choinix) was roughly a quart, about a day’s ration of grain. The pricing indicates scarcity: a day’s wage would buy only one quart of wheat or three quarts of barley, the cheaper grain. This imagery depicts severe economic hardship and famine conditions.
The command to “hurt not the oil and the wine” is a limitation on the judgment. While staple grains are scarce and expensive, the oil and wine are not to be harmed. This suggests a partial judgment, not total destruction. Olive oil and wine were also staple commodities in the ancient world, and their protection indicates that the scarcity is limited, not absolute.
Biblical connections
Various interpretations have been suggested regarding the meaning of this verse. Here are a few possibilities:
Economic scarcity and rationing: Some interpret this verse as a depiction of economic hardship and scarcity during the end times. The high prices for basic food items like wheat and barley indicate scarcity and the need for careful rationing. The command to protect the oil and wine may suggest that the wealthy and powerful will continue to enjoy luxuries despite the general scarcity.
Symbolic representation: Others see this verse as a symbolic representation of spiritual or prophetic truths. In this view, the wheat and barley could represent the essentials needed for spiritual sustenance, whilst the oil and wine may symbolize the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the richness of God’s blessings. The verse would then imply that, even in times of hardship, God will provide for His people’s spiritual needs.
Social and economic inequality: Another interpretation suggests that this verse highlights the economic disparity that will exist during the end times. Whilst the common people struggle to afford basic necessities, the rich and powerful continue to indulge in luxuries represented by the oil and wine.
Application
Regardless of the specific interpretation, the passage reminds believers to trust in God’s provision and rely on Him in times of scarcity or difficulty. It also serves as a caution against allowing material possessions or worldly pleasures to distract us from our spiritual priorities. Christians are called to seek first the kingdom of God and trust in His faithfulness, even during challenging times.
The economic imagery is a call to recognize the fragility of earthly provisions and to place trust in God rather than material wealth. This passage is a warning about the consequences of sin and the reality of divine judgment, but it also shows God’s mercy in limiting the extent of the calamity.
It’s important to note that different Bible scholars and commentators may offer alternative interpretations of this verse. Therefore, it’s beneficial to study the passage in its broader context and consult various reliable resources for a well-rounded understanding.
