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Zechariah 6:3

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Zechariah 6:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grizzled strong horses.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grizzled strong horses.
Zechariah 6:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Zechariah 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1And again I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass.
2In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
3and in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grizzled strong horses.
4Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
5And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four winds of heaven, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
6[The chariot] wherein are the black horses goeth forth toward the north country; and the white went forth after them; and the grizzled went forth toward the south country.
← Zechariah 6:2Zechariah 6:4 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And in the third chariot white horses, etc.] Which, as referring to Gospel preachers, may denote the purity of their lives and doctrines, and their conquests and victories over the souls of men by the ministry of the word; and, as applicable to angels, may express the purity of their nature and actions, the joyful messages they bring to the heirs of salvation, and their victories over the evil angels; but, as respecting the monarchies, point at the Grecians, and the conquests of Alexander, and his mildness and gentleness to the Jews: white horses were used in triumphs, in token of victoryf116; (see <660602>Revelation 6:2 19:14) and they have been reckoned the swiftest in running; and by the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“white--implying joy and victory [CALVIN]. grizzled--piebald. Implying a mixed dispensation, partly prosperity, partly adversity. All four dispensations, though various in character to the Gentile nation, portended alike good to God's people. bay--rather, "strong" or "fleet"; so Vulgate [GESENIUS]. The horses have this epithet, whose part it was to "walk to and fro through the earth" (Zac 6:7). However, the Septuagint and Chaldee agree with English Version in referring the Hebrew to color, not strength.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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 execute God’s judgments, each in their turn. In the first vision also, there is not the characteristic fourfold division, which reminds of the four world-empires of Daniel Daniel 2:0; after which, in both prophets, is the mention of the kingdom of Christ. Even if the grisled horses be the same as the speckled of the first vision, the black horses are wanting there, as well as the succession, in which they go forth. The only resemblance is, that there are horses of divers colors, two of which, red…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“White horses - Signifying joyful and prosperous affairs, Zac 1:8. Grisled - A mixt state of affairs. Zechariah 6:5”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“white: Rev 6:2, Rev 19:11, Rev 20:11 grisled: Zac 6:6, Zac 6:7, Zac 1:8; Dan 2:33, Dan 2:40, Dan 2:41; Rev 6:8 bay: or, strong Zechariah 6:4”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification