Definition: And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Revelation 6:9. It’s a pretty dramatic and symbolic description of what happens when the seals of the Book of Revelation are opened. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a scene where death is revealed – not in a gruesome way, but as a gathering of souls who have died for faith in God. It’s essentially a glimpse into a future time when believers will be judged and called home. Let's break it down word by word: “And when he had opened the fifth seal…” : This refers to the opening of the fifth seal in Revelation 6, which is the key part we’re focusing on. It signifies a significant event. “I saw under the altar…” : This is where the image comes from. “Under the altar” suggests something hidden and concealed. “…the souls of them that were slain for the word of God…” : This is the core of the verse. "The souls of them that were slain" means those who have died in faith for Jesus Christ. “For the word of God” emphasizes that these souls are being brought back to God because of His message. “…and for the testimony which they held.” : “The testimony which they held” refers to the books of scripture – the Old and New Testaments - which contain God’s teachings and promises. Putting it all together: Revelation 6:9 tells us that when the fifth seal is opened, we see a large group of dead people – souls who have died for faith in God because they received the word of God through the Bible. It's like a glimpse into a future where believers are being called home to eternal life. What does it mean? This verse speaks to: Judgment: It’s not a celebration, but a foreshadowing of a time when God will judge His people for their faith. Hope: It's a message of hope – that those who have died for Christ will be reunited with Him in the afterlife. The Importance of Scripture: The verse emphasizes that the Bible is a vital part of God’s plan for our salvation and eternal life. Important Note: This is a complex passage, and it's often interpreted symbolically. It's important to understand the context of the entire Book of Revelation as a whole. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss what it might symbolize in a broader sense (like the future)?