Symbols in Revelation

Revelation is full of symbols and this is a list as best as I can find.

Colors

White – The symbol of victory or purity. When we see someone coming on a white horse they will be victorious. When we see someone in a white robe they have victory over sin and are made pure.

Red - The color of aggression as in the blood spilled in battle. Taking peace from the earth.

Black - Indicates famine, starvation, sadness or want.

Pale Gray – Is the color of death.

Green – Indicates hope as in the regeneration of the earth in spring.

Numbers

4 – Is the number of the created world, indicating the four points of the compass.

7 – Is the number of completion (totality, fullness), often referring specifically to the work of God.

10 – Is the round number, meaning the generalization “all of…” or a repeated number of times.

12 – Is the number of the people of God. It probably retains this meaning even when John’s source indicates the 12 signs of the Zodiac.

6 – Is just short of 7, is the number of man meaning “imperfect”

3 ½ - Half of seven means “definitely limited”

24 – Is double 12 and means the old and new covenant people of God

The meaning of a number is intensified when it is squared or cubed.

When one number is multiplied by another both meanings are included.

7 & 10 – In general 7 is a qualitative measurement of all of something and 10 is a quantitative measurement.

Visual Symbols

Lampstands or Candelabra – Are symbols of the gathered churches

A book or Scroll – Indicates the heavenly record. The concept behind the symbol is that everything which is to happen on earth has been already recorded in the eternal sphere. It’s almost an astrological concept.

A seal – Sets something apart as private property of the one who does the sealing. When a record is sealed, it is closed off from human consideration.

A Trumpet – announces an event.

Eyes – Indicate Knowledge of things happening or about to happen.

Fire – Power to separate good and evil like the refining of metals.

Horns – Represent power and authority over others.

Heads – Mean rulers like the head of a family or the head of a country.

Incense – Is the symbol of prayer. The smoke rising from the burning of incense are the prayers rising to heaven.

A Bowl – Carries some aspect of heaven to earth or earth to heaven.

The Sea – Represents evil human government. Specifically the beast from the sea represents evil human government.

The Land – Represents organized religion, distinct from the Christian faith. Specifically the beast from the land represents organized religion.

Harlotry or Fornication – Means idolatry or falsifying the truth of God.

Jewels – Represent glory.

Cloud – Symbol of Judgment. God resides in the cloud so when the cloud comes to earth judgment begins.