Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 6:6. It’s a really important and symbolic message about the world and its future. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about the end times and warns against greed and wastefulness. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts…” – This refers to powerful, symbolic animals representing different aspects of society and the world at that time. The "voice" represents a divine judgment or a warning from God. “…say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny;” - This describes a scenario where people are being given very small amounts of food – just enough to barely cover their basic needs. “A penny” is a ridiculously small amount, signifying that the value of life and resources is diminished. It's like a tiny fraction of what’s truly important. “…and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine?” - This is the crucial part. The "seeing" refers to God's judgment and understanding. The “hurt” represents taking something valuable – like precious resources, or even lives – without regard for their true worth. It’s about wastefulness and disrespecting what God has created. What it means in a broader sense: Warnings about Greed & Materialism: The verse is a strong warning against excessive materialism and greed. It suggests that focusing solely on wealth and possessions can lead to moral decay and harm. Protecting Precious Resources: It’s reminding us that we should value things beyond their monetary worth – like our lives, the environment, and human relationships. The Importance of Stewardship: God wants us to use resources wisely and responsibly, not just for personal gain but for the benefit of all people and the planet. Symbolic Interpretation (a bit more complex): Some believe this verse refers to a time when humanity will be tempted to exploit and destroy God’s creation – like wasting precious resources or polluting the earth. It's a call to be mindful of our actions and prioritize values that are greater than material wealth. In short, it's a timeless message about the dangers of greed and the importance of living a life of integrity and respect for all things. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Revelation 6? Discuss this verse in more detail with a specific theme (like environmentalism)?