The Revelation of St. John (1558) - Page 7

Under the altar, white robes were given to the souls of those slain for the word of God. Revelation 6.

original Latin: "Subtus altare animabus interfectis propter uerbum Dei, datæ sunt stolæ albæ. Apoc. 6."

To the souls of those slaughtered for the sake of God's word, under the altar, white garments are given. Revelation 6.

original German: "Den seelen der erwürgten vmb des wort Gottes willen/ vnder dem Altar/ werden geben weisse kleid. Apoc. 6."

This woodcut illustrates the opening of the Fifth Seal (Revelation 6:9-11). In this vision, John the Evangelist—seen kneeling in the foreground—sees the souls of Christian martyrs (those killed for their faith) gathered under a heavenly altar.

Unlike the previous four seals, which brought destruction to the earth, this seal reveals the perspective of the victims. The souls cry out for justice, asking how long it will be before their blood is avenged. In response, they are each given a white robe—a symbol of purity, victory, and their status as "blessed"—and told to rest a little longer until the number of their fellow servants to be martyred is complete.

In the artistic style of the 16th century, the "souls" are depicted as physical bodies rising toward the angels who distribute the robes. This imagery offered comfort to contemporary readers, suggesting that even in times of persecution and death, a divine reward and ultimate justice awaited the faithful.