ἵππος (hippos)
hippos
horse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word hippos simply means "horse," referring to the animal itself without inherent spiritual symbolism in its basic definition. In the New Testament, it appears sixteen times, with the vast majority of occurrences found in the Book of Revelation and a single mention in James.
Its usage highlights two distinct contexts. In James 3:3, the horse illustrates how a small bit can control a large beast, serving as a metaphor for the tongue’s power to direct the whole body. Conversely, Revelation employs horses frequently within apocalyptic visions, depicting them as instruments of war, judgment, or divine authority, such as in the scenes of the Four Horsemen and the final battle.
While the Old Testament often uses this term for military chariots or cavalry, the New Testament usage is more varied. It can represent earthly power or chaos, yet it also points to God’s ultimate sovereignty over all forces. The word remains concrete, anchoring symbolic visions in tangible imagery familiar to first-century readers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for horse in the New Testament serves as a reminder that God holds authority over every force, whether it appears as earthly power or spiritual chaos. In James, we see a practical image: a small bit controls a large beast, showing how our words can guide our entire lives. This concrete detail invites us to consider how much influence our speech has on those around us.
In Revelation, horses depict the intensity of divine judgment and the final victory of Christ. These visions do not encourage fear but point to God’s ultimate sovereignty. When we face uncertainty or conflict, remembering that Jesus sits on a white horse as Faithful and True offers a steady hope. His justice prevails, and His reign is secure.
This imagery anchors our faith in reality. We are not left without guidance; the same God who controls the forces of history also cares for our daily steps. Trusting in His control brings peace, even when the world seems turbulent.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- horses5×
- a horse4×
- of horses3×
- horse3×
- horses [were]1×
- as horses1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἵππων7×
- ἵππος5×
- ἵππου2×
- ἵπποις2×
- ἵππους1×
Key Verses
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James 3:3
Indeed, we put bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body.
This verse uses the horse to illustrate how a small bit controls the whole body, highlighting the tongue's power to direct our lives.
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Revelation of John 6:4
Another came out, a red horse. To him who sat on it was given power to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. There was given to him a great sword.
Here the red horse represents the removal of peace and the rise of violence, showing divine judgment on human conflict.
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Revelation of John 19:11
I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war.
The white horse ridden by Faithful and True signifies Christ’s righteous judgment and ultimate victory over evil.