The term "dappled" appears in the context of biblical imagery and symbolism, particularly in the prophetic and apocalyptic literature of the Old Testament. The word is used to describe a specific type of horse in the visions of the prophet Zechariah. In Zechariah 6:3, the Berean Standard Bible states: "Then the third chariot had white horses, and the fourth chariot had dappled horses—all of them powerful."

Biblical Context

In Zechariah 6, the prophet describes a vision of four chariots emerging from between two mountains of bronze. Each chariot is drawn by horses of different colors: red, black, white, and dappled. These horses are often interpreted as symbolic representations of divine agents or forces sent by God to patrol the earth and execute His will. The dappled horses, in particular, are associated with a specific mission or aspect of God's providential plan.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The dappled horses, like the other horses in Zechariah's vision, are part of a broader biblical motif where horses and chariots symbolize power, speed, and divine intervention. The dappled color may suggest a mixture or diversity, possibly indicating a multifaceted role or mission. Some scholars and theologians propose that the dappled horses represent a combination of judgment and mercy, reflecting the complexity of God's dealings with humanity.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the vision of the four chariots, including the dappled horses, underscores the sovereignty of God over the nations and His active involvement in world affairs. The imagery serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine purposes. The dappled horses, as part of this vision, contribute to the overall message of hope and assurance for the faithful, affirming that God's justice and righteousness will ultimately prevail.

Related Biblical Themes

The theme of divine patrol and oversight is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as the book of Revelation, where horses of different colors also appear as symbols of God's judgment and redemption (Revelation 6:1-8). The use of horses in biblical prophecy often conveys the swiftness and certainty of God's actions, reinforcing the message that His plans are unstoppable and His purposes will be fulfilled.

In summary, the dappled horses in Zechariah's vision are a vivid representation of God's dynamic and multifaceted engagement with the world, highlighting His power, justice, and mercy.1. (a.) Marked with spots of different shades of color; spotted; variegated; as, a dapple horse.

2. (imp. & p. p.) of Dapple.

1261. barod -- spotted, marked
... Word Origin from the same as barad Definition spotted, marked NASB Word
Usage dappled (1), dappled ones (1), mottled (2). grisled. ...
/hebrew/1261.htm - 6k

Ode to the North-East Wind
... Chime, ye dappled darlings, Through the sleet and snow. ... Chime, ye dappled darlings,
Down the roaring blast; You shall see a fox die Ere an hour be past. Go! ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/ode to the north-east wind.htm

From Apostolic Teaching Tertullian Turns to that of Companions of ...
... blemish in (the eyes of) the world [959] "and is wholly made new, to be understood
to be "clean;" as being no longer "speckled," no longer dappled with the ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter xx from apostolic teaching tertullian.htm

Songs from 'the Water-Babies'
... the sweet south sliding, Waft thy silver cloud webs athwart the summer sea; Thin
thin threads of mist on dewy fingers twining Weave a veil of dappled gauze to ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/songs from the water-babies.htm

October.
... Sheets of dappled cloud were sliding slowly from the west; long bars of hazy blue
hung over the southern chalk downs, which gleamed pearly gray beneath the low ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /october.htm

The Question of the Tall Gentleman as to Whether Diamond could ...
... After the merry boy fluttering and going; The dappled fawns fawning, the
fallow-deer following,. The swallows and flies, flying and swallowing; ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 20 the question of.htm

Useful Phrases
... dampened ardor. dancing sunshine. dangerous temerity. dappled shadows. daring candor.
dark superstition. dashing gallantry. dastardly injustice. dauntless courage ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

A Strain of the Judgment of the Lord.
... With its own lustre clad, another clothes; 265 And here with many a seed the dewy
fields. Are dappled, and the snowy tilths are crisped. With rosy flowers. ...
/.../unknown/fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/4 a strain of the.htm

Dappled (2 Occurrences)
...Dappled (2 Occurrences). Zechariah 6:3 in the third chariot white horses; and in
the fourth chariot dappled horses, all of them powerful. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dappled.htm - 7k

Daphne

/d/daphne.htm - 8k

Gray (16 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Zechariah 6:3 in the third chariot white
horses; and in the fourth chariot dappled horses, all of them powerful. ...
/g/gray.htm - 11k

Dara (1 Occurrence)

/d/dara.htm - 6k

Dove (27 Occurrences)
... It has a small body, about ten inches in length, covered with bright
chestnut-colored feathers, the neck dappled with dark, lustrous feathers. ...
/d/dove.htm - 28k

Black (52 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 6:6 The one with the black horses goes out toward the north country; and
the white went out after them; and the dappled went forth toward the south ...
/b/black.htm - 24k

Powerful (93 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Zechariah 6:3 in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth
chariot dappled horses, all of them powerful. (WEB NIV). ...
/p/powerful.htm - 34k

Fourth (87 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 6:3 in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot dappled
horses, all of them powerful. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/fourth.htm - 43k

Chariot (102 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 6:3 in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot dappled
horses, all of them powerful. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/c/chariot.htm - 55k

Dappled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus