The imagery of the white horse appears prominently in the Book of Revelation, a prophetic text in the New Testament that unveils the apocalyptic vision given to the Apostle John. The white horse is a symbol rich with meaning and has been the subject of extensive theological interpretation and debate.

Revelation 6:1-2 :
"Then I watched as the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, 'Come!' So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer."

In this passage, the white horse is the first of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The rider on the white horse is often interpreted as a figure of conquest. The color white traditionally symbolizes purity and victory, which has led some scholars to associate this rider with Christ or a Christ-like figure, given the crown and the act of conquering. However, others argue that this rider represents a false peace or deceptive conquest, as the subsequent horsemen bring war, famine, and death.

Revelation 19:11-16 :
"Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse, and its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses. And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: King of kings and Lord of lords."

In this later passage, the white horse is ridden by a figure explicitly identified as Christ, the "Faithful and True," who comes to judge and wage war in righteousness. This depiction contrasts with the earlier rider, emphasizing the ultimate victory and divine authority of Christ. The imagery of the white horse here is associated with the Second Coming of Christ, where He returns as a triumphant king to establish His kingdom and execute divine judgment.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

The white horse in Revelation serves as a powerful symbol of both conquest and divine authority. Its interpretation varies among scholars and theologians, with some viewing the first rider as a precursor to the Antichrist or a symbol of earthly conquest, while others see it as a representation of the spread of the Gospel or Christ's initial victory. The second appearance of the white horse, however, is more universally accepted as a depiction of Christ's return in glory.

The dual appearances of the white horse in Revelation highlight the tension between earthly and heavenly conquest, the temporal and the eternal. The imagery underscores the ultimate sovereignty of Christ, who alone is "Faithful and True," and whose final victory is assured. The white horse thus serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance of Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.