Cataphora and Lack of Clarity in the Book of Revelation 89 tions in antiquity’60. It is difficult to isolate which presupposition pool John was dipping into with the choice of μέλας. In the Old and New Testaments it does not bear any negative connotations61. Consequently, it is reasonable to suggest that John is deliberately being ambiguous. Μέλας is only referred to twice in Revelation, the second reference being found in 6:12, ‘The sun turned black like sackcloth…’. Here, John refers to Joel 2:31 and one would expect John’s choice of word to com- municate darkness would be the much more commonly used σκότος62. Consequently, his deviation towards the relatively rare μέλας may raise questions. One could speculate that John is simply making a rough allu- sion to the Joel context. However, the fact that the rare word, μέλας was previously utilized ambiguously and that John later consciously adjusts an OT reference by adopting this word at the expense of σκότος would suggest that he is establishing a referential relationship between 6:5 and 6:12. It would suggest that people referred to in 6:5 will be subjects of the sixth seal; they will come under God’s judgment. Χλωρός in biblical literature is overwhelmingly used to refer to ve- getation63. As demonstrated by the later Vulgate translation of the word as pallidus, it is possible that the average person in Asia Minor would initially assume, due to the context, that the colour signified death. Aune shows that in the classical context, green referred to sick people (Hippo- crates, Progn. 2) and fear (Iliad 7.479; Odyssey 11.43, 633)64. However, the lack of use of green in the context of death in the OT, NT generally and in Revelation specifically, may cast doubt on this interpretation being employed here; the text may simply be unclear at this point. Χλωρός is mentioned later in Revelation 8:7, 9:4 and it appears over- expressed in these contexts. John says χόρτος χλωρός, ‘green grass’ when χόρτος would have sufficed. Although this phrase does occur occasionally in biblical texts65, it is relatively rare. The emphasis on green in 8:7 would lead the readers to ask why it was highlighted and a survey of their pre- supposition pools would lead them to the possibility that John is referring to the green horse in 6:8. There is actually evidence of a contextual link between Rev 6:8 and 8:7; the former verse refers to Eze 5:17 while the latter refers to the same chapter, Eze 5:2, 12. Both Revelation passages are utilizing OT contexts about exilic punishments placed on Israel due to rebellion from God. Aune, Revelation, 396. 60 Lev 13:37; Song 1:5; 5:11; Zech 6:2, 6; Mat 5:36; 2 Cor 3:3; 2 John 1:12; 3 John 1:13; 61 Joel 2:31, LXX, ὁ ἥλιος μεταστραφήσεται εἰς σκότος… 62 Gen 1:30; 2:5; 30:37; Exod 10:15; Num 22:4; Deut 29:22; 2 Kings 19:26; Prov 27:25; Job 63 39:8; Isa 15:6; 19:7; 27:11; Eze 17:24; 21:3; Mark 6:39; Rev 6:8; 8:7; 9:4. Aune, Revelation, 400. Also Smalley, The Revelation, 155. 64 Gen 1:30; 2:5; 2 Kings 19:26; Prov 27:25; Isa 15:6; Mark 6:39. 65