49 · Revolution (GÉ)
Revolution here means a justified turning of an old order, like a hide whose surface changes. The text insists that trust comes with the right time and conduct. Its six lines begin with restraint, then timely action and repeated consultation, move to a trusted change of mandate, and end by asking leaders to let the new order settle rather than launch another campaign.
The judgment
Revolution: only when the day arrives is there trust. Great passage; steadfastness is beneficial. Regret vanishes.
Trust is not granted at the first announcement. A change must answer a real need, fit its moment, and be carried out with integrity before people can believe in it.
Original Chinese text
革：巳日乃孚，元亨。利貞。悔亡。
The six lines
- 初九 · Line 1 — Secure it with the hide of a yellow ox.
Original Chinese
鞏用黃牛之革。
- 六二 · Line 2 — When the day comes, then change it. Setting out is auspicious; no blame.
Original Chinese
巳日乃革之，征吉，无咎。
- 九三 · Line 3 — Going forth is ill-omened; even steadfastness is perilous. After words of change are brought to completion three times, there is trust.
Original Chinese
征凶，貞厲，革言三就，有孚。
- 九四 · Line 4 — Regret vanishes. With trust, change the mandate: auspicious.
Original Chinese
悔亡，有孚改命，吉。
- 九五 · Line 5 — A great person changes like a tiger; there is trust even before divination.
Original Chinese
大人虎變，未占有孚。
- 上六 · Line 6 — A cultivated person changes like a leopard; a lesser person only changes the face. Going forth is ill-omened; staying steadfast is auspicious.
Original Chinese
君子豹變，小人革面，征凶，居貞吉。