Revelation 16:6

For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

For {G3754} they have shed {G1632} the blood {G129} of saints {G40} and {G2532} prophets {G4396}, and {G2532} thou hast given {G1325} them {G846} blood {G129} to drink {G4095}; for {G1063} they are {G1526} worthy {G514}.

They poured out the blood of your people and your prophets,
so you have made them drink blood. They deserve it!”

For they have spilled the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink, as they deserve.”

for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and blood hast thou given them to drink: they are worthy.

Commentary on Revelation 16:6

Revelation 16:6 KJV: "For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy."

Context

This powerful verse is spoken by the angel of the waters, and confirmed by another angel from the altar, immediately after the third bowl of God's wrath is poured out, turning all fresh water into blood (Revelation 16:4). It serves as a divine justification for the severity of the judgment. The angelic declaration explicitly states that this judgment is a righteous and deserved response to the widespread persecution and martyrdom of God's faithful people – the "saints and prophets" – throughout history, particularly in the escalating wickedness of the end times.

Key Themes

  • Divine Retribution and Poetic Justice: The central message is that God's judgment is perfectly just and directly proportional to the sins committed. Those who unjustly spilled the blood of innocent believers are now condemned to "drink blood" themselves, a vivid and literal form of divine vengeance. This reflects the principle of "an eye for an eye," but on a cosmic scale, demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty over justice.
  • God's Righteous Judgment: The phrase "for they are worthy" (Greek: axioi) emphasizes the absolute moral rectitude of God's actions. This judgment is not arbitrary or capricious; it is a necessary and fitting consequence for profound evil. It assures believers that God sees and remembers every act of injustice, and His response is always righteous and true. This echoes the cry for justice from the martyrs themselves in Revelation 6:10.
  • The Vindication of Suffering Saints: The verse explicitly highlights the "blood of saints and prophets," acknowledging the immense suffering and sacrifice of God's faithful witnesses across generations. This serves as a powerful reminder that their suffering is not forgotten by God. Instead, it forms the very basis for His righteous intervention and ultimate triumph over evil.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "worthy" is axioi (ἄξιοι), which signifies being deserving, fitting, or having a corresponding value. In this context, it powerfully conveys that the punishment is precisely what is due, a just recompense for their actions. The imagery of "blood to drink" (αἷμα πιεῖν, haima piein) is a strong metaphorical expression found in various prophetic texts, representing the experience of judgment and destruction that mirrors the violence inflicted by the wicked.

Practical Application

For believers today, Revelation 16:6 offers both a sobering warning and profound comfort. It serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice; He will ultimately hold all evildoers accountable for their actions, particularly those who persecute His people. More importantly, it provides immense hope and comfort to those who face persecution or injustice for their faith. It assures us that God is a righteous judge who sees every tear and remembers every sacrifice. Our suffering is not in vain, and though justice may seem delayed, it will certainly come. This verse strengthens our trust in God's perfect justice and His ultimate vindication of His chosen ones.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 49:26

    And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

  • Revelation 11:18

    And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

  • Revelation 6:10

    And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

  • Revelation 6:11

    And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.

  • Revelation 18:24

    And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

  • Luke 11:49

    Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and [some] of them they shall slay and persecute:

  • Luke 11:50

    That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;

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