Revelation 17:6

KJV

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I saw {G1492} the woman {G1135} drunken {G3184} with {G1537} the blood {G129} of the saints {G40}, and {G2532} with {G1537} the blood {G129} of the martyrs {G3144} of Jesus {G2424}: and {G2532} when I saw {G1492} her {G846}, I wondered {G2296} with great {G3173} admiration {G2295}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I saw the woman drunk from the blood of God’s people, that is, from the blood of the people who testify about Yeshua.

On seeing her, I was altogether astounded.

Berean Standard Bible

I could see that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and witnesses for Jesus. And I was utterly amazed at the sight of her.

American Standard Version

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered with a great wonder.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 17:6 presents a profoundly disturbing image within John's apocalyptic vision: a symbolic "woman," identified as Babylon the Great, is depicted as being intoxicated by the blood of God's faithful people. This vivid portrayal underscores the extreme and relentless persecution suffered by true believers throughout history, culminating in John's own astonished reaction to the horrifying spectacle of such profound wickedness and its devastating impact.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal vision in [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Woman and the Beast"), where one of the seven angels who had the bowls invites John to witness the judgment of the "great harlot that sitteth upon many waters" ([Revelation 17:1](/revelation/17-1 "Revelation 17:1 - The Great Harlot and Many Waters")). The description of the woman in [Revelation 17:3-5](/revelation/17-3-5 "Revelation 17:3-5 - The Woman on the Scarlet Beast") immediately precedes this verse, setting the stage for her characterization as an opulent, blasphemous, and persecuting entity. John's reaction of "great admiration" (or wonder) in this verse then prompts the angel to provide a detailed explanation of the woman and the beast in the subsequent verses of [Revelation 17:7-18](/revelation/17-7-18 "Revelation 17:7-18 - Explanation of the Woman and Beast"), linking this vision directly to the broader narrative of divine judgment against oppressive world powers that culminates in the fall of Babylon described in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "harlot" and "Babylon" would have resonated deeply with John's original audience, who were likely experiencing persecution under the Roman Empire. Rome, with its imperial cult, economic power, and military might, was seen by many Christians as a modern "Babylon"—a successor to the ancient oppressor of God's people. The concept of a nation or system "drunken with blood" evokes the historical reality of empires that built their power through violence and the suppression of dissent, often targeting religious minorities. The term "martyrs" (witnesses) directly reflects the early Christian experience, where bearing testimony to Jesus often led to imprisonment, torture, and execution, particularly during periods of intense imperial persecution under emperors like Nero and Domitian.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Revelation 17:6](/revelation/17-6 "Revelation 17:6 - The Woman Drunken with Blood") is the **persecution and martyrdom** of God's faithful people. The graphic depiction of the woman "drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus" powerfully conveys the insatiable and almost celebratory nature of this persecution, highlighting the severe cost of discipleship and fulfilling prophecies that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" as stated in [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution of the Godly"). This verse also contributes to the theme of the **nature of "Babylon,"** portraying her as the epitome of rebellion against God, utterly consumed by her opposition to Christ and His followers. Her guilt is further emphasized in [Revelation 18:24](/revelation/18-24 "Revelation 18:24 - The Blood of Prophets and Saints in Babylon"), where the blood of prophets and saints is found within her. Finally, John's reaction underscores the theme of **divine revelation and human response**, as his "great admiration" (better translated as "great wonder" or "astonishment") reflects profound shock and bewilderment at the depth of wickedness revealed, rather than approval.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **drunken (Greek, _methýō'_):** From G3184, meaning "to drink to intoxication, i.e., get drunk." In this context, it is used metaphorically to describe the woman's complete saturation and overwhelming indulgence in the shedding of innocent blood. It implies an excessive, almost perverse, consumption, suggesting a deep, ingrained pleasure or obsession with the suffering and death of God's people, rather than a mere consequence of her actions.
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** From G129, referring to literal blood, but here it powerfully symbolizes the life violently taken. The repeated mention of "blood" emphasizes the sheer volume and brutality of the persecution, signifying the lives of countless believers who have been sacrificed for their faith. It is the very essence of their lives poured out.
* **martyrs (Greek, _mártys'_):** From G3144, meaning "a witness." By analogy, it refers to one who bears testimony to Christ, often to the point of death. The inclusion of "martyrs of Jesus" specifies that the persecution is directed at those who bear witness to Jesus, highlighting the ultimate cost of their faithfulness and their unwavering allegiance to Him, even unto death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints":** John, in his prophetic vision, observes a symbolic female figure—later identified as "Babylon the Great"—who is depicted as being completely intoxicated, not with wine, but with the lifeblood of God's consecrated people. This imagery conveys her profound guilt and her active, insatiable participation in the violent persecution of those set apart by God.
* **"and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus":** This clause further specifies and intensifies the nature of the "blood" with which the woman is drunken. It clarifies that the victims are not merely "saints" in a general sense, but specifically "martyrs"—those who have borne courageous witness to Jesus Christ, even to the point of death. This highlights the direct targeting of Christ's followers due to their testimony.
* **"and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration":** Upon witnessing this horrific and shocking sight, John's immediate reaction is one of profound astonishment and awe. The KJV's "admiration" here uses an older sense of the word, meaning intense wonder, perplexity, or amazement, rather than approval. John is utterly bewildered by the sheer magnitude of the woman's wickedness and the suffering she has inflicted upon God's people.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 17:6 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the abstract concept of an oppressive system is embodied by "the woman," giving it a tangible and terrifying presence. This woman is then described using a vivid **Metaphor**: she is "drunken with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus." This is not a literal intoxication but a powerful image signifying her complete saturation, enjoyment, and insatiable thirst for the violent persecution and death of God's people. It implies an excessive, almost perverse, indulgence in bloodshed. Furthermore, the entire passage is rich in **Symbolism**: "the woman" symbolizes the ultimate anti-God system (whether political, economic, or religious) that opposes God's kingdom, while "blood" is a potent symbol of violent death, martyrdom, and the life essence poured out. The phrase "great admiration" on John's part is an example of **Archaism** in the KJV, as the word's meaning has shifted; in its original context, it conveyed profound wonder or astonishment, not approval, at the terrifying spectacle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 17:6 serves as a stark theological commentary on the enduring conflict between God's kingdom and the forces of evil in the world. It reveals the depth of spiritual depravity inherent in systems that oppose Christ, demonstrating their insatiable appetite for the destruction of God's people. The "blood of the saints and martyrs" is a testament to the cost of faithfulness in a fallen world, but it also underscores divine justice, assuring believers that their suffering is not unnoticed and that their persecutors will face ultimate judgment. This verse connects the suffering of believers throughout history to a singular, pervasive evil, emphasizing that the persecution of God's people is a direct assault on God Himself, and that the blood shed by martyrs cries out for divine vindication, which will ultimately be realized in Christ's triumph.

* [Revelation 6:9-11](/revelation/6-9-11 "Revelation 6:9-11 - The Souls Under the Altar")
* [Revelation 18:24](/revelation/18-24 "Revelation 18:24 - The Blood of Prophets and Saints in Babylon")
* [Matthew 24:9](/matthew/24-9 "Matthew 24:9 - Persecution for Christ's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 17:6, while depicting a grim reality, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a sobering reminder that opposition to God's truth and His people is an enduring feature of human history, manifesting in various forms, from overt persecution to subtle cultural pressures. This verse calls us to spiritual discernment, enabling us to recognize and resist "Babylonian" influences—any system, ideology, or cultural current that seeks to compromise our allegiance to Christ or silence our witness. It encourages steadfastness in faith, reminding us that suffering for righteousness' sake is not an anomaly but a potential reality for those who follow Christ, as evidenced by the "blood of the saints and martyrs." Ultimately, this passage, though dark, points to God's sovereign control and His ultimate justice, strengthening our hope that though evil may rage, its triumph is temporary, and God's kingdom will prevail. We are called to remain faithful, trusting in the Lord's vindication and the promise of eternal life, even when faced with the world's hostility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "woman drunken with blood" challenge my understanding of spiritual warfare and the nature of evil in the world today?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might "Babylonian" influences seek to compromise my faith or silence my witness in my current cultural context?**
* **Considering the historical reality of martyrs, how can I cultivate a deeper commitment to Christ and a willingness to stand for truth, even in the face of potential opposition or discomfort?**

### FAQ
**Is "admiration" in the KJV's "I wondered with great admiration" a positive emotion?**

Answer: No, in the context of Revelation 17:6, the King James Version's use of "admiration" (from the Greek _thaûma_, G2295) does not signify approval or praise. Instead, it reflects an older, now archaic, meaning of the word: profound wonder, astonishment, awe, or perplexity. John is not admiring the woman's wickedness; rather, he is utterly bewildered and shocked by the horrific sight of her being saturated with the blood of God's people. This sense of astonishment is a common reaction to overwhelming divine revelations in apocalyptic literature, underscoring the gravity and disturbing nature of the vision presented to him.

**Who is the "woman" described as "drunken with the blood of the saints"?**

Answer: The "woman" in [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Woman and the Beast") is a highly symbolic figure, explicitly identified in [Revelation 17:5](/revelation/17-5 "Revelation 17:5 - Mystery, Babylon the Great") as "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." She represents a powerful, corrupt, and oppressive system that stands in opposition to God and persecutes His people throughout history. While interpretations vary, she is often understood as symbolizing a global, anti-God religious, political, or economic power—or a combination thereof—that embodies spiritual harlotry (idolatry, unfaithfulness to God) and is responsible for immense suffering and bloodshed among God's faithful. Her identity is further elaborated by the angel in [Revelation 17:18](/revelation/17-18 "Revelation 17:18 - The Woman is the Great City"), stating, "The woman whom you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 17:6, though a grim depiction of the world's hostility towards God's people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the blood shed by Babylon and the precious, atoning blood of Jesus Christ. The "blood of the saints and martyrs" is a testament to their faithfulness unto death, mirroring the ultimate witness of Christ Himself, who "suffered outside the gate" ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")) and whose own blood was shed as the perfect sacrifice "for the remission of sins" ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the Covenant")). While Babylon is "drunken" with the blood of the innocent, Christ's blood cleanses and redeems. The persecution faced by the saints is a participation in the sufferings of Christ ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection")), and their ultimate vindication is guaranteed by His resurrection and triumph over sin, death, and all opposing powers. The judgment of Babylon, described vividly in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"), is an act of Christ's sovereign justice, ensuring that every drop of martyr's blood will be avenged by the Lamb who is worthy to open the scroll ([Revelation 5:6-10](/revelation/5-6-10 "Revelation 5:6-10 - The Lamb Worthy to Open the Scroll")). Thus, the suffering depicted in this verse ultimately points to the unwavering power and ultimate victory of Christ, who will finally establish His kingdom where "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Revelation 13:15

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Revelation 2:13

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, [even] where Satan's seat [is]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas [was] my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Revelation 13:7

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Acts 22:20

And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.