Revelation 17:6

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Revelation 17:6 presents a vivid and disturbing image within John's apocalyptic vision, detailing the horrific nature of the symbolic "woman" identified as Babylon the Great. This verse underscores the extreme persecution faced by true believers throughout history.

Context

This verse is part of a larger vision in Revelation 17 and 18, which describes the judgment of "Babylon the Great," often interpreted as a symbolic representation of a powerful, corrupt system—whether political, economic, or religious—that opposes God and persecutes His people. The angel introduces this woman in Revelation 17:1 as the "great whore that sitteth upon many waters." John's astonishment ("I wondered with great admiration") reflects the profound shock and perplexity at the depth of wickedness revealed.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persecution and Martyrdom: The central theme is the brutal persecution of God's faithful. The phrase "drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus" powerfully conveys an insatiable, almost celebratory, thirst for the suffering and death of believers. This highlights the severe cost of discipleship and the reality that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
  • The Nature of "Babylon": This symbolic woman embodies ultimate rebellion against God and His people. Her drunkenness signifies an overwhelming saturation in evil, particularly in the shedding of innocent blood. This system is utterly consumed by its opposition to Christ and His followers, as further evidenced in Revelation 18:24, where the blood of prophets and saints is found in her.
  • John's Reaction: John's "great admiration" (often translated as "great wonder" or "astonishment") signifies his profound awe and perplexity at the sight of such immense wickedness and the suffering it inflicted. It is not admiration in the sense of approval, but rather an overwhelming sense of shock and bewilderment at the extent of evil.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Drunken with the blood" (μεθύουσαν ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος - methuousan ek tou haimatos): This vivid imagery suggests an excessive, almost perverse, consumption of the lifeblood of God's people. It implies a deep, ingrained pleasure in their suffering and death, rather than a mere consequence.
  • "Saints" (ἁγίων - hagion): Refers to those set apart by God, His holy people, indicating that the persecution is directed specifically at those who belong to Him.
  • "Martyrs of Jesus" (μαρτύρων Ἰησοῦ - martyron Iēsou): The Greek word martyron (from which "martyr" derives) originally means "witnesses." Here, it refers to those who bear testimony to Jesus, often to the point of death. This aligns with the vision of the souls under the altar slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.

Practical Application

For believers today, Revelation 17:6 serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of spiritual opposition and the potential for persecution. It encourages steadfastness in faith, knowing that even in suffering, God is sovereign. The verse also underscores the importance of discerning systems and ideologies that oppose Christ and His truth. Ultimately, this passage, while grim, points to God's ultimate justice and the triumph of His kingdom over all earthly powers that seek to harm His people. Believers are called to remain faithful, even unto death, trusting in the Lord's vindication and the promise of eternal life.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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