King James Version

What Does Revelation 16:6 Mean?

Revelation 16:6 in the King James Version says “For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 16:6 · KJV

Context

4

And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

5

And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art , and wast , and shalt be , because thou hast judged thus.

6

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

7

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

8

And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

Read Revelation 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven bowls of wrath - final judgments, battle of armageddon, babylon's fall announced employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 16:6 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ὅτι1 of 14

“For”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

αἷμα2 of 14

“blood”

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

ἁγίων3 of 14

“of saints”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ4 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προφητῶν5 of 14

“prophets”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

ἐξέχεαν6 of 14

“they have shed”

G1632

to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow

καὶ7 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

αἷμα8 of 14

“blood”

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

αὐτοῖς9 of 14

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

έδωκας10 of 14

“thou hast given”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

πιεῖν11 of 14

“to drink”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ἄξιοί12 of 14

“worthy”

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

γάρ13 of 14

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἰσιν14 of 14

“they are”

G1526

they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 16:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 16:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 49:26Revelation 11:18Revelation 6:10-11Luke 11:49-50Revelation 18:242 Kings 24:4

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