Revelation 17:6

Revelation 17:6

ESV: And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I marveled greatly.

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.

NIV: I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God's holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.

NKJV: I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.

NLT: I could see that she was drunk ? drunk with the blood of God's holy people who were witnesses for Jesus. I stared at her in complete amazement.

Meaning

The Apostle John, in his vision, observed the allegorical "woman," identified as Babylon the Great, in a state of extreme intoxication. Her "wine" was not literal drink, but the very blood of God's holy people, the saints, and specifically those who had faithfully witnessed to Jesus even unto death (the martyrs). John's profound reaction was one of "great wonder" or astonishment, a shock and bewilderment at the horrific sight and implications of this woman's nature and actions.

Cross References

Context

Revelation 17 focuses on "Babylon the Great," presented as a harlot riding a scarlet beast, signifying a powerful, corrupt, and idolatrous system. This verse specifically unmasks her true character: a merciless persecutor of those loyal to Christ. It builds on previous descriptions of persecution (Rev 6, Rev 16) and sets the stage for the angel's detailed explanation of the woman and beast (Rev 17:7ff) and Babylon's ultimate downfall (Revelation 18). Historically, this imagery likely condemned the Roman Empire and its imperial cult, which demanded absolute allegiance and persecuted Christians for their exclusive devotion to Jesus. John's "wonder" underscores the shocking depravity and perhaps the paradoxical power and seductiveness of this persecuting entity, leading to the necessary angelic interpretation.

Word analysis

• And I saw (καὶ εἶδον - kai eidon): A recurring phrase in Revelation, signaling John's direct visionary experience. It places the reader directly into the vision with John.
• the woman (τὴν γυναῖκα - tēn gynaika): Refers to the "great harlot" introduced at the chapter's beginning (Rev 17:1). She is a symbolic representation of a powerful, idolatrous, and oppressive system or city that opposes God.
• drunken (μεθύουσαν - methuousan): From methyō, meaning "to be intoxicated." This powerful metaphor indicates not merely being under the influence, but completely saturated and overwhelmed by something. Here, it conveys an insatiable and excessive indulgence in shedding the blood of believers, implying both gluttony for violence and an almost deranged state.
• with the blood (ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος - ek tou haimatos): "Out of the blood" or "by means of the blood." The blood is the very substance of her intoxication, highlighting the enormity of her guilt and the extent of her violence. It signifies profound contamination and an almost vampiric nature.
• of the saints (τῶν ἁγίων - tōn hagiōn): "Holy ones," referring to all those set apart by God and dedicated to Him—the universal body of believers. This term underscores their spiritual purity and righteousness, making their persecution an offense against God Himself.
• and with the blood (καὶ ἐκ τοῦ αἵματος - kai ek tou haimatos): Repetition for emphasis, distinguishing and highlighting the next group.
• of the martyrs of Jesus (τῶν μαρτύρων Ἰησοῦ - tōn martyron Iēsou): Literally, "of the witnesses of Jesus." While martys means "witness," in the New Testament context, especially by this period, it increasingly denoted a witness who sealed their testimony with their death. This specifically points to those who endured persecution and gave their lives for or because of their unwavering faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
• and when I saw her (καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτήν - kai idōn autēn): John reiterates his observation, emphasizing his direct encounter and subsequent reaction.
• I wondered (ἐθαύμασα - ethaumasa): From thaumazō, "to be amazed, astonished, or wonder." This verb often carries an element of profound awe, perplexity, or shock. In this context, it conveys deep shock and bewilderment rather than admiration in the sense of approval.
• with great admiration (θαῦμα μέγα - thauma mega): Literally "great wonder" or "great astonishment." It intensifies John's already expressed wonder. This is not admiration in a positive sense but profound awe, shock, or bewilderment at the harlot's identity, her actions, and the extent of her evil. It implies a perplexity so deep that an explanation is required, which the angel provides in the next verse.

Commentary

Revelation 17:6 starkly portrays the inherent evil of the "great harlot" or Babylon. Her "drunkenness" on the blood of God's people reveals her true character: an oppressive, idolatrous system that revels in persecuting and executing those faithful to Christ. This imagery highlights her moral depravity, demonstrating an insatiable, almost addicted, appetite for violence against believers. John's "great wonder" is not a sign of approval but profound shock and perplexity. He is astounded, perhaps, by the depth of her wickedness, the audacity of her persecution, or the seemingly contradictory splendor of her appearance contrasted with her horrific deeds. This reaction serves to underscore the gravity of what is being revealed and to set the stage for the angelic interpretation that follows, unlocking the mystery of this sinister figure. The verse reminds believers of the high cost of discipleship and the unwavering evil that persecutes Christ's followers throughout history.

Bonus section

• The deliberate distinction between "saints" and "martyrs of Jesus" emphasizes both the broader suffering of all believers and the specific ultimate sacrifice made by those who died for their faith. This reflects the intense persecution faced by early Christians.
• The phrase "drunken with blood" is an Old Testament echo found in prophecies of divine judgment against oppressive nations that shed innocent blood (e.g., Isa 49:26, Lam 4:13). It highlights Babylon's full measure of guilt.
• John's profound "wonder" (thauma) indicates a prophetic shock at the manifestation of such pervasive spiritual and political evil. It emphasizes the need for divine revelation to understand such mysteries.
• This verse contributes significantly to the apocalyptic narrative, presenting the stark conflict between God's kingdom and the forces of evil, revealing the high cost of faithfulness and ensuring that God sees and remembers the sacrifice of His people.

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