New Testament

Revelation 16:6

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 16:6, the verse highlights a divine judgment against those who have persecuted and killed God's faithful servants, referred to as saints and prophets.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

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

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 16:6, the verse highlights a divine judgment against those who have persecuted and killed God's faithful servants, referred to as saints and prophets. The imagery of giving them blood to drink symbolizes the consequences of their actions, suggesting that they will experience suffering in return for the violence they inflicted. This reflects a principle of justice where the wicked face the repercussions of their deeds. The phrase 'for they are worthy' indicates that their punishment is deserved, emphasizing the seriousness of their crimes against God's people. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the accountability that all individuals have for their actions, particularly in relation to how they treat others, especially those who serve God. It underscores the theme of divine retribution and the ultimate justice that God will enact against evil.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 16:6 to your life

This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite persecution. It reminds us that God sees our struggles and will ultimately bring justice. We should strive to treat others with love and respect, knowing that our actions have eternal significance.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 16:6 mean by 'blood to drink'?

In Revelation 16:6, the phrase 'blood to drink' symbolizes the consequences faced by those who have persecuted God's faithful servants. It indicates that they will suffer in return for the violence and injustice they inflicted upon others. This imagery serves to illustrate the principle of divine justice, where the wicked experience the repercussions of their actions.

Who are the 'saints and prophets' mentioned in this verse?

The 'saints and prophets' in Revelation 16:6 refer to God's faithful servants, including those who have been persecuted or martyred for their faith. Saints are generally understood as believers who live according to God's will, while prophets are individuals chosen by God to deliver His messages. This verse highlights the seriousness of the violence inflicted upon them.

What does 'for they are worthy' imply in this context?

The phrase 'for they are worthy' in Revelation 16:6 implies that the punishment faced by the persecutors is deserved. It emphasizes the idea that those who commit acts of violence against God's people will face just consequences for their actions. This reflects the biblical principle of accountability, where individuals are held responsible for their treatment of others.

How does Revelation 16:6 relate to the theme of divine justice?

Revelation 16:6 underscores the theme of divine justice by illustrating that God will ultimately hold the wicked accountable for their actions. The verse serves as a reminder that those who have shed the blood of saints and prophets will face severe consequences, reinforcing the belief that God enacts justice and retribution against evil.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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