New Testament
Revelation 17:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 17:6, the author describes a vision of a woman who is intoxicated with the blood of saints and martyrs, symbolizing her role in the persecution of believers.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints and the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I was filled with great amazement.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 17:6, the author describes a vision of a woman who is intoxicated with the blood of saints and martyrs, symbolizing her role in the persecution of believers. This imagery highlights the severity of her actions and the suffering inflicted upon those who follow Jesus. The woman's drunkenness signifies her overwhelming power and influence, as well as her complete disregard for the lives she has taken. The apostle John, who witnesses this scene, is filled with amazement, indicating the shocking nature of what he sees. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the conflict between good and evil, illustrating the cost of faithfulness to God amidst persecution. The blood of the saints represents the sacrifices made by believers throughout history, emphasizing the seriousness of their commitment to Christ. Overall, this passage calls attention to the reality of spiritual warfare and the consequences faced by those who stand firm in their faith against oppressive forces.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 17:6 to your life
This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of persecution. It reminds us that suffering for our beliefs is a part of the Christian journey. We should support one another and honor the sacrifices made by those who have gone before us in faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 17:6 mean?
Revelation 17:6 describes a vision of a woman who is intoxicated with the blood of saints and martyrs, symbolizing her role in the persecution of believers. This imagery highlights the severity of her actions and the suffering inflicted upon those who follow Jesus.
What is the significance of the blood of the martyrs in Revelation 17:6?
The blood of the martyrs in Revelation 17:6 represents the sacrifices made by believers throughout history. It emphasizes the seriousness of their commitment to Christ and the cost of faithfulness amidst persecution.
What does the woman in Revelation 17:6 symbolize?
The woman in Revelation 17:6 symbolizes overwhelming power and influence, as well as a complete disregard for the lives of those she persecutes. She embodies the forces of evil that oppose the faithful.
Why was John amazed in Revelation 17:6?
John was amazed in Revelation 17:6 because of the shocking vision he witnessed, depicting a woman drunk with the blood of saints. This scene illustrates the intense conflict between good and evil.

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.
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