Revelation 16:6
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The verse highlights a stark principle of divine justice: those who unjustly shed innocent blood are given the horrifying fate of drinking that very blood. This isn't just poetic imagery; it’s a profound declaration that God holds accountable those who perpetuate violence, returning their own cruelty upon them in a powerful, echoing judgment.
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse explains the divine justice behind the horrific judgments described, particularly the transformation of waters into blood. It reveals that God's wrath is a righteous response to the centuries of persecution and the blood of God's faithful people that has been shed by wicked oppressors throughout history. Therefore, the enemies of God are receiving a fitting retribution, a blood-soaked judgment that mirrors their own violent deeds against His saints and prophets.
Why is shedding blood met with drinking blood? This verse isn't just a curse; it's a profound statement about divine justice that echoes throughout Scripture.
The core of this verse is the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation. The ancient world, and Scripture, often understood justice through this lens: a punishment should correspond to the offense.
The final declaration, 'It is what they deserve!' feels abrupt and powerful. What makes this verdict so definitive?
The phrase "for they are worthy" (or "they deserve it") carries immense theological weight. It's not about human merit but about divine justice aligning perfectly with the deeds done.
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Understand the original words
hagios · Greek Noun
Refers to those set apart by God for His service and purposes. In the New Testament, it signifies all believers who are sanctified in Christ Jesus.
prophētēs · Greek Noun
Individuals called by God to receive and proclaim His message to His people. They are characterized by their faithfulness to God’s word, often in the face of opposition or persecution.
Revelation 16:6 speaks of the 'blood of saints and prophets' being shed, a theme that resonates deeply with the historical reality of early Christian martyrdoms. The verse connects the violent actions of persecutors with divine retribution, suggesting that those who caused such suffering will themselves face a judgment characterized by a 'drinking of blood' – a metaphor for experiencing the devastation they inflicted.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
The execution of Jesus by Roman authorities, seen by early Christians as the ultimate injustice and shedding of innocent blood.
c. 30-60 AD
Early Christian Persecutions
Following Jesus' death, his followers faced increasing persecution from Jewish authorities and, in some regions, Roman officials. This included beatings, imprisonments, and, in some cases, executions.
c. 64-67 AD— this verse
Nero's Persecution of Christians
Emperor Nero scapegoated Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, leading to widespread and brutal torture and executions. This event marked a significant escalation of Roman persecution.
c. 95 AD
Domitian's Persecution
Emperor Domitian demanded divine honors for himself, leading to the persecution of Christians and Jews who refused to comply. This period saw the exile or execution of many believers.
c. 250-313 AD
Decian and Diocletianic Persecutions
Emperors Decius and Diocletian launched systematic empire-wide attempts to eradicate Christianity, involving widespread martyrdom and apostasy.
This passage echoes the idea of oppressors being made to consume their own oppressors, mirroring the divine judgment of making those who shed blood drink blood.
Jeremiah 15:2-3Jeremiah laments that judgment (sword, famine, captivity) is coming upon Judah because of their sin, and even the predators will act as agents of judgment, a parallel to God using the 'blood' of judgment against those who shed it.
Matthew 23:35Jesus directly accuses the religious leaders of being responsible for the blood of all the righteous shed from the beginning, linking their actions to a future accounting, which Revelation 16 echoes with a divine response.
Revelation 17:6This verse in Revelation explicitly identifies the 'great city' as being drunk with the blood of the saints and martyrs, directly aligning with the accusation and judgment described in Revelation 16:6.
Genesis 9:6This foundational text establishes the principle of 'blood for blood' - 'Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed' - as a divine law, underscoring the principle of justice seen in Revelation 16:6.
ellicottRevelation 16:6: "For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy."
(6) For they have shed . . . —Better, Because they shed (not, “have shed,” but did shed, or pour out ) , and blood didst Thou give them; they are worthy. “For” is to be omitted; the sentence has a startling force without it. They— i.e., those enemies of all righteousness—are worthy; they receive the due reward of their deeds.
pulpitRevelation 16:6: "For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy."
Verse 6. - For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. This supplies the key to the interpretation of the previous visions. The ungodly have shed the blood of saints, therefore God deals out death to them. This is the meaning signified by the "blood" of the previous verses (cf. the doom of Bab…
The verse highlights a stark principle of divine justice: those who unjustly shed innocent blood are given the horrifying fate of drinking that very blood. This isn't just poetic imagery; it’s a profound declaration that God holds accountable those who perpetuate violence, returning their own cruelty upon them in a powerful, echoing judgment.
This verse explains the divine justice behind the horrific judgments described, particularly the transformation of waters into blood. It reveals that God's wrath is a righteous response to the centuries of persecution and the blood of God's faithful people that has been shed by wicked oppressors throughout history. Therefore, the enemies of God are receiving a fitting retribution, a blood-soaked judgment that mirrors their own violent deeds against His saints and prophets.
This verse explains the divine justice behind the horrific judgments described, particularly the transformation of waters into blood. It reveals that God's wrath is a righteous response to the centuries of persecution and the blood of God's faithful people that has been shed by wicked oppressors throughout history. Therefore, the enemies of God are receiving a fitting retribution, a blood-soaked judgment that mirrors their own violent deeds against His saints and prophets.
"For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!”" — The verse highlights a stark principle of divine justice: those who unjustly shed innocent blood are given the horrifying fate of drinking that very blood. This isn't just poetic imagery; it’s a prof…
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Last reviewed October 2026
