Revelation 16:6
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)
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This verse makes a powerful point through its abruptness: God's judgment is not random, but a precise, righteous response. The declaration "It is what they deserve!" is placed with stunning force, directly linking the shed blood of God's people to the blood they are now forced to drink, highlighting perfect, though terrible, justice.
This verse explains the reason behind the terrible judgment being poured out—the people addressed have a history of brutally murdering God's faithful followers, the saints and prophets. God's response is a just retribution, giving them the very blood they so wantonly spilled, a fitting punishment for their wicked deeds.
Why does God’s judgment seem to mirror the very sins of those being judged?
This verse reveals a core principle of divine justice: retribution. Those who have spilled the blood of God's faithful people – the saints and prophets who stood for truth – will face a judgment that reflects their own violence. God isn't just punishing them; He's giving them 'blood to drink,' a potent metaphor for experiencing the consequences of their cruelty.
This isn't arbitrary vengeance. The scholars point out that the original Greek suggests the reason for this judgment is because they shed this blood. It's a concept of 'an eye for an eye,' but divinely administered and perfectly just. The shedding of innocent blood demands a reckoning, and God ensures that those who perpetrate such evil will ultimately face the horror they inflicted on others.
What makes a person truly 'worthy' of God’s judgment?
The declaration 'they are worthy!' lands with striking abruptness in this verse. It’s a pronouncement of absolute divine verdict. The original language emphasizes this isn't a plea or a hope, but a statement of fact about their just deserts.
This 'worthiness' isn't about their merit or good deeds; it’s about their accountability for the evil they've committed. Their worthiness lies in their just condemnation. God's judgment aligns perfectly with their actions, making their fate a righteous consequence. As one commentary notes, this judgment is the 'due reward of their deeds.' It's a solemn reminder that while God is merciful, His justice is also absolute and will ultimately hold everyone accountable for their choices.
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.
This verse speaks to the deep historical reality of the church's suffering under Roman persecution, particularly during the severe campaigns initiated by Diocletian, reminding believers that God sees their suffering and promises ultimate justice.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, leading to widespread persecution and martyrdom.
c. 90s AD
Persecution under Domitian
Emperor Domitian intensified persecutions against Christians, particularly those of Jewish background, viewing them as a threat to imperial authority.
c. 110-112 AD
Pliny the Younger's Inquiry
Governor Pliny the Younger wrote to Emperor Trajan seeking guidance on how to deal with Christians, indicating the ongoing issue and state-sanctioned harassment.
c. 250-251 AD
Decian Persecution
Emperor Decius ordered a universal sacrifice to the gods, requiring all citizens to obtain certificates of compliance, leading to severe persecution of those who refused.
c. 303-311 AD
This verse establishes a foundational principle of divine justice: 'Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed.' Revelation 16:6 echoes this with God directly enacting this retributive justice on those who have spilled the blood of His people.
Psalm 5:6The Psalmist cries out against wicked rulers, 'You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.' Revelation 16:6 reveals God's active response to such bloodshed, ensuring that those who have drenched the earth in innocent blood will themselves drink it.
Isaiah 49:26This prophetic passage declares, 'I will feed your oppressors with their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood.' Revelation 16:6 directly fulfills this, illustrating God's righteous judgment where oppressors face the gruesome consequences of their own violence.
Revelation 18:20This passage calls for divine vengeance, 'Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets! For God has given judgment for you against her.' Revelation 16:6 shows the initial outworking of this judgment, highlighting the specific reason for God's wrath: the blood of His faithful witnesses.
Luke 11:47-51ellicottRevelation 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…
This verse makes a powerful point through its abruptness: God's judgment is not random, but a precise, righteous response. The declaration "It is what they deserve!" is placed with stunning force, directly linking the shed blood of God's people to the blood they are now forced to drink, highlighting perfect, though terrible, justice.
This verse explains the reason behind the terrible judgment being poured out—the people addressed have a history of brutally murdering God's faithful followers, the saints and prophets. God's response is a just retribution, giving them the very blood they so wantonly spilled, a fitting punishment for their wicked deeds.
This verse explains the reason behind the terrible judgment being poured out—the people addressed have a history of brutally murdering God's faithful followers, the saints and prophets. God's response is a just retribution, giving them the very blood they so wantonly spilled, a fitting punishment for their wicked deeds.
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Great Persecution under Diocletian
The most severe and systematic persecution of Christians across the Roman Empire, involving destruction of churches and scriptures, and martyrdom of many believers.
c. 313 AD
Edict of Milan
Emperors Constantine and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire and effectively ending official persecution of Christians.
Jesus pronounces judgment on the scribes and Pharisees, lamenting that they build tombs for prophets and that 'the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation.' Revelation 16:6 mirrors this by directly linking the shedding of saints' and prophets' blood to deserved divine retribution.
"For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!”" — This verse makes a powerful point through its abruptness: God's judgment is not random, but a precise, righteous response. The declaration "It is what they deserve!" is placed with stunning force, di…
