Devine Scripture

Revelation 16:6

What does Revelation 16:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 16:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 16:6 means

Heaven explains the fittingness of the judgment: those under wrath had “poured out the blood of saints and prophets,” so God gives them blood to drink. The punishment answers the crime. The word “worthy” here is ironic; it means they have earned this outcome. The persecution of God’s people, always known to Him, does not vanish into history unaddressed. The Lord vindicates His witnesses, not by human revenge, but by His own measured recompense. The image of drinking blood underscores how perpetrators are made to taste the results of their violence. Divine justice is not arbitrary; it is morally proportioned and publicly vindicated.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and blood hast thou given them to drink: they are worthy.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and blood hast thou given them to drink: they are worthy.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For they made the blood of saints and prophets come out like a stream, and blood have you given them for drink; which is their right reward.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

because blood of saints and prophets they did pour out, and blood to them Thou didst give to drink, for they are worthy;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse completes the heavenly rationale for the water judgments and clarifies their moral logic. It flows from the praise in verse 5 and leads straight into a second heavenly affirmation in verse 7. The sequence matters: interpretation is given before new judgments fall, so readers understand God’s character when the plagues intensify. After this double witness from heaven, the narrative moves from the waters to the heavens themselves, as the fourth bowl scorches with extraordinary heat.

v.5And I heard the angel of the waters saying, Righteous art thou, who art and who wast, thou Holy One, because thou didst thus judge:

v.6This passage

v.7And I heard the altar saying, Yea, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 11:49

    Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send unto them prophets and apostles; and some of them they shall kill and persecute;

  • Deuteronomy 32:42

    I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, And my sword shall devour flesh; With the blood of the slain and the captives, From the head of the leaders of the enemy.

  • Jeremiah 2:30

    In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

  • Hebrews 10:29

    of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

  • Revelation 17:6

    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 a great wonder.

  • Luke 12:48

    but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more.

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