What does Revelation 16:6 mean?

For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. Revelation 16:6

Explanation

Revelation 16:6 is part of a passage describing the pouring out of the seven bowls of God’s wrath upon the earth, which is a segment of the prophetic visions found in the Book of Revelation. The speaker in this verse, presumably an angel or God himself, is justifying why the people are being made to drink blood as a form of divine retribution. The rationale is that since these people (namely, the enemies of God) have shed the blood of saints and prophets, it is fitting for them to be given blood to drink. The phrase “for they are worthy” is an ironic statement, signaling that their wicked actions have merited this form of punishment. The verse can be taken both literally, in the context of the vision, and symbolically, representing the just consequences of violent actions.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written towards the end of the first century A.D., attributed to John of Patmos. The Roman Empire governed the region at the time, and Christians were often subjected to persecution due to their faith. Revelation was written in a genre known as apocalyptic literature, characterized by symbolic and vivid imagery, often to convey messages of divine judgment and hope for the oppressed faithful. The disturbing imagery in Revelation 16:6 reflects the experiences and expectations of early Christians who were facing severe persecution, and the anticipated divine retribution against their persecutors.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Revelation 16:6 can be interpreted in several ways. Preterists believe that the events described in Revelation occurred in the first century and this verse referred to the fall of Jerusalem or the judgment of Rome. Historicism views this prophecy as unfolding throughout the church age, with the punishment representing God’s judgments on oppressive powers. Futurists interpret it as an event to occur at the end of the world, and for dispensationalists, it’s part of the Great Tribulation.

Practical Applications

This verse can remind believers of the principle of divine justice. The concept that actions have consequences is a universal moral teaching, and people are encouraged to reflect on how their actions impact others, striving to live righteously. Additionally, while humans may desire retribution, this verse can also teach forgiveness and leaving judgment to God.

Cross-References

• 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 great admiration.”
• Revelation 18:24: “And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.”
• Matthew 23:35: “That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.”

Language Study

Greek keywords from Revelation 16:6:

• “blood” (Greek: αἷμα, haima): often symbolic of life and sacrifice in biblical context.
• “saints” (Greek: ἁγίων, hagiōn): refers to holy ones or consecrated individuals, typically followers of Christ in the New Testament.
• “prophets” (Greek: προφητῶν, prophētōn): messengers who spoke God’s truth, often persecuted in biblical narratives.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to other ancient cultures, the early Christian community that produced the Book of Revelation had apocalyptic expectations. Many ancient cultures had myths where divinities enacted severe punishments upon the wicked, often involving role-reversals and poetic justice. Revelation’s themes can be compared to other Near Eastern religions that also had vivid eschatological visions and prophecies.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science does not typically intersect with the supernatural and prophetic contents of biblical apocalyptic literature like Revelation. Therefore, discussing scientific perspectives on a scriptural text involving divine wrath poured out in the form of turning rivers to blood (as in the following verses) is not intrinsic to scientific inquiry. However, the concept of cause and effect found in this verse does parallel scientific understandings of natural consequences following certain actions.

commentaries

Revelation 16:6 commentary interpretations vary among biblical scholars. Some commentators such as Matthew Henry see this verse as an expression of God’s fair and righteous judgment. Others, like Craig S. Keener, suggest that it is a symbolic representation of the Roman empire’s violent persecution of Christians and the subsequent divine retribution. Contemporary scholarship often focuses on the socio-political implications of Revelation while acknowledging the broader theological message of God’s ultimate authority and the triumph of good over evil.