What does Revelation 17:6 mean?

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 17:6

Explanation

Revelation 17:6 presents a symbolic and vivid image as part of a vision received by John, the author of the Book of Revelation. The verse depicts a woman who is described as being intoxicated with the blood of the saints and the martyrs of Jesus, causing amazement in the observer. The woman is often interpreted as a representation of a false religious system or corrupt city that persecutes and kills the followers of Christ. The metaphor of drunkenness indicates the woman’s excessive indulgence in violence against the saints and her extreme opposition to the followers of Christ. Meanwhile, the observer’s reaction of wonderment suggests a mix of horror and astonishment at the extent of her cruelty and the implicit judgement that awaits her.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was likely written towards the end of the first century A.D. during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian, who is known to have persecuted Christians. The symbolism in Revelation often reflects the cultural, political, and religious situations faced by early Christians, particularly the Roman Empire’s idolatrous practices and oppression of Christians. The woman mentioned in this verse is associated with the image of Babylon, a historical and biblical symbol of human pride, idolatry, and defiance against God. Ancient readers may have associated the oppressive figure with Rome, perceived as a city that shed the blood of believers.

Theological Insights

Theologically, several perspectives arise from this verse. Some interpret the woman as the personification of a false church or apostate religion contrasted with the true Bride of Christ, the church. Others see her as representing a secular and political power that violently opposes and attempts to annihilate God’s people. From a prophetic standpoint, this woman is often seen as a future entity or system that will play a significant role in the end times, preceding the Second Coming of Christ. The indulgence in the blood of saints underscores the severity of her actions and the surety of divine retribution that will follow.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Revelation 17:6 may serve as a warning to believers to remain steadfast in their faith and wary of false doctrine or systems of power that oppose Christian values. It encourages Christians to be discerning about their affiliations and to stand up against persecution and moral corruption. Moreover, it reminds the faithful that justice for persecution will be served, offering them hope and perseverance in times of suffering.

Cross-References

• Revelation 14:8: And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
• Revelation 18:24: And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
• Revelation 19:2: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

• “μεθύουσαν (methyousan)” translated as “drunken,” which conveys the sense of intoxication and overindulgence.
• “ἁγίων (hagiōn)” and “μαρτύρων (martyrōn) Iēsou,” translated as “saints” and “martyrs of Jesus,” referring to those who are consecrated and bear witness to the faith, even unto death.
• “θαμβέω (thambeō)” translated as “wondered,” which suggests a reaction of amazement or astonishment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The imagery in Revelation bears similarities to other ancient mythologies where women symbolize cities, nations, or religious systems. For example, the goddess Roma was personified as the female embodiment of Rome and its power. In the Hebrew Bible, cities such as Jerusalem are often personified as women (as in Lamentations and Isaiah). This use of feminine imagery to represent entities may draw on a cultural understanding where nurturing or destructive maternal figures embody collective identities and moral stances.

Scientific Perspectives

Revelation is an apocalyptic text rich in symbolism and metaphor, and as such, it does not directly engage with scientific perspectives in the way we understand them today. However, modern psychology could lend insight into the use of vivid imagery and its effect on the human psyche, particularly in expressing collective fear, hope, and social or moral commentaries through apocalyptic literature.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer differing interpretations of Revelation 17:6:

• Traditional dispensationalist commentators often view this verse as prophesying a future one-world religious system opposed to Christianity.
• Historicist commentators might assert that the verse reflects specific events and entities in history, such as the corrupt state of the church in the Middle Ages or the oppressive actions of certain political powers.
• Amillennialist and preterist commentators may interpret the verse as symbolic of the ongoing struggle between good and evil throughout the church age, which culminates in Christ’s ultimate triumph without necessarily pinpointing it to specific historical or future events.