BibleWord.ai› Bible› Revelation› Chapter 16› Verse 6

Revelation 16:6

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 16:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, and blood hast thou given them to drink: they are worthy.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, and blood hast thou given them to drink: they are worthy.
Revelation 16:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3And the second poured out his bowl into the sea; and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living soul died, [even] the things that were in the sea.
4And the third poured out his bowl into the rivers and the fountains of the waters; and it became blood.
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:
6for they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, and blood hast thou given them to drink: they are worthy.
7And I heard the altar saying, Yea, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
8And the fourth poured out his bowl upon the sun; and it was given unto it to scorch men with fire.
9And men were scorched men with great heat: and they blasphemed the name of God who hath the power over these plagues; and they repented not to give him glory.
← Revelation 16:5Revelation 16:7 →
← Full Chapter 16 Revelation Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, etc.] Which shows that rivers and fountains cannot be literally understood, but men are designed, wicked and bloody men; and it is notorious to all, how much of the blood of the saints, of the preachers of the Gospel, of the prophets and witnesses, have been shed in Italy, Savoy, and other places near Rome, as well as in Rome itself; (see <661706>Revelation 17:6 18:24). And thou hast given them blood to drink; sent the sword among them, making great slaughter and devastation; (see <234926>Isaiah 49:26) for they are worthy; or deserving, to have their blood shed by the law of retaliation.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Rev 11:18, end; Gen 9:6; Isa 49:26.) An anticipation of Rev 18:20, Rev 18:24; compare Rev 13:15. For--A, B, C, and ANDREAS omit.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For they have shed the blood of saints - The nations here referred to. They have been engaged in scenes of bloody persecution, and this is a just recompense. And prophets - Teachers of religion; ministers of truth. It is not necessary to understand the word “prophets” here in its technical sense, as denoting those who are raised up by God and sent forth as inspired men, but it may be understood in its more common signification in the New Testament as denoting teachers of religion in general. See the Romans 12:6 note; 1 Corinthians 14:1 note. And thou hast given them blood to drink - To wit, by turning the streams and fountains into blood, Revelation 16:4. Blood had been poured out in such…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou host given then, blood to drink - Men do not drink out of the sea, but out of fountains and rivers. Therefore this is fitly added here. They are worthy - Is subjoined with a beautiful abruptness. Revelation 16:7”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“16:6 Punishment of God’s enemies is a just reward because they killed God’s holy people and prophets. Because they have shed . . . blood, they must drink . . . blood. The principle of lex talionis (the law of retribution), the basis of Roman and Jewish jurisprudence, means that God is completely just in judging and rewarding people on the basis of what they have done (see 2:23; 11:18; 14:13; 18:6; 20:12, 13; 22:12).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they have: Rev 6:10, Rev 6:11, Rev 13:10, Rev 13:15, Rev 17:6, Rev 17:7, Rev 18:24, Rev 19:2; Deu 32:42, Deu 32:43; Kg2 24:4; Isa 49:26, Isa 51:22, Isa 51:23; Jer 2:30; Lam 4:13; Mat 7:2, Mat 21:35-41, Mat 23:30-37 for they are: Rev 11:18, Rev 18:20; Jer 26:11, Jer 26:16; Luk 12:48; Heb 10:29 Revelation 16:7”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Revelation 16 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification