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 17:6KJV
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Revelation 17:6 (KJV)

What does Revelation 17:6 mean?

Revelation 17:6 describes a vision where John sees a woman who is "drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus," and he reacts with great astonishment. This verse highlights the shocking extent of the woman's violence against those faithful to Jesus, leaving John deeply amazed by what he witnesses.

In this passage, John, the author of Revelation, is being shown a symbolic vision by an angel. The "woman" represents a powerful and corrupt force that has persecuted followers of Jesus ("saints" and "martyrs"). John's reaction of wonder and admiration is not positive approval, but a sense of being overwhelmed and disturbed by the scale and horror of what he sees.

The Greek behind Revelation 17:6

  • The word for "drunken" (μεθύουσα, methuousa) means more than just having drunk; it suggests being completely filled or intoxicated, emphasizing the woman's excessive violence and cruelty.
  • The word for "martyrs" (μαρτύρων, martyron) specifically refers to witnesses—those who have testified about Jesus, often at the cost of their lives. This highlights that the victims are not just any people, but those who stood firm in their faith.
  • The phrase "wondered with great admiration" uses two related Greek words (ἐθαύμασα, ethaumasa and θαύμα, thauma), which together stress John's intense shock and amazement, not admiration in the sense of approval, but a reaction to something astonishing and disturbing.

Why Revelation 17:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the persecution of Christians is not just a minor detail but a central feature of the vision, showing the seriousness of the opposition faced by believers.
  • It connects the woman's actions to the broader themes of Revelation, where forces opposed to God are often pictured as violently attacking the faithful.
  • John's reaction reminds readers that even someone as spiritually mature as he is can be stunned by the depth of evil in the world, inviting readers to recognize the reality and gravity of such suffering.

Where else these words appear

“drunken” Greek G3184 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 24:49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
  • Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

“martyrs” Greek G3144 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
  • Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

“wondered” Greek G2296 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Luke 1:63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
  • John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

“blood” Greek G129 · used in 92 verses

  • Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
  • Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
  • Hebrews 9:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;