Revelation 17:6 — “I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished.”
Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, the vision reaches a disturbing climax. The woman—already shown to be dressed in wealth and identified with spiritual corruption—is now revealed to be violent. She is described as being “drunk with the blood” of God’s people, especially those who remained faithful to Jesus. This isn’t just a symbolic image of persecution; it’s a picture of cruelty and satisfaction in that persecution. She’s not just guilty of killing them—she’s intoxicated by it, showing a deep hatred toward those who follow Christ.
John, the writer, is shocked. After everything he has already seen in his vision, this particular scene leaves him “greatly astonished.” The woman had looked attractive and powerful on the outside, but now the full horror of her actions is exposed.
Historical Context
For early Christians living under the Roman Empire, this vision hit close to home. Many of them were facing real persecution for their faith—some had lost homes, jobs, or even their lives for following Jesus. Rome, often seen as the symbolic “Babylon,” had become drunk with power and was actively suppressing the early church.
Christians refused to worship the emperor or participate in pagan rituals, and that made them targets. To see this woman as a picture of Rome—a wealthy, seductive, yet bloodthirsty power—would have made immediate sense to the early church.
But the image goes beyond Rome. Throughout history, wherever there is a system or movement that opposes the truth of Christ and targets His followers, this vision speaks clearly. It is a warning about the hatred the world can have toward God’s people.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals a hard but important truth: faithfulness to Jesus can bring suffering. The world system that is set against God is not passive—it actively resists those who belong to Him. Jesus Himself warned that His followers would be hated (John 15:18-20). The woman’s drunkenness with the blood of believers is a picture of how deeply the world can oppose the light of the gospel.
At the same time, this verse assures us that God sees it all. The deaths of His people are not ignored or forgotten. Later in Revelation, God brings justice to those who were killed for their faith (Revelation 6:9-11; Revelation 20:4). Evil may have its day, but it will not have the last word.
Literary Analysis
The image of being “drunk with blood” is intense and shocking. It paints the woman not just as a deceiver, but as someone who delights in violence. The metaphor pushes us to see spiritual warfare not as a quiet struggle, but as something fierce and deadly.
John’s reaction—being “greatly astonished”—adds to the weight of the moment. Even the one receiving the vision is overwhelmed by the evil he sees. This shows how deceptive the appearance of the woman really was. She looked rich and royal, but her true nature was brutal and deadly.
This emotional reaction helps the reader feel the seriousness of what is being revealed. It is not just about ideas—it’s about life, death, and the cost of loyalty to Jesus.
Cross-References
- John 15:18-20 — Jesus tells His disciples, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”
- Matthew 5:10-12 — “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…”
- Revelation 6:9-10 — The souls of martyrs cry out, “How long, Sovereign Lord… until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”
- Revelation 18:24 — Babylon is accused of being guilty of the blood of prophets and saints.
- Hebrews 11:36-38 — Describes faithful believers who suffered greatly for their trust in God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that following Jesus may come with a cost. In many parts of the world, believers still face persecution—some even lose their lives. In other places, the pressure may be more social or cultural, but the temptation to compromise or stay silent remains strong.
Christians today need to be ready to stand firm, even when the world mocks, rejects, or attacks. This verse helps us understand that such opposition isn’t new—it’s part of the long struggle between truth and lies, light and darkness.
But it also assures us that God sees every act of faithfulness. The blood of His people is precious to Him, and He will bring justice in His time.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
A loving God never abandons His people, even when they suffer. This verse shows us that God is watching, recording, and remembering the pain His people go through for His name. He does not minimize it or forget it. In fact, later in Revelation, He will avenge their blood and bring complete justice.
His love is shown not by sparing His people from every hardship, but by being with them through it. Jesus said, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). That promise stands, even in the middle of persecution.
God’s love also means that evil will not win. This woman may be drunk with blood now, but her judgment is coming. God is patient, but He is not indifferent.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate example of someone hated and killed for standing in the truth. He bore the worst of the world’s violence and overcame it through His resurrection. The same world that opposed Him will also oppose those who follow Him.
But Jesus also promises to reward those who stay faithful. In Revelation 2:10, He says, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” His own suffering and victory give us hope that suffering for Him is never wasted.
He knows what it is to be rejected, and He stands with every believer who faces pressure, pain, or even death for His name. The woman in this verse is temporary. Jesus is eternal.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think John was “greatly astonished” by the woman’s actions?
- How does this verse challenge our expectations about what it means to follow Jesus?
- In what ways does the world still “get drunk” on the suffering or silencing of God’s people?
- How should Christians respond when facing persecution—whether physical, social, or emotional?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s justice and His care for His people?
- How does Jesus’ own suffering give meaning to the suffering of His followers?
- What practical steps can you take to stand firm in your faith when it’s tested?