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.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Revelation that describes the vision of John, the apostle, as he sees various symbolic figures and events.
To understand the meaning of Revelation 17:6, it is essential to consider the broader context of the book of Revelation. The book is a highly symbolic and apocalyptic work that depicts a series of visions given to John on the island of Patmos. It contains prophecies about the end times, the ultimate victory of God, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
In Revelation 17, John sees a vision of a woman sitting upon a scarlet-coloured beast. This woman is described as a great prostitute, Babylon the Great, who has influenced and deceived the nations. She is shown as being drunk with the blood of the saints and the martyrs of Jesus, causing John to wonder with great admiration.
The woman symbolises a spiritual entity, often interpreted as representing a corrupt and idolatrous system or city that opposes God’s kingdom. Some interpretations suggest that the woman represents Rome, which was known for its persecution of early Christians and its idolatry. The woman’s “drunkenness” with the blood of the saints signifies her participation in persecution and violence against believers.
The image of the woman being drunk with blood suggests an insatiable thirst for the suffering and death of those who faithfully follow Jesus Christ. It symbolises the intense hostility and opposition that the forces of evil, represented by the woman, exhibit toward God’s people throughout history.
John’s sense of admiration or wonder may indicate his astonishment at the power and influence that the woman wields over the world, as well as his recognition of the immense suffering endured by the saints and martyrs. It highlights the stark contrast between the worldly powers aligned against God and His faithful followers.
Overall, Revelation 17:6 underscores the reality of persecution and the opposition that believers face throughout history. It serves as a reminder that, despite the temporary triumphs of evil, God ultimately brings justice and establishes His kingdom. It encourages believers to remain faithful in the face of persecution, trusting in God’s sovereignty and His ultimate victory over all evil powers.
