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

"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

Revelation 17:6 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "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 a vision given to the apostle John by an angel. In this particular section, John is shown a vision of a great prostitute, which represents a corrupt and idolatrous system that will deceive many people in the end times.

The woman in this verse is described as being "drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus." This imagery suggests that the corrupt system represented by the prostitute has been responsible for the persecution and killing of faithful Christians throughout history. The use of the word "drunken" indicates that this system is intoxicated with the suffering and death of believers, reveling in their destruction.

The phrase "blood of the saints" refers to the persecution of faithful followers of God, while "blood of the martyrs of Jesus" specifically refers to those who have been killed for their unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. This language emphasizes the severe and violent opposition that believers will face from the corrupt system depicted in this vision.

The impact of this verse is heightened by the reaction of John, who is said to have "wondered with great admiration" when he saw the woman. It's important to note that the word "admiration" in this context does not imply a positive or approving response, but rather a sense of astonishment or amazement at the magnitude of the corruption and persecution symbolized by the woman.

This passage in Revelation 17:6 carries several important themes and messages. Firstly, it serves as a warning to believers about the existence of a powerful and corrupt system that will oppose the truth of the gospel and persecute those who remain faithful to God. This warning is meant to prepare and strengthen believers for the challenges they will face in their faith journey.

Additionally, this verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the ongoing struggle between good and evil. The woman in the vision represents the forces of darkness that seek to undermine and destroy the work of God in the world, while the saints and martyrs symbolize those who remain steadfast in their faith despite the relentless opposition they face.

Symbolically, the woman in this vision represents not just a single entity, but a broader concept of spiritual deception and persecution that has existed throughout history and will continue to be a threat to the church. The imagery of being "drunken with blood" conveys the insatiable and destructive nature of this corrupt system, which is driven by a thirst for power and control.

Overall, Revelation 17:6 is a powerful and sobering reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers will face, as well as a call to remain vigilant and faithful in the face of opposition. It is a stark depiction of the reality of persecution and suffering that many followers of Christ have endured, while also pointing to the ultimate victory that will be achieved through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement to stand firm in faith and trust in the sovereignty of God, even in the midst of trials and tribulations.

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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."

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."

"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

"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

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 6:17 - "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

Revelation 6:17 - "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

"For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" - Revelation 6:17

"For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" - Revelation 6:17

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 6

Revelation 6

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 13:16-17

Revelation 13:16-17

Revelation 5:6

Revelation 5:6

Revelation 21:6

Revelation 21:6

Revelation 14:6

Revelation 14:6

Revelation 5:6

Revelation 5:6

Revelation 5:6

Revelation 5:6

Revelation 17:17 - "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled."

Revelation 17:17 - "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled."

Revelation 17:13 - "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast."

Revelation 17:13 - "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast."

Revelation 17:18 - "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."

Revelation 17:18 - "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."

Revelation 14:17 - "And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle."

Revelation 14:17 - "And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle."

Revelation 17:5 - "And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."

Revelation 17:5 - "And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."

Revelation 17:9 - "And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth."

Revelation 17:9 - "And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth."

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