Revelation 16:6

6 for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.”

Revelation 16:6 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!"
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 Since they shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, you have given them blood to drink. It is their just reward.”
The Message Bible (MSG)
6 They poured out the blood of saints and prophets so you've given them blood to drink - they've gotten what they deserve!
American Standard Version (ASV)
6 for they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, and blood hast thou given them to drink: they are worthy.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
6 You have given them blood to drink because they have poured out the blood of God's people and prophets. This is what they deserve."
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6 Because they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, You also gave them blood to drink; they deserve it!
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
6 The beast's worshipers have poured out the life's blood of your people and your prophets. So you have given those worshipers blood to drink. That's exactly what they should get."

Revelation 16:6 Meaning and Commentary

Revelation 16:6

For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets
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 ( Revelation 17:6 ) ( 18:24 ) .

And thou hast given them blood to drink;
sent the sword among them, making great slaughter and devastation; see ( Isaiah 49:26 )

for they are worthy;
or deserving, to have their blood shed by the law of retaliation.

Revelation 16:6 In-Context

4 The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.
5 Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: “You are just in these judgments, O Holy One, you who are and who were;
6 for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets, and you have given them blood to drink as they deserve.”
7 And I heard the altar respond: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments.”
8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Luke 11:49-51
  • 2. Isaiah 49:26; Revelation 17:6; Revelation 18:24
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.