Revelation 16:6

The First Six Bowls of Wrath · Revelation 16:1–16
Read Revelation 16

Translations

Modern
For they have spilled the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink, as they deserve.”
Traditional
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
Literal
…because they poured out the blood of saints and of prophets, and You have given to them blood to drink; they are worthy.”
Latin
…quia sanguinem sanctorum et prophetarum effuderunt, et sanguinem eis dedisti bibere: digni enim sunt.

Original

Greek
English
For they have spilled the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink, as they deserve.”

Notes

Punishing God's enemies is fair because they killed God's holy people and prophets. Since they shed blood, they must drink blood. The principle of lex talionis (the law of retribution), which is the basis of Roman and Jewish law, shows that God is completely fair in judging and rewarding people based on their actions (see Revelation 2:23; 11:18; 14:13; 18:6; 20:12, 13; 22:12).

the angel of the waters: In Scripture, angels and archangels are shown to have special roles within the order of heaven (see Daniel 8:16; 9:21; 10:13, 21; 12:1; Luke 1:19, 26; see also 1 Enoch 66:1–2). This angel confirms that these judgments come from God, who is just and holy.

These seven bowls filled with God's wrath symbolize the final judgments on the world. With the seventh bowl, a voice from God's throne shouts, It is done! (Revelation 16:17; compare John 19:30).

Glossary

Armageddon Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Revelation Lucifer

Topics

Blood of Judgments Blood: (Given to Drink) of Severe Judgments Martyrdom: General Scriptures Concerning Prophets: Martyrs Temple: Sending Forth the Forces of Righteousness Against the Powers of Evil The Anger of God is Righteous