Revelation 16:6
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
Study Note
Study Note
The divine vindication declared at the third bowl judgment — 'for they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink' — applies the lex talionis (law of proportionate judgment) to the persecutors of God's witnesses. The phrase 'it is what they deserve!' (axios eisin) affirms that divine judgment is morally coherent, not arbitrary — the punishment corresponds precisely to the crime. The imagery of drinking blood inverts the Roman imperial imagery of power and conquest, showing that those who build their dominance on the death of the faithful are themselves saturated with the consequences of their violence. The verse belongs to Revelation's sustained theodicy: the delay in divine judgment does not indicate divine indifference but divine patience, and its eventual arrival will be precisely calibrated to the evil committed.
Other Translations
for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and blood hast thou given them to drink: they are worthy.
because blood of saints and prophets they did pour out, and blood to them Thou didst give to drink, for they are worthy;'
For they made the blood of saints and prophets come out like a stream, and blood have you given them for drink; which is their right reward.
Cross References
I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of …
Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance …
And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the Lord would …
And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own …
Thus saith thy Lord the Lord, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken …
But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow …
In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a …
Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy …
Then said the princes and all the people unto the priests and to the prophets; This man is not worthy …
For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just …