Revelation 16:6

Authorized King James Version

For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
G3754
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
αἷμα
G129
blood
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
#3
ἁγίων
G40
of saints
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#4
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
προφητῶν
G4396
prophets
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#6
ἐξέχεαν
G1632
they have shed
to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow
#7
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
αἷμα
G129
blood
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
#9
αὐτοῖς
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#10
έδωκας
G1325
thou hast given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#11
πιεῖν
G4095
to drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)
#12
ἄξιοί
G514
worthy
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
#13
γάρ
G1063
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#14
εἰσιν
G1526
they are
they are

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection