What is the meaning of Revelation 17:6? I could see that the woman was drunk John is carried “in the Spirit” (Revelation 17:3) and given a clear, Spirit-inspired look at the woman called “Babylon the Great.” What he sees is no vague impression; the language stresses visibility—he literally “could see.” • The woman represents a real, end-times religious-political system that seduces the world (Revelation 17:1-5; 18:3). • Her “drunkenness” is a vivid picture of excess. She is not merely guilty; she is saturated and stupefied by her sin, just as literal drunkenness overwhelms and controls (Jeremiah 51:7). • Scripture never dismisses evil as abstract. Just as the Beast is an actual future ruler (Revelation 13:1-8; 17:11-13), this woman is the literal embodiment of a counterfeit faith that will dominate global culture. with the blood of the saints and witnesses for Jesus The intoxicant in her cup is horrific: “the blood of the saints.” • “Saints” are believers set apart in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2). Their faithfulness makes them targets (2 Timothy 3:12). • “Witnesses for Jesus” (martyrs) willingly testify unto death (Revelation 6:9-11; 20:4; Matthew 24:9-13). • The woman’s drunken delight shows the system’s passionate hatred of true faith, echoing earlier persecutions under Pharaoh (Exodus 1:16-22) and Herod (Matthew 2:16). • God notes every drop spilled; judgment is certain (Revelation 18:24; 19:2). And I was utterly amazed John’s reaction is raw: he is “utterly amazed.” • Even after witnessing cosmic judgments (Revelation 6–16), this sight shocks him, highlighting the depth of evil. • Amazement is not approval; it is stunned horror, similar to Habakkuk’s reaction to Babylon of old (Habakkuk 1:13). • The angel immediately asks, “Why are you amazed?” (Revelation 17:7), reminding believers that God’s plan remains in control despite appearances (Psalm 37:12-13). at the sight of her John’s amazement centers on “her”—the woman herself, radiantly attractive yet deadly. • Evil often appears beautiful (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Her jewels (Revelation 17:4) lure victims, masking murderous intent. • The vision calls the church to discernment: – Reject seductive compromise (James 4:4). – Stand apart from Babylon’s system (Revelation 18:4). – Trust Christ to conquer; “the Lamb will triumph over them” (Revelation 17:14). summary Revelation 17:6 unveils a literal, future entity—Babylon the Great—so saturated with the slaughter of believers that she is pictured as drunk on their blood. John’s stunned reaction underscores both the ugliness of persecution and the deceptive glamour of evil. For today’s church, the verse warns against compromise, prepares us for possible suffering, and steadies our hope: the Lamb sees, remembers, and will judge. |
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