Albert Barnes Commentary Revelation 17:6

"And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered with a great wonder." — Revelation 17:6 (ASV)

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints. This refers to a reeling, intoxicated harlot—for that is the image maintained throughout. Regarding the phrase "drunken with blood," compare Jeremiah 46:10. "The phraseology is derived from the barbarous custom (still existing among many Pagan nations) of drinking the blood of the enemies slain in the way of revenge. The effect of drinking blood is said to be to exasperate, and to intoxicate with passion and a desire of revenge."—Prof. Stuart, in loc. The meaning here is that the persecuting power referred to had shed the blood of the saints; and that, in its fury, it had, as it were, drunk the blood of the slain, and had become, by drinking that blood, intoxicated and infuriated. No one need say how applicable this has been to the Papacy. Compare, however, Barnes on Daniel 7:21, 25; Revelation 12:13–14; and Revelation 13:15.

And with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. Especially with their blood. The meaning is that the warfare in which so much blood was shed was directed against the saints as such, and that in fact it focused particularly on those who, amidst cruel sufferings, were faithful witnesses for the Lord Jesus and deserved to be called, preeminently, martyrs. Compare: See Barnes on Revelation 2:13; See Barnes on Revelation 6:9; See Barnes on Revelation 11:5; and See Barnes on Revelation 11:7.

How applicable this is to the Papacy, let the blood shed in the valleys of Piedmont; the blood shed in the Low Countries by the Duke of Alva; the blood shed on St. Bartholomew's day; and the blood shed in the Inquisition, testify.

And when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. I was astonished at her appearance; at her attire, and at the things which were so significantly symbolized by her.