Analysis of Revelation Chapter 17
Revelation Chapter 17 delves into the imagery and symbolism associated with “the great harlot” and the “scarlet beast.” This chapter signifies the spiritual and moral corruption prevailing in the world, elucidating themes of deception, judgement, and divine sovereignty. The interpretations of this chapter have engaged scholars, theologians, and believers for centuries. Our exploration seeks to unpack the rich tapestry of symbols and insights presented in this revelatory narrative.
The Woman and the Scarlet Beast (Revelation 17:1-6)
“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, ‘Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality.'” (Revelation 17:1-2, NASB)
The chapter opens with an angel inviting John to witness the judgment of the “great harlot.” The phrase “sits on many waters” signifies widespread influence, corruption, and control over various peoples and nations. The harlot symbolizes a city or system deeply embedded in moral and spiritual degradation, leading others into sin. The reference to “the kings of the earth” indicates that those in power have often been complicit in this immorality, succumbing to temptations and forsaking divine commandments.
“And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality.” (Revelation 17:3-4, NASB)
John is transported “in the Spirit” to a wilderness, a place often symbolizing isolation and divine revelation. The woman on a scarlet beast underscores the union and reliance of apostate religion and political power. The beast, “full of blasphemous names” and described with “seven heads and ten horns,” echoes the earlier depiction of the dragon and the beast from Revelation 12 and 13, representing satanic powers and worldly kingdoms in opposition to God.
The woman’s attire (purple and scarlet) and her adornments (gold, precious stones) indicate wealth, power, and ostentation. The gold cup in her hand is filled with “abominations” and “unclean things,” pointing to overflowing corruption and idolatry. Thus, the woman represents a false religious system intertwined with worldly authorities, leading humanity away from divine truth towards spiritual corruption.
“And on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, ‘BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.'” (Revelation 17:5, NASB)
The name written on her forehead, “BABYLON THE GREAT,” connects the imagery to the historical and symbolic connotations of Babylon. In biblical tradition, Babylon is often a metaphor for adversity against God, oppression, and moral decay. By calling her “THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS,” the text underscores her progenitive role in propagating spiritual immorality and idolatry across the earth.
“And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered greatly.” (Revelation 17:6, NASB)
The woman being “drunk with the blood of the saints” reveals her culpability in persecuting and martyring those faithful to God. This echoes the suffering of early Christians under oppressive regimes and the ongoing persecution faced by believers throughout history. John’s “wonder” signifies astonishment and deep contemplation over the revelatory vision he perceives, reflecting the intense and layered symbolism presented.
The Mystery Explained (Revelation 17:7-14)
“And the angel said to me, ‘Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.'” (Revelation 17:7, NASB)
The angel recognizes John’s astonishment and offers to elucidate the symbolic meaning of the woman and the beast. This demonstrates that divine revelations, while complex, are ultimately revealed through guidance and discernment from God.
“The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come.” (Revelation 17:8, NASB)
The beast’s cyclical existence (“was, and is not, and is about to come”) evokes a sense of false resurrection, mimicking Christ’s resurrection. Emerging from the abyss signifies demonic origins and eventual destruction. Those whose names are not in the “book of life”—those who are not aligned with God—are deceived and fascinated by the beast’s deceptive power and temporary resurgence.
“Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits, and they are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while.” (Revelation 17:9-10, NASB)
The “seven heads” representing “seven mountains” suggest a city with a significant geographical and political identity, historically linked to Rome (“the city on seven hills”). The “seven kings” could denote successive empires or rulers in a prophetic timeline, with an indication that the current reigning power (“one is”) will eventually be replaced by another, whose rule is brief (“he must remain a little while”). This succession underscores the temporality of earthly kingdoms compared to divine eternal sovereignty.
“The beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction.” (Revelation 17:11, NASB)
The “eighth” king, part of the series yet distinct, represents a culmination or apex of evil, interlinked with the series yet separated by its finality in judgment (“goes to destruction”). Antichrist interpretations often associate this figure with ultimate opposition to God’s kingdom, reflecting a recurring but ultimately doomed rebellion.
“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.” (Revelation 17:12, NASB)
The “ten horns” symbolize future rulers who align temporarily (for “one hour,” indicating a short period) with the beast’s authority. This suggests a transient coalition of power against God’s purposes, highlighting political alliances in opposition to divine authority.
“These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” (Revelation 17:13-14, NASB)
This alliance aims to oppose Christ (“the Lamb”), signifying ultimate rebellion against divine authority. Despite their concerted effort (“wage war”), the Lamb triumphs due to His supreme power (“Lord of lords and King of kings”). The faithful (“called and chosen”) accompany Him, emphasizing divine victory and the vindication of the righteous.
The Fate of the Woman (Revelation 17:15-18)
“And he said to me, ‘The waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.'” (Revelation 17:15, NASB)
The “waters,” earlier seen as sites of influence, are explicitly identified with diverse populations, highlighting the woman’s widespread corrupting impact across the world’s peoples and nations, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.
“And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire. For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled.” (Revelation 17:16-17, NASB)
The coalition of the ten kings and the beast turns against the harlot, compelling her destruction. This paradoxical twist—where previous allies betray the corrupt system they once supported—underscores divine judgment. Their actions, although driven by mutual ambition, fulfill God’s sovereign will and prophetic declarations, demonstrating His ultimate control over human history and malevolent powers.
“The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:18, NASB)
The harlot is conclusively identified with a significant city exerting dominion over world rulers. This solidifies the identification of the harlot with Babylon, extending beyond a mere location to symbolize a pervasive, corrupting influence prevalent through various epochs of human history.
Conclusions and Reflections
Revelation Chapter 17 confronts us with a vivid apocalyptic vision of rampant spiritual and moral corruption, intertwined with earthly power and deception. The symbolism of the great harlot and the scarlet beast articulates a profound critique of apostate systems that lead humanity astray from divine truth. The fate outlined for the harlot symbolizes the inevitable downfall of such defiance against God, showcasing His ultimate authority and righteous judgement.
John’s vision underscores several pivotal themes:
- Spiritual Deception and Corruption: The harlot represents misleading powers that seduce humanity into idolatry and moral compromise, emphasizing vigilance and faithfulness to divine commandments.
- Temporal Nature of Earthly Powers: The successive kingdoms and their temporary nature highlight the transience of human authorities in contrast to God’s eternal reign.
- Divine Judgement and Sovereignty: The ultimate destruction of the harlot and the triumph of the Lamb affirm the assured victory of righteousness and divine justice over corrupt systems.
Through these potent symbols and narratives, Revelation Chapter 17 calls believers to discern the deeper spiritual realities behind worldly appearances and to remain steadfast in their faith amidst pervasive deception and opposition, assured of the ultimate victory and justice brought forth by God’s sovereign plan.