Revelation 17 1

Revelation 17:1 kjv

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

Revelation 17:1 nkjv

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters,

Revelation 17:1 niv

One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters.

Revelation 17:1 esv

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters,

Revelation 17:1 nlt

One of the seven angels who had poured out the seven bowls came over and spoke to me. "Come with me," he said, "and I will show you the judgment that is going to come on the great prostitute, who rules over many waters.

Revelation 17 verses

Revelation 17 1 Meaning

Revelation 17:1 introduces a significant prophetic vision shown to John, initiating the unveiling of "Mystery Babylon, the Great Harlot." One of the seven angels who poured out the final bowl judgments comes to explain the condemnation of a powerful, corrupt spiritual and political system, symbolized as a harlot seated upon "many waters," indicating her vast influence over peoples and nations. This verse sets the stage for a detailed revelation of this entity's identity, crimes, and ultimate judgment, connecting directly to the climactic outpouring of divine wrath.

Revelation 17 1 Context

Revelation 17:1 immediately follows the conclusion of the seven bowl judgments in chapter 16, particularly the seventh bowl which unleashed cataclysmic judgments upon the earth, including the pronouncement, "It is done!" (Rev 16:17) and the breaking up of "Babylon the Great" (Rev 16:19). This transition signifies that the destruction of this powerful global entity, a central theme in Revelation, is about to be fully explained. The angel's invitation marks a new prophetic vision dedicated entirely to understanding the identity, character, and ultimate downfall of the "Great Harlot," known also as "Babylon the Great." Historically, for John's original audience, imagery of "Babylon" would strongly evoke the oppressive Roman Empire, a powerful, wealthy, and idolatrous empire that persecuted believers, similar to ancient Babylon's historical oppression of Israel. The concept of a "harlot" resonated with common societal immorality and was also a potent Old Testament prophetic symbol for cities and nations that committed spiritual idolatry and broke covenant with God.

Revelation 17 1 Word analysis

• And there came: A transitional phrase introducing a new segment of vision or revelation. It signifies continuity yet a shift in focus.
• one of the seven angels: This directly connects to the previous chapter, Rev 16, where seven angels poured out the seven last plagues. This connection emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the coming revelation and signifies that this Harlot's judgment is intricately linked to the culmination of God's wrath. It highlights the unified narrative of God's plan.
• who had the seven bowls: Reiteration linking the angel to the execution of final judgments, reinforcing the immediate context of divine wrath and the impending downfall of "Babylon." The one explaining is also an instrument of judgment.
• and spoke with me: "Me" refers to John, the recipient of the vision. This indicates a direct, revelatory communication from a heavenly messenger to the prophet. It stresses the importance and clarity of the message to be conveyed.
• saying: Introduces the angel's direct address and invitation.
• Come, I will show you: An invitation from the angelic guide, typical in Revelation (cf. Rev 4:1, 21:9). It builds anticipation for a significant and detailed revelation.
• the judgment: The core subject of the revelation. It signifies God's righteous verdict and subsequent punitive action. The focus is not just on destruction, but on a deserved and deliberate judicial process.
• of the great harlot: (Greek: tēs pornēs tēs megalēs) - This is a central, highly symbolic figure in Revelation.
  • "Harlot" (πορνή - porne): In the Bible, especially in prophetic literature, "harlot" or "prostitute" frequently symbolizes spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, apostasy, and illicit alliances (Ezek 16, Ezek 23, Is 23, Nahum 3). It portrays a nation or city that abandons true God for false gods, embraces immorality, and profits from worldly corruption. This Harlot is thus an enemy of God and His people, engaging in illicit spiritual and possibly political fornication. It is not necessarily a literal prostitute, but rather a system.
  • "Great" (μεγάλες - megales): Denotes her immense power, influence, and global reach. She is not a minor player but a formidable entity with widespread impact. This magnitude reinforces her significance as an ultimate spiritual antagonist to God's kingdom.
• who sits: Implies a position of authority, stability, and rule (similar to a throne). She controls or dominates what she "sits on."
• on many waters: (Greek: epi hydatōn pollōn) - A key symbolic phrase explained later in Rev 17:15.
  • "Waters" (ὑδάτων - hydaton): In prophetic imagery, waters often symbolize peoples, nations, and multitudes (Is 8:7-8).
  • "Many" (πολλῶν - pollon): Emphasizes the vast quantity and global extent of these peoples.
  • Therefore, "sits on many waters" signifies the Great Harlot's immense authority, dominion, and influence over vast populations, cultures, and perhaps even their economic and political structures worldwide. It suggests she draws her power and support from global allegiances. This also echoes Old Testament imagery where waters represent both hostile nations and the immense wealth/location of entities like Babylon (Jer 51:13).

Revelation 17 1 Bonus section

The imagery of the Great Harlot has invited extensive interpretation among scholars and believers throughout history. While interpretations vary, common views identify her as representing:

• Imperial Rome: Due to its dominant influence, luxury, idolatry, and persecution of Christians during John's time. Rome was known for its "seven hills" and its rule over many peoples.
• A global corrupt system: This could be a future religious, political, or economic system (or an integration of all three) that opposes God and deceives humanity. This broad view emphasizes the harlot's symbolic nature over any single historical city.
• An apostate church: Some interpreters see the Harlot as representing a corrupted form of Christianity or religion that compromises with worldly powers and wealth, becoming unfaithful to Christ.

Regardless of the specific identification, the common thread is her pervasive influence, her inherent wickedness (spiritual harlotry against God), her deceptive power, and her ultimate condemnation, which reflects God's justice against all forms of human rebellion and systemic evil. The angel's invitation to "show you the judgment" ensures that her activities, influence, and final destiny will be fully unveiled, highlighting the inevitability of God's victory.

Revelation 17 1 Commentary

Revelation 17:1 introduces one of the most compelling and detailed allegorical figures in the prophetic landscape of the Bible: the Great Harlot. Coming from an angel associated with the final, catastrophic judgments, this vision emphasizes that the destruction of "Babylon" is not merely a consequence of wrath but a deliberate, justified divine judgment. The "Great Harlot" is depicted as a powerful, universal system (political, economic, or religious, or a combination) characterized by unfaithfulness to God, idolatry, and corrupting influence upon the earth's inhabitants. Her sitting "on many waters" vividly portrays her extensive dominion over peoples and nations globally, symbolizing widespread spiritual and moral corruption stemming from this central source. This verse serves as a preamble to unraveling the mystery of this corrupt entity and confirming its destined demise as a result of divine justice.