Revelation 17 15

Revelation 17:15 kjv

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

Revelation 17:15 nkjv

Then he said to me, "The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.

Revelation 17:15 niv

Then the angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.

Revelation 17:15 esv

And the angel said to me, "The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages.

Revelation 17:15 nlt

Then the angel said to me, "The waters where the prostitute is ruling represent masses of people of every nation and language.

Revelation 17 verses

Revelation 17 15 Meaning

The angel reveals to John that the "many waters" where the great harlot, Babylon, is seated represent the vast, global population upon which her power rests. This encompasses every human segment: diverse ethnic groups, large undifferentiated masses, geopolitical nations, and people of every linguistic background.

Revelation 17 15 Context

Revelation 17 focuses on the detailed vision and subsequent interpretation of "Babylon the Great," represented as a harlot (prostitute) seated upon a scarlet beast. This chapter follows prophecies of divine judgment and precedes the definitive announcement of Babylon's fall. Verse 15 is crucial as it provides a direct, angelic interpretation of the previously introduced symbol of "many waters." This clarification confirms that the harlot's vast reach and power derive from the universal human population, rather than literal geographical features. The depiction of "Babylon" served as a powerful metaphor for the dominant, often idolatrous and persecuting, world power of John's era (commonly understood as Rome), with its pervasive economic, political, and cultural influence over the diverse peoples of the empire and beyond.

Revelation 17 15 Word analysis

• And he said to me: Indicates a direct, authoritative revelation from one of the seven angels who held the bowls of wrath (Rev 17:1), ensuring the divine accuracy of the interpretation.
• The waters: (Greek: hudata, ὕδατα). In prophetic and apocalyptic literature, "waters" frequently symbolize large, often turbulent or overwhelming, populations of people or powerful, chaotic forces. They are the fluid, unstable mass upon which the harlot's power appears to rest.
• which you saw: Refers directly back to John's vision at the beginning of the chapter (Rev 17:1, 3), confirming this explanation relates specifically to that previously revealed symbol.
• where the harlot sits: Identifies the "harlot" (Greek: pornē, πορνή), named "Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and of Earth’s Abominations" (Rev 17:5). Her "sitting" signifies her position of authority, dominion, or influence over these waters.
• are peoples: (Greek: laoi, λαοί). Denotes specific peoples or populations, often with distinct identities or origins.
• and multitudes: (Greek: ochloi, ὄχλοι). Refers to undifferentiated crowds, throngs, or vast common masses, emphasizing the sheer number of people.
• and nations: (Greek: ethnē, ἔθνη). Represents distinct ethnic groups or political entities, often translated as "gentiles," encompassing all the peoples of the world.
• and tongues: (Greek: glōssai, γλῶσσαι). Refers to different language groups, signifying the vast linguistic diversity across the entire globe.
• Words-group analysis:
  • The waters... are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues: This direct declarative statement serves as an inspired key, demystifying the central symbol of "many waters." It unambiguously defines the harlot's power base as the collective body of humanity in its entirety.
  • peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues: This four-part phrase is a common biblical merism (or polysyndeton) used extensively in both Old Testament prophetic books (e.g., Dan 3:4,7) and throughout Revelation (e.g., Rev 5:9, 7:9, 13:7). It signifies universal reach, totality, and comprehensiveness. Its use here powerfully emphasizes that the harlot's influence is not localized but global, extending to every segment of the human race.

Revelation 17 15 Bonus section

The recurring quartet of "peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues" serves as a thematic echo and profound theological contrast within Revelation. While here it denotes the harlot's worldwide base of power and corruption (Rev 13:7 shows the beast's similar dominion), the same phrase also describes those whom Christ has redeemed for God by His blood (Rev 5:9), and the great multitude who worship Him from every nation (Rev 7:9). This parallel language highlights a central tension in Revelation: the global scope of evil's deceptive influence versus the global scope of God's redemptive grace and the worldwide worship of the Lamb. The chaotic and restless "waters" of humanity supporting the harlot stand in stark contrast to the pure, life-giving "river of the water of life" flowing from God's throne in the New Jerusalem (Rev 22:1), symbolizing the ultimate source of true stability and spiritual vitality. This direct divine interpretation is unique in Revelation, underscoring its pivotal importance for understanding the harlot's true identity and operational sphere.

Revelation 17 15 Commentary

Revelation 17:15 is an essential interpretative verse, removing ambiguity about the "many waters" upon which Babylon the Great, the harlot, is seated. The angelic explanation clarifies that these waters are not literal but symbolize the vast, diverse, and worldwide populace—all peoples, large crowds, nations, and linguistic groups. This means Babylon's extensive power, influence, and seductive appeal are derived from, or exerted over, humanity at large. This underscores the global nature of her spiritual, political, or economic dominion and the pervasive extent of her idolatry and corruption. The verse reveals that the ungodly systems symbolized by Babylon find their support, allegiance, and victims from across all human divisions. It challenges believers to recognize this broad, often unseen, influence that opposes God, no matter where it manifests, for its power comes from the collective, often rebellious, will of humanity.