Revelation 17 presents a vivid and symbolic vision given to the apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos. The imagery is intense and layered, designed to communicate spiritual truths about the nature of evil, power, and God’s eventual judgment over corrupt systems. At the center of this vision is a woman described as a prostitute, sitting on a scarlet beast. She is dressed in luxurious garments—purple and scarlet—and adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. In her hand is a golden cup filled with abominations, and on her forehead is written a name full of meaning: “Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.”
The woman is not a literal figure, but a symbol. She represents a system of spiritual corruption, seductive wealth, and opposition to God. Her influence is global, as she sits on “many waters,” a phrase which is later interpreted to mean peoples and nations across the earth. She is also described as being drunk with the blood of the saints and of those who bore witness to Jesus, revealing her deep involvement in persecuting the faithful.
The beast she rides is equally symbolic. Scarlet in color and full of blasphemous names, it has seven heads and ten horns. This beast reflects the power structures of political empires and governments that rise and fall throughout history. It is described as one that “was, and is not, and is about to come up from the abyss,” implying a temporary fall followed by a re-emergence, likely alluding to revived forms of wicked governance or empire that mirror previous ones in character.
The seven heads of the beast are explained to represent both seven hills and seven kings. Many have interpreted the seven hills as a reference to Rome, historically built on seven hills, suggesting that this vision may reflect realities that were current in John’s time. But others view it more broadly, as representative of worldly empires through time. The ten horns are ten kings or rulers who have not yet received a kingdom but are given authority for a short time. These kings are unified in purpose: they wage war against the Lamb, a reference to Jesus Christ. But the Lamb overcomes them, described as the “Lord of lords and King of kings,” and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.
As the vision progresses, a striking twist occurs. The beast and the ten kings eventually turn on the prostitute. They strip her, consume her flesh, and burn her with fire. This betrayal suggests that the powers once aligned with Babylon will ultimately become instruments of her destruction. The downfall is both dramatic and complete. John is told clearly that the woman is “the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.” This indicates not just a physical city, but a symbol of worldly seduction and rebellion against God that exerts control over political and economic systems.
The language used throughout revelation 17 is deeply metaphorical, combining prophetic imagery with real-world application. The chapter does not just describe a historical city or empire, but a broader spiritual reality that has expressed itself in various forms throughout human history. It warns of the seductive pull of wealth, power, and false religion, and offers a stark reminder that God sees all, judges righteously, and will ultimately bring justice to pass. Revelation 17 is therefore both a powerful warning and a message of hope, showing that though evil may rise and seem dominant for a time, it will not endure forever.