Revelation 17 Explained-The Woman on the Beast

In Revelation chapter 17, John is allowed to see the imagery of the whore of Revelation. The imagery that he is shown is explained, which helps the reader better understand this chapter. The events mostly describe the kingdom of the Antichrist, represented here as a harlot, and continues from chapter 16 after the seventh angel poured his vial into the air, resulting in a worldwide earthquake and other terrible judgments.

Revelation 17:1-God’s Judgment on the Whore

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: (KJV)

One of the angels who participated in the vial judgments of Revelation chapter 16 comes to John and offers to show him not only the whore, but also God’s judgment on her. It is quite possible that John did not know to whom the angel was referring when the angel offered to introduce him to this immoral woman.

Revelation 17:2-The Reason for God’s Judgment

“With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” (KJV)

The angel goes on to explain why God will bring His severe judgment on this ungodly entity. The sin of fornication in the Bible is closely related to the sin of idolatry. This verse seems to allude to idolatry, while using the figure of an unvirtuous, immoral woman.

Revelation 17:3-The Woman

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (KJV)

The wilderness is a solitary place. This woman was banished there. John’s vision takes him into the wilderness, where he sees a woman sitting on a red-colored monster. The beast has names of blasphemy, seven heads, and ten horns. In verse 1 the angel tells John the whore is sitting on many waters. But when John sees this woman, she is in the desolate wilderness, away from a great water source. This desolate wilderness where there is a lack of water, is symbolic of lack of life giving truth.

Revelation 17:4-Her Description

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: (KJV)

The woman is dressed attractively with the intention of drawing attention to herself. The cup she has is filled with the impurity and corruption of her lifestyle. The cup she is holding alludes to not only an intoxicating drink but also possibly a spiked potion.

Revelation 17:5-Her Identity

And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (KJV)

 This scarlet woman is also given a name to be identified. There are some who believe that this woman represents all false world religions, and the evil and damage they have brought to the Earth and in damning untold multitudes to hell. This future one-world religion will be identified with idolatry and harlotry, which, the Bible says, goes hand in hand.

Revelation 17:6-Her Drunkenness

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 great admiration. (KJV)

John did not “admire” the woman and her deeds. There was something about her that left him awestruck, which was her sheer wickedness. This woman was evil personified and John was in shock.

Revelation 17:7-The Woman Is A Symbol

And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. (KJV)

The angel promised to give John, and to us also, the meaning of the symbolism of that is being shown to John.

Revelation 17:8-The Beast

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. (KJV)

The beast that the woman is sitting on represents the same beast referred to before in the Book of Revelation, who will be a global leader that will be worshipped by, and enslaved to (i.e., mark of the beast) those who are not saved.

Revelation 17:9 – Seven Mountains Meaning (Seven Hills of Rome?)

And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. (KJV)

The woman, which is the representative of the beast, is related to seven mountains. These mountains could be physical mountains, and Bible scholars over the years have related these seven mountains to the seven hills of Rome. But sometimes in the Bible, the word “mountain” refers to a kingdom. These seven mountains could be seven kings or seven world powers.

Revelation 17:10-11-Seven Kings-And the Eighth?

And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. (KJV)

If we look at the Gentile world kingdoms since the Kingdom of Judah was taken into captivity starting around 606 B.C., these kingdoms fell before the Roman Empire, because at the time John penned Revelation (c. 95 A.D.) the Roman Empire was still in power, and was still growing as a world power. So, it can be inferred that Rome, at that time, was the “one is” in this verse. The other, which is not yet come, is identified with a man, “he.” This is the future global kingdom that the antichrist will rule over.

The world will laud the antichrist— “Behold, the beast! The eighth wonder of the world!” But the Bible tells us that both he, and the world, will go into perdition, not exaltation.

Revelation 17:12-13 – What Do the Ten Horns/Ten Kings Represent?

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. (KJV)

The beast will initially share his power with ten different kings. However, the power that the ten kings will get from the beast will not last long. These ten kings will relinquish their borrowed power back to the beast who allowed them to reign for a time.

Revelation 17:14-10 Kings War Against the Lamb

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (KJV)

Together, these ten kings, along with the beast, will unite to make war against God, but they will be unsuccessful. When the angel told John what will happen, the angel could not but help to praise God. Plus, the angel added praise for all of Christ’s followers, who with God will overcome both the beast and all those who have aligned themselves with him.

Revelation 17:15 – Who Is Mystery, Babylon the Great?

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

At the beginning of this chapter, the great whore is pictured as sitting on many waters. The angel explained to John these waters represent the people of different nationalities, cultures, and languages on Earth. This also shows the kingdom of the beast is a global one, encompassing all who are living at that time.

Revelation 17:16 – Why Do the Kings Turn on the Woman?

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. (KJV)

The beast’s love affair with the whore will not last, and the ten kings will turn on her and confiscate her wealth. That’s for starters. But notice something else, they will “eat her flesh and burn her with fire.” At this time in history, food will become scarce, almost nonexistent. One plausible reading would be the belief that the armies of the ten kings will kill all the religious leaders and workers associated with her and eat them. Then they will burn down all buildings associated with the one-world religion to erase the memory of this whore from off the face of the Earth.

Revelation 17:17-God Is Still In Control

For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. (KJV)

The Almighty God of heaven is the One who made the kings of the world to come to this decision. This is because they will declare the antichrist to be God, and give their own kingdoms up to him, so what need do they have for a harlot religion? The answer is none.

Revelation 17:18-What The Woman Represents

And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. (KJV)

This woman is a symbol of a great city, a global empire. This global ruling city is still in the future since currently there is no one world government with a single global capital.

Chart of the Symbols of Revelation Chapter 17 Decoded

Symbol	What It Represents
The woman	“Mystery, Babylon the Great” — a great global city that will rule over the kings of the earth.
The scarlet beast	The Antichrist’s global kingdom, full of names of blasphemy.
The seven heads / seven mountains	Often connected to the seven hills of Rome, or understood as seven kings or world powers.
The ten horns	Ten kings who receive power alongside the beast for a short time before turning it over to him.
The many waters	Peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages — showing the woman’s influence is global.
The golden cup	The impurity and corruption of the woman’s fornication, offered to intoxicate the nations.
Purple and scarlet clothing, gold, and jewels	Wealth and outward splendor used to attract worship and allegiance.

Download a printable PDF of this chart here.

Revelation Chapter 17-Bible Study Questions

Revelation Chapter 17-Personal Reflection Question

Why do you think the future one world capitol is presented here in symbolic form as a woman, not a man?

Revelation Chapter 17-Behind the Scenes Stuff

Different cities have been associated with this woman, with the most prevalent being Rome. However, the city of Babylon is closely associated with her since she is called “Babylon the Great.” It is possible that the ancient city of Babylon, located along the Euphrates River about 53 miles south of modern Baghdad, Iraq, will be rebuilt and become the cultural and religious center of the world; a fresh, “new” city to bring the world together in a new world order. This has not happened yet.

After writing this article, I entertained an interesting comparison which utilizes the trite but true phrase “History repeats itself”. Just like those who attempted to build the Tower of Babel in the same area thousands of years ago, recorded in Genesis chapter 11, the world will make a second attempt. It is interesting to note that when mankind decided to build the tower, it caught the attention of God and brought about His judgment on the world’s language. The rebuilding of this new “tower” also gets God’s attention, and His judgment.

The Complete Revelation Bible Study Series

Chapter	Summary
Revelation Chapter 1: John’s Vision of Jesus Christ	John’s vision of the risen Christ standing among seven golden candlesticks on the island of Patmos; Christ identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega.
Revelation Chapter 2: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos & Thyatira	Christ’s messages to four of the seven churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.
Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea	Christ’s messages to the remaining three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Revelation Chapter 4: John’s Vision of God’s Throne in Heaven	John is caught up to heaven and sees God’s throne room, the twenty-four elders, and the four living creatures.
Revelation Chapter 5: The Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who Was Slain	God holds a seven sealed book; but only Jesus Christ, Who is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who was slain, is worthy to open it.
Revelation Chapter 6: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse	The Lamb opens six of the seven seals, releasing the Four Horsemen, the cry of martyrs, and cosmic disturbances.
Revelation Chapter 7: The 144,000 and the Great Multitude	An interlude: 144,000 are sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel, and a great multitude in white robes stands before God’s throne.
Revelation Chapter 8: Meaning of the Seven Trumpets	The seventh seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven, followed by the first four trumpet judgments.
Revelation Chapter 9: The Locusts of Abaddon and the 200 Million	The fifth and sixth trumpets release demonic locusts led by Abaddon and an army of 200 million horsemen.
Revelation Chapter 10: The Little Book and the Seven Thunders	A mighty angel gives John a little book; the words of seven thunders are sealed; the book is sweet, then bitter.
Revelation Chapter 11: Who Are the Two Witnesses of the Apocalypse?	The ministry, death, and resurrection of the two witnesses; the seventh trumpet sounds.
Revelation Chapter 12: The Woman, the Dragon, the Angel Michael and War in Heaven	A woman, a great red dragon, and a man child; war breaks out in heaven as Michael defeats Satan.
Revelation Chapter 13: The Mark of the Beast and 666 Explained	Two beasts rise — one from the sea, one from the land — introducing the mark of the beast, 666.
Revelation Chapter 14: The 144,000, the Three Angels, and the Harvest of Wrath	The 144,000 stand victorious on Mount Zion; three angels proclaim their messages; the wheat and grape harvests.
Revelation Chapter 15: The Sea of Glass and Song of Moses	Seven angels prepare the seven last plagues; the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb beside a sea of glass.
Revelation Chapter 16: The Seven Vial Judgments and the Battle of Armageddon	The seven vial (bowl) judgments are poured out; the Euphrates dries up, gathering the nations to Armageddon.
Revelation Chapter 17: The Woman on the Beast	A vision of “Mystery, Babylon the Great,” a woman riding a scarlet, seven-headed beast.
Revelation Chapter 18: The Fall of Babylon the Great	The sudden fall of Babylon the Great; kings and merchants mourn her destruction while heaven rejoices.
Revelation Chapter 19: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ’s Return	The Marriage Supper of the Lamb; Christ returns as King of Kings and defeats the beast and false prophet.
Revelation Chapter 20: The Millennium, Satan’s Doom, and the Great White Throne	Satan is bound for a thousand years; the Millennium; Satan’s final rebellion; the Great White Throne judgment.
Revelation Chapter 21: The New Jerusalem Described	A new heaven and a new earth; the heavenly city of New Jerusalem descends from God, adorned like a bride.
Revelation Chapter 22: The River of Life and the Bible’s Final Invitation	The river and tree of life; the Bible’s final invitation and the promise and warning; “Surely I come quickly.”

Download a printer-friendly PDF of this Revelation Bible study chapter by chapter summary chart here.

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