17:1 one of the seven angels Introduced in 15:1; 16:1.

Angels in the Bible Table

the great prostitute Identified in v. 18 as a major city (probably Rome). The prophets often depict cities using female imagery such as a bride, wife, or prostitute (e.g., Isa 1:21; 23:17; Ezek 23:2–4). The image of a prostitute is used to illustrate Rome’s spiritual bankruptcy and moral degradation.

many waters Identified in Rev 17:15 as the people of many nations.

17:2 the wine of her sexual immorality Sexual immorality may refer to religious infidelity, the sexual indiscretion involved in pagan ritual, or both (see 2:21 and note). Chapter 18 suggests that this immorality also represents the commercial and political dealings of Rome with the kings and merchants of the earth. All of Rome’s relationships are corrupt. See 14:8; compare Jer 51:7.

17:3 in the Spirit John’s third such experience (see Rev 1:10 and note; compare 21:10).

scarlet beast Since every description of this beast mirrors the first beast in 13:1–8, the two should be equated (see note on 13:1; note on 13:3).

blasphemous names May describe a divine title ascribed to the emperor (see 13:1 and note).

having seven heads and ten horns These are variously identified in vv. 9–10, 12. See 13:1.

17:4 purple and scarlet Connotes luxury and royalty (compare 18:16–17).

precious stones and pearls Lavish ornamentation used for beautification (see 18:16).

full of detestable things Compare with 14:10. This Greek word is used to refer to idolatry and practices associated with polytheistic religious practices.

17:5 a mystery Indicates a mysterious name—one with a hidden meaning that requires interpretation. Roman prostitutes commonly wore headbands bearing their name.

mother of prostitutes The source of the earth’s obscenities (see v. 1 and note).

17:6 with the blood of the saints Whereas the prophets and saints are previously mentioned together (see 11:18; 16:6), they are separated here by the double occurrence of the Greek preposition ek (“with”). This may indicate that two different groups are in view: ot saints and nt believers.

17:7 the angel Angels often interpret key events in apocalyptic literature (e.g., Dan 7:16; 8:15–16).

17:8 was, and is not, and is going to come A parody on the divine name (see Rev 1:4 and note).

the book of life See 3:5 and note.

17:9 seven mountains on which the woman sits The city of Rome was well-known for being built upon seven hills.

they are seven kings The seven heads of the beast also represent seven kings (kingdoms may also be intended).

17:10 one is Could refer to a particular Roman emperor (such as Domitian) or Rome itself, depending on how the seven kings are interpreted.

the other has not yet come Refers to a future king or kingdom of the seven.

remain a short time The succession of beastly rulers will continue, but not for much longer.

17:11 an eighth, and is of the seven The beast is referred to as an eighth who is of the seven. Perhaps what is meant here is that the beast is of the same kind as the seven; he is the power behind these seven kings or kingdoms.

17:12 who have not yet received a kingdom Refers to future rulers who will unite with the beast (see v. 16). These could be 10 particular rulers, or 10 may be a symbolic number representing all of the kings of the earth (compare 18:3; 19:19).

17:14 called and chosen and faithful Refers to the whole people of God (see 14:1–5).

17:15 The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated Perhaps indicating an oppressive, heavy-handed style of leadership fitting with the reaction in vv. 16–17. In the ancient Near East, water was a symbol of chaos and represented severe difficulty.

17:16 will hate the prostitute Babylon’s former allies turn against her. As often happens, evil forces are not unified; they fight among themselves.

17:18 the great city Refers to Rome, which served as the embodiment of greed, idolatry, and immorality for those who first read Revelation (see 18:16, 19).