Revelation of John 17
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Commentaries
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And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters - That idolatrous worship is frequently represented in Scripture under the character of a whore or whoredom, is evident from numerous passages which it is unnecessary to quote. See Ch1 5:25; Ezekiel 16:1-63; 23:1-49, etc. The woman mentioned here is called a great whore, to denote her excessive depravity, and the artful nature of her idolatry. She is also represented as sitting upon many waters, to show the vast extent of her influence. See on Rev 17:13 (note).
Open source ↗THE HARLOT BABYLON'S GAUD: THE BEAST ON WHICH SHE RIDES, HAVING SEVEN HEADS AND TEN HORNS, SHALL BE THE INSTRUMENT OF JUDGMENT ON HER. (Rev. 17:1-18) unto me--A, B, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic omit. many--So A. But B, "the many waters" (Jer 51:13); Rev 17:15, below, explains the sense. The whore is the apostate Church, just as "the woman" (Rev 12:1-6) is the Church while faithful. Satan having failed by violence, tries too successfully to seduce her by the allurements of the world; unlike her Lord, she was overcome by this temptation; hence she is seen sitting on the scarlet-colored beast, no longer the wife, but the harlot; no longer Jerusalem, but spiritually Sodom (Rev 11:8).
Open source ↗And there came one of the seven angels that had the seven vials,.... It may be the first of them, since one of the four beasts designs the first of them, in Rev 6:1 though Brightman thinks the fifth angel is meant, because he poured out his vial on the seat of the beast, who is by this angel described; but rather this is the seventh and last angel, concerned in the utter destruction of antichrist: and therefore proposes to John to show him the judgment of the great whore: and talked with me, saying unto me, come hither: he conversed with him in a friendly manner, see Zac 1:9 and desires him to come nearer to him, and go along with him, adding, I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore; that noted and famous one, known before to John by the names of Jezabel and Babylon, who taught and caused many to commit fornication, Rev 2:20 Rev 14:8 and is no other than Rome Papal; for that a city or state is meant is clear from Rev 17:18 and it is usual for idolatrous or apostate cities to be called whores or harlots, see Isa 1:21 Eze 23:2 and she is called a "great" one, because of the largeness of the Papal see; and because of the multitude of persons, the kings of the earth, and the inhabitants of it, with whom the Romish antichrist has committed spiritual fornication, or idolatry: her "judgment" signifies either her sin and wickedness; in which sense the word is used in Rom 5:16 and which is exposed, Rev 17:5 namely, her idolatry and cruelty; or else her condemnation, and the execution of it, suggested in Rev 17:8 and more largely described in the following chapter: that sitteth upon many waters; which in Rev 17:15 are interpreted of people, multitudes, nations, and tongues, subject to the jurisdiction of Rome; and so several antichristian states are in the preceding…
Open source ↗Here we have a new vision, not as to the matter of it, for that is contemporary with what came under the three last vials; but as to the manner of description, etc. Observe, 1. The invitation given to the apostle to take a view of what was here to be represented: Come hither, and I will show thee the judgment of the great whore, etc., Rev 17:1. This is a name of great infamy. A whore [in this passage] is one that is married, and has been false to her husband's bed, has forsaken the guide of her youth, and broken the covenant of God. She had been a prostitute to the kings of the earth, whom she had intoxicated with the wine of her fornication. 2. The appearance she made: it was gay and gaudy, like such sort of creatures: She was arrayed in purple, and scarlet colour, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls, Rev 17:4. Here were all the allurements of worldly honour and riches, pomp and pride, suited to sensual and worldly minds. 3. Her principal seat and residence - upon the beast that had seven heads and ten horns; that is to say, Rome, the city on seven hills, infamous for idolatry, tyranny, and blasphemy. 4. Her name, which was written on her forehead. It was the custom of impudent harlots to hang out signs, with their names, that all might know what they were. Now in this observe, (1.) She is named from her place of residence - Babylon the great. But, that we might not take it for the old Babylon literally so called, we are told there is a mystery in the name; it is some other great city resembling the old Babylon. (2.) She is named from her infamous way and practice; not only a harlot, but a mother of harlots, breeding up harlots, and nursing and training them up to idolatry, and all sorts of lewdness and wickedness - the parent and nurse of all false r…
Open source ↗17:1–19:10 The great drama in this section focuses on the powers that are hostile to God and responsible for the persecution and suffering of God’s people. Rome’s power was captivating to many (17:6); John purposely defines Rome’s sins and provides God’s assessment (17:3-18) before outlining its fall (18:1-24) and heaven’s response (19:1-10). 17:1 One of the . . . angels of judgment addresses John and summons him to a new scene in which he sees the coming judgment of the great prostitute, who rules over many waters. Rome, located on the Tiber River, controlled the seats of power and water trade routes throughout the Mediterranean, from the British Isles to the Euphrates River.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… φιάλη (phiálē, G5357) — a broad shallow cup ("phial") λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… ἐμοῦ (emoû, G1700) — of me λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μοί (moí, G3427) — to me
Open source ↗μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that βασιλεύς (basileús, G935) — a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively) γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… πορνεύω (porneúō, G4203) — to act the harlot, i.e. (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κατοικέω (katoikéō, G2730) — to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively) μεθύω (methýō, G3184) — to drink to intoxication, i.e. get drunk ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) οἶνος (oînos, G3631) — "wine" (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πορνεία (porneía, G4202) — harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀποφέρω (apophérō, G667) — to bear off (literally or relatively) μέ (mé, G3165) — me ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἔρημος (érēmos, G2048) εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife κάθημαι (káthēmai, G2521) — and (to sit; akin to the base of G1476 (ἑδραῖος)); to sit down; figuratively, to remain,… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… κόκκινος (kókkinos, G2847) — crimson-colored θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal γέμω (gémō, G1073) — to swell out, i.e. be full
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) περιβάλλω (peribállō, G4016) — to throw all around, i.e. invest (with a palisade or with clothing) πορφύρα (porphýra, G4209) — the "purple" mussel, i.e. (by implication) the red-blue color itself, and finally a… κόκκινος (kókkinos, G2847) — crimson-colored χρυσόω (chrysóō, G5558) — to gild, i.e. bespangle with golden ornaments χρυσός (chrysós, G5557) — gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin τίμιος (tímios, G5093) — valuable, i.e. (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or… λίθος (líthos, G3037) — a stone (literally or figuratively) μαργαρίτης (margarítēs, G3135) — a pearl ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… χρύσεος (chrýseos, G5552) — made of gold ποτήριον (potḗrion, G4221) — a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e. a cupful (draught);…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… μέτωπον (métōpon, G3359) — the forehead (as opposite the countenance) ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe μυστήριον (mystḗrion, G3466) — a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious… Βαβυλών (Babylṓn, G897) — Babylon, the capitol of Chaldæa (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny)) μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) μήτηρ (mḗtēr, G3384) — a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote) πόρνη (pórnē, G4204) — a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater βδέλυγμα (bdélygma, G946) — a detestation, i.e. (specially) idolatry γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife μεθύω (methýō, G3184) — to drink to intoxication, i.e. get drunk ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) αἷμα (haîma, G129) — blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially… ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) μάρτυς (mártys, G3144) — a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr" Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… θαυμάζω (thaumázō, G2296) — to wonder; by implication, to admire μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) θαῦμα (thaûma, G2295) — wonder (properly concrete; but by implication, abstract)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) μοί (moí, G3427) — to me διατί (diatí, G1302) — through what cause ?, i.e. why? θαυμάζω (thaumázō, G2296) — to wonder; by implication, to admire ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) ἐρέω (eréō, G2046) — an alternate for G2036 (ἔπω) in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. speak or say σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee μυστήριον (mystḗrion, G3466) — a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious… γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal βαστάζω (bastázō, G941) — to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not μέλλω (méllō, G3195) — to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially… ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō, G305) — to go up (literally or figuratively) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἄβυσσος (ábyssos, G12) — depthless, i.e. (specially) (infernal) "abyss" ὑπάγω (hypágō, G5217) — to lead (oneself) under, i.e. withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἀπώλεια (apṓleia, G684) — ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)
Open source ↗ὧδε (hōde, G5602) — in this same spot, i.e. here or hither νοῦς (noûs, G3563) — the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication,… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… σοφία (sophía, G4678) — wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual) ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven κεφαλή (kephalḗ, G2776) — the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are ὄρος (óros, G3735) — perhaps akin to G142 (αἴρω); compare G3733 (ὄρνις)); a mountain (as lifting itself above… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife κάθημαι (káthēmai, G2521) — and (to sit; akin to the base of G1476 (ἑδραῖος)); to sit down; figuratively, to remain,… ὅπου (hópou, G3699) — what(-ever) where, i.e. at whichever spot
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven βασιλεύς (basileús, G935) — a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively) πέντε (pénte, G4002) — "five" πίπτω (píptō, G4098) — to fall (literally or figuratively) εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) οὔπω (oúpō, G3768) — not yet ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὄγδοος (ógdoos, G3590) — the eighth ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἑπτά (heptá, G2033) — seven ὑπάγω (hypágō, G5217) — to lead (oneself) under, i.e. withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἀπώλεια (apṓleia, G684) — ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δέκα (déka, G1176) — ten κέρας (kéras, G2768) — a horn (literally or figuratively) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are βασιλεύς (basileús, G935) — a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively) ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) οὔπω (oúpō, G3768) — not yet βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἐξουσία (exousía, G1849) — privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively)… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Open source ↗οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… μία (mía, G3391) — one or first γνώμη (gnṓmē, G1106) — cognition, i.e. (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… διαδίδωμι (diadídōmi, G1239) — to give throughout a crowd, i.e. deal out; also to deliver over (as to a successor) ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… δύναμις (dýnamis, G1411) — force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a… ἐξουσία (exousía, G1849) — privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively)… θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal
Open source ↗οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) πολεμέω (poleméō, G4170) — to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e. to battle (literally or figuratively) μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… ἀρνίον (arníon, G721) — a lambkin καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… νικάω (nikáō, G3528) — to subdue (literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… βασιλεύς (basileús, G935) — a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively) κλητός (klētós, G2822) — invited, i.e. appointed, or (specially), a saint ἐκλεκτός (eklektós, G1588) — select; by implication, favorite πιστός (pistós, G4103) — objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
Open source ↗Cross-references
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For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.”
You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the thread of your life is cut.
The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.
Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls full of the seven final plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers!
“For long ago you broke your yoke and tore off your chains, saying, ‘I will not serve!’ Indeed, on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute.
Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven final plagues, with which the wrath of God is completed.
“But come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!
After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.”
The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls.