Revelation 17:1
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:
Greek words · 3
In this verse: φιάλας (phialas), “bowls”
Basic meaning: bowl. Strong’s: a broad shallow cup ("phial").
KJV translates it as: vial
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
In this verse: κρίμα (krima), “punishment”
Basic meaning: judgment. Strong’s: a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime")).
KJV translates it as: avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment
Word root: from G2919 (κρίνω);
In this verse: πόρνης (pornēs), “prostitute”
Basic meaning: prostitute. Strong’s: a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater.
KJV translates it as: harlot, whore
Word root: feminine of G4205 (πόρνος);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“She prostituted herself with Rome (the beast) and killed the prophets, including Jesus.”
Revelation 17:2
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ἐμεθύσθησαν (emethusthēsan), “were made drunk”
Basic meaning: to get drunk. Strong’s: to intoxicate.
KJV translates it as: be drunk(-en)
Word root: a prolonged (transitive) form of G3184 (μεθύω);
In this verse: πορνείας (porneias), “sexual immorality”
Basic meaning: sexual sin. Strong’s: harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry.
KJV translates it as: fornication
Word root: from G4203 (πορνεύω);
Revelation 17:3
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.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: πνεύματι (pneumati), “[the] Spirit”
Basic meaning: spirit/breath. Strong’s: a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit.
KJV translates it as: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind
Word root: from G4154 (πνέω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“In both cases, John in Revelation and Jesus in the Gospels, the Spirit leads into the wilderness.”
In this verse: γυναῖκα (gunaika), “a woman”
Basic meaning: woman. Strong’s: a woman; specially, a wife.
KJV translates it as: wife, woman
Word root: probably from the base of G1096 (γίνομαι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“When Satan offers Jesus “all the kingdoms,” he is offering Him Babylon, the very beast the woman rides.”
In this verse: θηρίον (thērion), “a beast”
Basic meaning: wild animal. Strong’s: a dangerous animal.
KJV translates it as: (venomous, wild) beast
Word root: diminutive from the same as G2339 (θήρα);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“When Satan offers Jesus “all the kingdoms,” he is offering Him Babylon, the very beast the woman rides.”
Revelation 17:4
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
Greek words · 4
In this verse: γυνὴ (gunē), “woman”
Basic meaning: woman. Strong’s: a woman; specially, a wife.
KJV translates it as: wife, woman
Word root: probably from the base of G1096 (γίνομαι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This woman represents the former system, already judged and left desolate ( Matthew 23:38 ).”
In this verse: πορφυροῦν (porphuroun), “purple”
Basic meaning: purple. Strong’s: purpureal, i.e. bluish red.
KJV translates it as: purple
Word root: from G4209 (πορφύρα);
Text note: the Textus Receptus (behind the KJV) reads πορφύρᾳ (porphura) here; this card shows the modern critical text (NA28).
In this verse: κεχρυσωμένη (kechrusōmenē), “adorned”
Basic meaning: to gild. Strong’s: to gild, i.e. bespangle with golden ornaments.
KJV translates it as: deck
Word root: from G5557 (χρυσός);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“In contrast Jesus made a The New Jerusalem ( Revelation 21:18–21 ) is genuinely adorned with gold and precious stones, built on Jesus and filled with God’s glory.”
In this verse: πορνείας (porneias), “sexual immorality”
Basic meaning: sexual sin. Strong’s: harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry.
KJV translates it as: fornication
Word root: from G4203 (πορνεύω);
Revelation 17:5
And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: μυστήριον (mustērion), “a mystery”
Basic meaning: mystery. Strong’s: a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites).
KJV translates it as: mystery
Word root: from a derivative of (to shut the mouth);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“The word "mystery" (Greek: mystērion) does not mean something spooky or unknowable, but rather: A hidden truth that can only be revealed by God.”
In this verse: Βαβυλὼν (Babulōn), “Babylon”
Basic meaning: Babylon. Strong’s: Babylon, the capitol of Chaldæa (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny)).
KJV translates it as: Babylon
Word root: of Hebrew origin (H0894);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“Babylon = man’s attempt to reach God without Jesus ( Gen. 11 ).”
Revelation 17:6
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: μαρτύρων (marturōn), “witnesses”
Basic meaning: witness. Strong’s: a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr".
KJV translates it as: martyr, record, witness
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Instead of being a vessel of life, they became intoxicated with violence against God’s witnesses.”
In this verse: Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou), “of Jesus”
Basic meaning: Jesus/Joshua. Strong’s: Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites.
KJV translates it as: Jesus
Word root: of Hebrew origin (H03091);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“We have victory in Jesus now, the saints overcome by the blood of the Lamb ( Rev. 12:11 ).”
Revelation 17:7
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: μυστήριον (mustērion), “mystery”
Basic meaning: mystery. Strong’s: a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites).
KJV translates it as: mystery
Word root: from a derivative of (to shut the mouth);
In this verse: γυναικὸς (gunaikos), “woman”
Basic meaning: woman. Strong’s: a woman; specially, a wife.
KJV translates it as: wife, woman
Word root: probably from the base of G1096 (γίνομαι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The woman rides the beast, which implies: Alliance, Dependency, Compromise for survival and power.”
Revelation 17:8
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.
Greek words · 4
In this verse: θηρίον (thērion), “beast”
Basic meaning: wild animal. Strong’s: a dangerous animal.
KJV translates it as: (venomous, wild) beast
Word root: diminutive from the same as G2339 (θήρα);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The beast’s apparent victories are momentary; its destiny was sealed at the cross when Jesus disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them ( Colossians 2:15 ).”
In this verse: βιβλίον (biblion), “book”
Basic meaning: scroll. Strong’s: a roll.
KJV translates it as: bill, book, scroll, writing
Word root: a diminutive of G976 (βίβλος);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Their names remain absent from the book because they reject the only source of life, the finished work of Jesus at the cross.”
In this verse: ζωῆς (zōēs), “of life”
Basic meaning: life. Strong’s: life (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: life(-time)
Word root: from G2198 (ζάω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Romans 5:17 “…they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” Matthew 28:18–19 “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
In this verse: παρέσται (parestai), “it will exist”
Basic meaning: be present. Strong’s: to be near, i.e. at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property.
KJV translates it as: come, X have, be here, + lack, (be here) present
Word root: from G3844 (παρά) and G1510 (εἰμί) (including its various forms);
Text note: this word follows the modern critical text (NA28); the Textus Receptus behind the KJV reads differently here.
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This does not mean the beast ceases to exist absolutely but reflects a spiritual “death” or hiddenness in the divine timeline.”
Revelation 17:9
And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: νοῦς (nous), “mind”
Basic meaning: mind. Strong’s: the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning.
KJV translates it as: mind, understanding
Word root: probably from the base of G1097 (γινώσκω);
In this verse: γυνὴ (gunē), “woman”
Basic meaning: woman. Strong’s: a woman; specially, a wife.
KJV translates it as: wife, woman
Word root: probably from the base of G1096 (γίνομαι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The woman (false religion/old covenant temple system) sits upon them, meaning she is supported, empowered, and carried by these powers.”
Revelation 17:10
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ὀλίγον (oligon), “a little while”
Basic meaning: little/few. Strong’s: puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat.
KJV translates it as: + almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while
Word root: of uncertain affinity;
In this verse: μεῖναι.¶ (meinai), “to remain”
Basic meaning: to stay. Strong’s: to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy).
KJV translates it as: abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), X thine own
Word root: a primary verb;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Its influence remains, but it is temporary and under God’s sovereign limits.”
Revelation 17:11
And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
Greek words · 1
In this verse: θηρίον (thērion), “beast”
Basic meaning: wild animal. Strong’s: a dangerous animal.
KJV translates it as: (venomous, wild) beast
Word root: diminutive from the same as G2339 (θήρα);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“At Calvary, Jesus disarmed and exposed the spiritual forces behind every beastly system ( Colossians 2:15 ).”
Revelation 17:12
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: βασιλείαν (basileian), “a kingdom”
Basic meaning: kingdom. Strong’s: properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: kingdom, + reign
Word root: from G935 (βασιλεύς);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Just as Rome and the apostate temple system worked together to kill Jesus, so do political and spiritual powers unite today to oppose God’s kingdom.”
In this verse: ἐξουσίαν (exousian), “authority”
Basic meaning: authority. Strong’s: privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence.
KJV translates it as: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength
Word root: from G1832 (ἔξεστι) (in the sense of ability);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“From that cross came an unshakable Kingdom ( Hebrews 12:28 ), and though worldly powers still unite in rebellion, their authority is temporary, His reign is eternal.”
Revelation 17:13
These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
Greek words · 1
In this verse: δύναμιν (dunamin), “power”
Basic meaning: power. Strong’s: force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself).
KJV translates it as: ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence …
Word root: from G1410 (δύναμαι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The ten kings (tribes or powers) are fully aligned in heart and mind, sharing a single goal: to support the beast.”
Revelation 17:14
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.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: νικήσει (nikēsei), “will overcome”
Basic meaning: to conquer. Strong’s: to subdue (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory
Word root: from G3529 (νίκη);
In this verse: ἐκλεκτοὶ (eklektoi), “chosen”
Basic meaning: select. Strong’s: select; by implication, favorite.
KJV translates it as: chosen, elect
Word root: from G1586 (ἐκλέγομαι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Those who are called, chosen, and faithful live out that victory daily, carrying the authority of the Lamb into every corner of a world that once warred against Him.”
In this verse: πιστοί.¶ (pistoi), “faithful”
Basic meaning: faithful. Strong’s: objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.
KJV translates it as: believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true
Word root: from G3982 (πείθω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Faithful: Those who endure, walking in obedience and loyalty to Jesus.”
Revelation 17:15
And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. “Waters”
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ὕδατα (hudata), “waters”
Basic meaning: water. Strong’s: water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively.
KJV translates it as: water
Word root: from the base of G5205 (ὑετός);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Here, the “waters” show the vast human reach of the system, the nations and cultures influenced and controlled by the old covenant religious power.”
In this verse: πόρνη (pornē), “prostitute”
Basic meaning: prostitute. Strong’s: a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater.
KJV translates it as: harlot, whore
Word root: feminine of G4205 (πόρνος);
Revelation 17:16
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: πόρνην (pornēn), “prostitute”
Basic meaning: prostitute. Strong’s: a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater.
KJV translates it as: harlot, whore
Word root: feminine of G4205 (πόρνος);
In this verse: σάρκας (sarkas), “flesh”
Basic meaning: flesh. Strong’s: flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such).
KJV translates it as: carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly)
Word root: probably from the base of G4563 (σαρόω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
““Shall eat her flesh” This vivid image represents consuming and destroying the very structure that sustained the old system.”
Revelation 17:17
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: καρδίας (kardias), “hearts”
Basic meaning: heart. Strong’s: the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle.
KJV translates it as: (+ broken-)heart(-ed)
Word root: prolonged from a primary (Latin cor, "heart");
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“God’s Sovereign Will Revelation 17:1 7 “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.” Even their rebellion was under God’s hand.”
In this verse: βασιλείαν (basileian), “kingdom”
Basic meaning: kingdom. Strong’s: properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: kingdom, + reign
Word root: from G935 (βασιλεύς);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“God’s Sovereign Will Revelation 17:1 7 “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.” Even their rebellion was under God’s hand.”
Revelation 17:18
And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: γυνὴ (gunē), “woman”
Basic meaning: woman. Strong’s: a woman; specially, a wife.
KJV translates it as: wife, woman
Word root: probably from the base of G1096 (γίνομαι);
In this verse: βασιλείαν (basileian), “kingship”
Basic meaning: kingdom. Strong’s: properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: kingdom, + reign
Word root: from G935 (βασιλεύς);