Revelation 17:1

Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters.

Study Bible

Then one of the seven angels
The phrase introduces a continuation of the vision John is experiencing. The "seven angels" are significant figures in the Book of Revelation, each holding a bowl filled with the wrath of God. The number seven is symbolic of completeness and divine perfection in biblical literature, indicating that these angels are executing God's complete and perfect judgment.

with the seven bowls
The "seven bowls" are vessels of God's wrath, as described in Revelation 16. These bowls represent the final and complete outpouring of divine judgment upon the earth. The imagery of bowls suggests a pouring out, indicating that God's wrath is being dispensed fully and without restraint.

came and said to me
This phrase highlights the direct communication between the angel and John, the author of Revelation. It underscores the personal nature of the revelation and the importance of the message being conveyed. The angel acts as a divine messenger, bridging the heavenly and earthly realms.

Come
The invitation "Come" is a call to witness and understand the vision that is about to be revealed. It is an imperative that suggests urgency and importance, drawing John—and by extension, the reader—into a deeper understanding of the spiritual realities being unveiled.

I will show you
This phrase indicates that what follows is a revelation, a disclosure of hidden truths. The angel is about to reveal something significant, emphasizing the revelatory nature of the Book of Revelation itself. It is an invitation to see beyond the physical and into the spiritual realm.

the punishment
The term "punishment" refers to the divine judgment that is to be executed. In the context of Revelation, it is a just retribution for sin and rebellion against God. This punishment is not arbitrary but is a response to the moral and spiritual corruption symbolized by the "great prostitute."

of the great prostitute
The "great prostitute" is a symbolic figure representing a system of spiritual adultery and idolatry. In biblical terms, prostitution often symbolizes unfaithfulness to God, and this figure embodies the corrupting influence of false religion and immorality. Historically, this has been interpreted as representing Rome or a future apostate religious system.

who sits on many waters
The phrase "sits on many waters" is symbolic of widespread influence and control. In ancient times, waters often represented peoples, nations, and multitudes. This imagery suggests that the "great prostitute" has a pervasive and dominating influence over many nations and peoples, highlighting the global scope of her corruption and the reach of her influence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Seven Angels
These are the angels who hold the seven bowls of God's wrath, as described in Revelation 16. They are messengers of God's judgment.

2. The Great Prostitute
Symbolic of a corrupt and idolatrous system or city, often interpreted as representing Babylon, which stands for worldly power and seduction away from God.

3. Many Waters
This phrase is symbolic and is later explained in Revelation 17:15 as representing peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages, indicating the widespread influence of the great prostitute.

4. John the Apostle
The author of Revelation, who receives this vision. He is guided by the angel to understand the spiritual realities behind worldly events.

5. The Punishment
Refers to the divine judgment that will be executed upon the great prostitute, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil and corruption.

Teaching Points

Understanding Symbolism
Revelation uses symbolic language to convey spiritual truths. The "great prostitute" and "many waters" are not literal but represent spiritual realities. Understanding these symbols helps us discern the message of Revelation.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is certain and just. The vision of the great prostitute's punishment reminds us that God will ultimately judge and defeat all forms of evil and corruption.

The Call to Spiritual Discernment
Believers are called to discern the spiritual influences in the world. The great prostitute represents seductive powers that lead people away from God. We must remain vigilant and faithful.

The Global Influence of Corruption
The "many waters" symbolize the widespread reach of corrupt systems. As Christians, we are called to be a light in the world, resisting the influence of such systems.

Hope in God's Sovereignty
Despite the presence of evil, Revelation assures us of God's ultimate victory. This hope encourages us to persevere in faith and righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the "great prostitute" challenge us to examine the influences in our own lives and communities?

2. In what ways can we discern and resist the "many waters" of worldly influence that seek to draw us away from God?

3. How does the certainty of divine judgment, as depicted in Revelation 17:1, impact our understanding of justice and righteousness?

4. What parallels can we draw between the symbolism in Revelation 17:1 and the warnings against idolatry and unfaithfulness found in the Old Testament?

5. How can the assurance of God's ultimate victory over evil encourage us in our daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 14:8
This verse also mentions the fall of Babylon, providing context for the judgment described in Revelation 17:1.

Jeremiah 51:13
This Old Testament passage speaks of Babylon dwelling by many waters, drawing a parallel to the imagery used in Revelation.

Ezekiel 16:15-17
These verses describe Israel's unfaithfulness using the metaphor of prostitution, similar to the imagery in Revelation 17.