King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:1 Mean?

Revelation 17:1 in the King James Version says “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I wil... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Revelation 17:1 · KJV


Context

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:

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:... This verse from Revelation's vision of babylon the harlot - false religion, political-religious alliance judged employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 17:1 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
καὶ1 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἦλθεν2 of 34

there came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἷς3 of 34

one

G1520

one

ἐκ4 of 34

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν5 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑπτὰ6 of 34

the seven

G2033

seven

ἀγγέλων7 of 34

angels

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

τῶν8 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐχόντων9 of 34

had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τῶν10 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑπτὰ11 of 34

the seven

G2033

seven

φιάλας12 of 34

vials

G5357

a broad shallow cup ("phial")

καὶ13 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐλάλησεν14 of 34

talked

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

μετ'15 of 34

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἐμοῦ16 of 34

me

G1700

of me

λέγων17 of 34

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

μοι,18 of 34

unto me

G3427

to me

Δεῦρο19 of 34

Come hither

G1204

here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto

δείξω20 of 34

I will shew

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

σοι21 of 34

unto thee

G4671

to thee

τῶν22 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κρίμα23 of 34

the judgment

G2917

a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ("crime"))

τῶν24 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόρνης25 of 34

whore

G4204

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

τῶν26 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μεγάλης27 of 34

of the great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

τῶν28 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καθημένης29 of 34

that sitteth

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπὶ30 of 34

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῶν31 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑδάτων32 of 34

waters

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

τῶν33 of 34

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πολλῶν34 of 34

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 17:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 17:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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