King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:15 Mean?

Revelation 17:15 in the King James Version says “And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, a...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.”

Revelation 17:15 · KJV

Context

13

These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

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.

15

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

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.

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.

Read Revelation 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.... 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.

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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 17:15 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 · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

λέγει2 of 19

“he saith”

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

μοι3 of 19

“unto me”

G3427

to me

Τὰ4 of 19
G3588

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

ὕδατα5 of 19

“The waters”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

ἃ6 of 19

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶδες7 of 19

“thou sawest”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

οὗ8 of 19

“where”

G3757

at which place, i.e., where

ἡ9 of 19
G3588

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

πόρνη10 of 19

“the whore”

G4204

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

κάθηται11 of 19

“sitteth”

G2521

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

λαοὶ12 of 19

“peoples”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

καὶ13 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ὄχλοι14 of 19

“multitudes”

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

εἰσὶν15 of 19

“are”

G1526

they are

καὶ16 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ἔθνη17 of 19

“nations”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

καὶ18 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

γλῶσσαι19 of 19

“tongues”

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

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 17:15 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 17:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 17:1Isaiah 8:7-8Jeremiah 51:55Jeremiah 51:13Jeremiah 51:42Revelation 11:9

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