King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:16 Mean?

Revelation 17:16 in the King James Version says “And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, a... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 17:16 · KJV


Context

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.

18

And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 17:16 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 · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

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

τὰ2 of 29
G3588

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

δέκα3 of 29

the ten

G1176

ten

κέρατα4 of 29

horns

G2768

a horn (literally or figuratively)

5 of 29

which

G3739

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

εἶδες6 of 29

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

ἐπὶ7 of 29

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

τὸ8 of 29
G3588

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

θηρίον9 of 29

the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

οὗτοι10 of 29

these

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

μισήσουσιν11 of 29

shall hate

G3404

to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less

τὴν12 of 29
G3588

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

πόρνην13 of 29

the whore

G4204

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

καὶ14 of 29

And

G2532

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

ἠρημωμένην15 of 29

desolate

G2049

to lay waste (literally or figuratively)

ποιήσουσιν16 of 29

shall make

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

αὐτὴν17 of 29

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ18 of 29

And

G2532

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

γυμνήν19 of 29

naked

G1131

nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)

καὶ20 of 29

And

G2532

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

τὰς21 of 29
G3588

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

σάρκας22 of 29

flesh

G4561

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

αὐτὴν23 of 29

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

φάγονται24 of 29

shall eat

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

καὶ25 of 29

And

G2532

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

αὐτὴν26 of 29

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

κατακαύσουσιν27 of 29

burn

G2618

to burn down (to the ground), i.e., consume wholly

ἐν28 of 29

with

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πυρί29 of 29

fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)


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 17:16 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 17:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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