King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:18 Mean?

Revelation 17:18 in the King James Version says “And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 17:18 · KJV

Context

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.

Read Revelation 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.... 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 17:18 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 · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

“And”

G2532

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

τῆς2 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

γυνὴ3 of 18

“the woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἣν4 of 18

“which”

G3739

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

εἶδες5 of 18

“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

ἔστιν6 of 18

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τῆς7 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

πόλις8 of 18

“city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

τῆς9 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

μεγάλη10 of 18

“that great”

G3173

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

τῆς11 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

ἔχουσα12 of 18

“reigneth”

G2192

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

βασιλείαν13 of 18
G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ14 of 18

“over”

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

τῆς15 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

βασιλέων16 of 18

“the kings”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῆς17 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

γῆς18 of 18

“of the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

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 17:18 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 17:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 16:19Revelation 18:2Daniel 7:23Daniel 2:40-41

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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