King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:4 Mean?

Revelation 17:4 in the King James Version says “And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a go...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: decked: Gr. gilded”

Revelation 17:4 · KJV

Context

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.

4

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: decked: Gr. gilded

5

And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. harlots: or, fornications

6

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

Read Revelation 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:... 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 17:4 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

ἡ2 of 29
G3588

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

γυνὴ3 of 29

“the woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἦν4 of 29
G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

περιβεβλημένη5 of 29

“was arrayed”

G4016

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

πορφύρᾳ6 of 29

“in purple”

G4209

the "purple" mussel, i.e., (by implication) the red-blue color itself, and finally a garment dyed with it

καὶ7 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

κόκκινῳ,8 of 29

“scarlet colour”

G2847

crimson-colored

καὶ9 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

κεχρυσωμένη10 of 29

“decked”

G5558

to gild, i.e., bespangle with golden ornaments

χρυσῷ11 of 29

“with gold”

G5557

gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin

καὶ12 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

λίθῳ13 of 29

“stones”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

τιμίῳ14 of 29

“precious”

G5093

valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved

καὶ15 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

μαργαρίταις16 of 29

“pearls”

G3135

a pearl

ἔχουσα17 of 29

“having”

G2192

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

χρυσοῦν18 of 29

“a golden”

G5552

made of gold

ποτήριον19 of 29

“cup”

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

ἐν20 of 29

“in”

G1722

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

τῇ21 of 29
G3588

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

χειρὶ22 of 29

“hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτῆς23 of 29
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

γέμον24 of 29

“full of”

G1073

to swell out, i.e., be full

βδελυγμάτων25 of 29

“abominations”

G946

a detestation, i.e., (specially) idolatry

καὶ26 of 29

“And”

G2532

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

ἀκάθαρτητος27 of 29

“filthiness”

G168

impurity (the state), morally

πορνείας28 of 29

“fornication”

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

αὐτῆς29 of 29
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

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 17:4 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 17:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 18:16Jeremiah 51:7Revelation 19:2Revelation 18:122 Thessalonians 2:3-10Lamentations 1:9

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