King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:5 Mean?

Revelation 17:5 in the King James Version says “And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EART...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 17:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

Read Revelation 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS 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 17:5 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 · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“AND”

G2532

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

ἐπὶ2 of 20

“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

τὸ3 of 20
G3588

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

μέτωπον4 of 20

“forehead”

G3359

the forehead (as opposite the countenance)

αὐτῆς5 of 20
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

ὄνομα6 of 20

“was a name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

γεγραμμένον7 of 20

“written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

μυστήριον8 of 20

“MYSTERY”

G3466

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)

Βαβυλὼν9 of 20

“BABYLON”

G897

babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))

ἡ10 of 20
G3588

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

μεγάλη11 of 20

“THE GREAT”

G3173

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

ἡ12 of 20
G3588

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

μήτηρ13 of 20

“THE MOTHER”

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

τῶν14 of 20
G3588

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

πορνῶν15 of 20

“OF HARLOTS”

G4204

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

καὶ16 of 20

“AND”

G2532

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

τῶν17 of 20
G3588

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

βδελυγμάτων18 of 20

“ABOMINATIONS”

G946

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

τῆς19 of 20
G3588

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

γῆς20 of 20

“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 17:5 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 17:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 14:8Revelation 18:2Revelation 17:7Isaiah 3:9Revelation 19:22 Thessalonians 2:7

Places in This Verse

Babylon 3Settlement · Modern: Rome · 41.89°N, 12.49°E6 verses across 1 book
View all places in Revelation 17 →

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