Revelation 17:4

The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.

Study Bible

The woman
In Revelation, "the woman" is often symbolic, representing a city or a system. Here, she is widely interpreted as symbolizing Babylon, a representation of worldly power and corruption. Historically, Babylon was a city of great wealth and influence, often seen as an enemy of God's people. The imagery of a woman in prophetic literature often conveys a spiritual or religious entity, and in this context, she embodies the seductive allure of a world system opposed to God.

was dressed in purple and scarlet
Purple and scarlet are colors associated with royalty, wealth, and luxury. In the ancient world, purple dye was extremely expensive and reserved for the elite. Scarlet, too, was a color of opulence. The use of these colors signifies the woman's immense wealth and her seductive appeal. Spiritually, it suggests the allure of materialism and the temptation of worldly power that can lead believers astray.

and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls
The adornment with gold, precious stones, and pearls further emphasizes the theme of opulence and wealth. These are symbols of material prosperity and splendor. In a spiritual sense, they represent the deceptive attractiveness of sin and the false security found in material wealth. The Bible often warns against the love of money and the dangers of placing trust in riches rather than in God.

She held in her hand a golden cup
The golden cup is a symbol of wealth and power, but it is also a vessel of deception. In the ancient world, a golden cup would be a sign of luxury and indulgence. However, the contents of the cup reveal its true nature. This imagery is reminiscent of Jeremiah 51:7, where Babylon is described as a golden cup in the Lord's hand, making the whole earth drunk. It signifies the intoxicating influence of sin and corruption.

full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality
The contents of the cup—abominations and impurities—highlight the moral and spiritual corruption of the woman. "Abominations" in the biblical context often refer to idolatry and practices detestable to God. The phrase "sexual immorality" is frequently used in Scripture to describe unfaithfulness to God, often in the form of idolatry or spiritual adultery. This imagery serves as a warning against the seductive power of sin and the spiritual dangers of compromising with worldly values.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman
Symbolizes a corrupt and idolatrous system, often interpreted as representing a false religious or political power that opposes God.

2. Purple and Scarlet
Colors associated with royalty, wealth, and luxury, indicating the woman's allure and deceptive grandeur.

3. Gold, Precious Stones, and Pearls
Symbols of wealth and opulence, suggesting the seductive nature of the woman's influence.

4. Golden Cup
Represents the enticing yet corrupting nature of the woman's influence, filled with abominations and impurities.

5. Abominations and Impurities
Refers to the moral and spiritual corruption associated with idolatry and immorality.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Worldly Allure
The woman's opulent appearance serves as a warning against being seduced by the world's wealth and power, which can lead to spiritual compromise.

The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Just as the golden cup appears attractive but is filled with abominations, sin often appears enticing but leads to destruction.

Spiritual Discernment
Believers are called to discern the true nature of influences in their lives, recognizing that not all that glitters is godly.

The Call to Holiness
In contrast to the impurities of the woman, Christians are called to live lives of purity and devotion to God.

The Consequences of Idolatry
The passage serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of idolatry and immorality, urging believers to remain faithful to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the woman in Revelation 17:4 challenge our understanding of worldly success and allure?

2. In what ways can we guard ourselves against the seductive influences of wealth and power in today's society?

3. How does the imagery of the golden cup filled with abominations relate to the deceptive nature of sin in our lives?

4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate spiritual discernment in recognizing false teachings or influences?

5. How can we apply the call to holiness in our daily lives, especially in a culture that often promotes immorality and idolatry?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 51:7
Babylon is described as a golden cup in the Lord's hand, making the earth drunk, which parallels the imagery of the woman holding a golden cup filled with abominations.

Proverbs 5:3-5
The seductive nature of immorality is likened to honey and oil, but its end is bitter, similar to the allure and ultimate corruption of the woman in Revelation.

1 John 2:15-17
Warns against loving the world and its desires, which aligns with the seductive and corrupting influence of the woman in Revelation 17:4.