The Great Prostitute
Revelation 17:1-2 introduces the great prostitute who sits on many waters, symbolizing a corrupt and idolatrous system that leads nations astray. This imagery represents spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness to God.

The Scarlet Beast
In Revelation 17:3, John sees a woman sitting on a scarlet beast with blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. The beast represents political power and opposition to God, often interpreted as a coalition of worldly governments.

The Mystery of Babylon
Revelation 17:5 reveals the name Babylon the Great, symbolizing a system of false religion and moral corruption. Babylon is a recurring biblical symbol for rebellion against God.

The Drunkenness of the Nations
Revelation 17:6 describes the woman as drunk with the blood of the saints, highlighting the persecution and martyrdom of believers throughout history.

The Angel's Explanation
In Revelation 17:7-18, an angel explains the vision, revealing the identities of the beast and the woman. The seven heads are seven mountains and also represent seven kings, while the ten horns are ten kings who will give their power to the beast.

The Ultimate Defeat
Revelation 17:14 declares that the Lamb will overcome the beast and its allies, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.Discernment in Spiritual Matters
Believers must exercise discernment to recognize and resist spiritual deception and false teachings that lead away from God.

Faithfulness in Persecution
The chapter encourages Christians to remain faithful even in the face of persecution, trusting in God's ultimate victory.

Separation from Worldly Systems
Christians are called to live distinctively, avoiding entanglement with corrupt and idolatrous systems that oppose God's kingdom.

Hope in Christ's Victory
The assurance of Christ's victory over evil provides hope and encouragement for believers to persevere in their faith.1. The Great Prostitute (Harlot)
Description: The Great Prostitute is depicted as sitting on many waters and is associated with the kings of the earth committing adultery with her. She is described as being adorned in purple and scarlet, and holding a golden cup filled with abominations.
Scripture: "Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, 'Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters.'" (Revelation 17:1)
Greek Root: The term "prostitute" (πόρνη, pornē) is often interpreted as symbolizing false religion or a corrupt system that leads people away from God.

2. The Beast
Description: The Beast is described as scarlet and full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns. It is the entity upon which the Great Prostitute sits.
Scripture: "And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns." (Revelation 17:3)
Greek Root: The word "beast" (θηρίον, thērion) is often interpreted as representing a powerful, oppressive political system or empire.

3. The Kings of the Earth
Description: These are the rulers who have committed adultery with the Great Prostitute and are described as being intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.
Scripture: "With her the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries." (Revelation 17:2)
Greek Root: The term "kings" (βασιλεῖς, basileis) refers to earthly rulers or leaders who align themselves with corrupt systems.

4. The Seven Heads
Description: These are described as seven mountains on which the woman sits, and they also represent seven kings.
Scripture: "This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits." (Revelation 17:9)
Greek Root: The term "heads" (κεφαλαί, kephalai) symbolizes authority or leadership, often interpreted as successive empires or kingdoms.

5. The Ten Horns
Description: These are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom but will receive authority as kings for one hour with the beast.
Scripture: "The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings along with the beast." (Revelation 17:12)
Greek Root: The term "horns" (κέρατα, kerata) often symbolizes power or strength, representing emerging rulers or powers.

6. The Lamb
Description: The Lamb is Jesus Christ, who is described as overcoming the beast and the kings because He is Lord of lords and King of kings.
Scripture: "They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones." (Revelation 17:14)
Greek Root: The term "Lamb" (ἀρνίον, arnion) is a title for Jesus, emphasizing His role as the sacrificial Savior.1. The Wilderness
Description: In Revelation 17:3, John is carried away in the Spirit into a wilderness. This setting is symbolic, often representing a place of desolation or spiritual barrenness. The Greek word used here is "ἔρημος" (erēmos), which can mean a deserted or solitary place.

2. The Great City
Description: Revelation 17:18 refers to "the great city that rules over the kings of the earth." This city is often interpreted as a symbol of a powerful, corrupt system or empire. The Greek term "πόλις" (polis) is used, which means city, but in this context, it represents more than just a physical location; it embodies a center of influence and authority.1. The Vision of the Great Prostitute
An angel shows John a vision of a woman sitting on a scarlet beast. The woman is described as "the great prostitute who sits on many waters" (Revelation 17:1). The Greek word for "prostitute" is "πόρνη" (pornē), symbolizing idolatry and false religion.

2. The Kings of the Earth Commit Immorality
The kings of the earth are said to have committed sexual immorality with her, and the inhabitants of the earth are intoxicated with the wine of her immorality (Revelation 17:2). The Greek word "πορνεία" (porneia) is used, indicating spiritual unfaithfulness.

3. The Woman on the Scarlet Beast
John sees the woman sitting on a scarlet beast covered with blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 17:3). The beast represents a coalition of political powers opposed to God.

4. The Woman's Adornments and Cup
The woman is adorned in purple and scarlet, glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She holds a golden cup filled with abominations and the impurities of her immorality (Revelation 17:4). The Greek word "βδέλυγμα" (bdelygma) refers to detestable things, often associated with idolatry.

5. The Name on Her Forehead
The woman has a name written on her forehead: "Mystery: Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth" (Revelation 17:5). The term "μυστήριον" (mystērion) indicates a hidden truth now revealed.

6. The Woman Drunk with the Blood of the Saints
John observes that the woman is drunk with the blood of the saints and the martyrs of Jesus (Revelation 17:6). This symbolizes persecution and martyrdom of believers.

7. The Angel's Explanation of the Beast
The angel explains the mystery of the woman and the beast with seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 17:7). The beast "was, and is not, and is about to rise" (Revelation 17:8), indicating a past, present, and future aspect of its existence.

8. The Seven Heads and Ten Horns
The seven heads are seven mountains and also represent seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come (Revelation 17:9-10). The ten horns are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom but will receive authority with the beast for one hour (Revelation 17:12).

9. The War Against the Lamb
The ten kings will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings (Revelation 17:14).

10. The Waters and the Woman
The waters where the prostitute sits are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages (Revelation 17:15). This indicates her global influence.

11. The Beast and the Ten Horns Turn Against the Prostitute
The beast and the ten horns will hate the prostitute, make her desolate, and burn her with fire (Revelation 17:16). This shows a turning against the false religious system.

12. God's Sovereign Plan
God has put it into their hearts to accomplish His purpose by agreeing to give their kingdom to the beast until His words are fulfilled (Revelation 17:17).

13. The Woman Identified as the Great City
The woman is identified as the great city that rules over the kings of the earth (Revelation 17:18). This city is often interpreted as a symbol of a corrupt world system.Jeremiah 51:7
Babylon as a golden cup in the Lord's hand, making the nations drunk, parallels the imagery in Revelation 17.

Daniel 7:23-25
The vision of the fourth beast and ten horns in Daniel aligns with the beast in Revelation 17.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
The man of lawlessness and rebellion against God connects with the themes of opposition in Revelation 17.

1 John 2:15-17
A call to not love the world or anything in it, emphasizing separation from worldly systems. Pray for Discernment
Ask God for wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist spiritual deception in our lives and communities.

Pray for Faithfulness
Seek God's strength to remain faithful amidst trials and persecution, trusting in His ultimate victory.

Pray for Purity
Request God's help to live a life set apart from worldly corruption and idolatry, reflecting His holiness.

Pray for Hope
Thank God for the assurance of Christ's victory and pray for hope and encouragement for believers facing challenges.

1. What does the prostitute represent in today's context? How do you see the spirit of Babylon in the world today?

2. How can you apply the lessons from the beast's alliance with the kings to the relationships and alliances you form in your own life?

3. Why is the prostitute described as being adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls? What could this represent?

4. How does the judgment of the prostitute reflect God's justice? How does this imagery resonate with you?

5. What does the description of the beast as one who “once was, now is not, and yet will come” tell us about the deceptive nature of evil?

6. The kings wage war against the Lamb but are defeated. How does this encourage you in the face of adversity?

7. How does the imagery of the prostitute "drunk with the blood of God’s holy people" inspire you to persevere in your faith amidst persecution?

8. In what ways does our society "trade" with the great prostitute, engaging in spiritual infidelity?

9. Why do you think the beast and the ten kings turn against the prostitute? What does this reveal about the nature of worldly alliances?

10. How does the understanding of the prostitute as the "great city" resonate with the modern concept of worldly and secular influences?

11. What are some actions you can take to resist the temptation of spiritual adultery in today's society?

12. How can Revelation 17 help you understand and respond to the current religious and political climate?

13. How does the final revelation of the woman as a city ruling over the kings of the earth affect your understanding of the pervasive influence of Babylon?

14. What does the fate of the prostitute teach you about the temporal nature of worldly pleasures and power?

15. How can the victory of the Lamb over the beast and his allies inspire courage and hope in your personal life?

16. In what ways do you see the spirit of the beast operating in the world today, and how can you counteract its influence?

17. How does God use the beast and the ten kings to fulfill His words and purposes, and what does this say about God's sovereignty?

18. What are some real-life situations where you've witnessed the false allure of the "great prostitute"?

19. How can you help others recognize and resist the temptations represented by the great prostitute?

20. Considering the ultimate victory of the Lamb, how can this influence your daily actions, decisions, and attitudes towards hardships?