Revelation 17:1

KJV

¶ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} there came {G2064} one {G1520} of {G1537} the seven {G2033} angels {G32} which {G3588} had {G2192} the seven {G2033} vials {G5357}, and {G2532} talked {G2980} with {G3326} me {G1700}, saying {G3004} unto me {G3427}, Come hither {G1204}; I will shew {G1166} unto thee {G4671} the judgment {G2917} of the great {G3173} whore {G4204} that sitteth {G2521} upon {G1909} many {G4183} waters {G5204}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then came one of the angels with the seven bowls; and he said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great whore who is sitting by many waters.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And there came one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls, and spake with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the judgment of the great harlot that sitteth upon many waters;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 17:1 initiates a profound new phase in John's apocalyptic vision, transitioning from the final outpouring of divine wrath to a detailed revelation concerning the ultimate judgment of a highly symbolic entity: "the great whore." This verse serves as an angelic invitation to witness the eschatological downfall of a powerful, corrupt system that has exerted vast influence over the nations, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of God's righteous justice against spiritual apostasy and worldly rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowls of Wrath"), which concludes the sequence of divine judgments. The appearance of "one of the seven angels which had the seven vials" directly links this new vision to the preceding judgments, indicating that the revelation of the "great whore" is not a digression but an essential explanation of the target and nature of God's final wrath. It serves as a narrative bridge, providing the theological rationale and identity of the entity upon whom these judgments are executed, leading directly into the detailed description of "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 17:3-18](/revelation/17-3-18 "Revelation 17:3-18 - Description of Babylon the Great").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "whore" or "harlot" in prophetic literature, particularly in the Old Testament, frequently symbolized a nation or city that had committed spiritual adultery against God through idolatry, unfaithfulness to covenant, and illicit alliances with pagan powers. Cities like Jerusalem were often depicted as harlots due to their apostasy (e.g., [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Harlotry")). The phrase "sitteth upon many waters" would evoke ancient Near Eastern concepts of powerful empires, particularly Babylon, which was known for its location on the Euphrates River and its vast dominion over many peoples. This imagery would resonate with John's original audience, who were facing persecution from the Roman Empire, a power that similarly exerted global influence and demanded worship, thus embodying characteristics of the "great whore."
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 17:1 introduces and reinforces several critical themes. The overarching theme is **Divine Judgment**, as the angel explicitly states his purpose is to "shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore." This underscores God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to bringing justice upon all forms of evil and rebellion, a theme consistently highlighted throughout the book, from the opening vision of Christ in [Revelation 1](/revelation/1 "Revelation 1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ") to the final consummation in [Revelation 21-22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21-22 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). Another significant theme is the **Unveiling of Evil**, as John is invited to "Come hither" to receive a deeper understanding of the spiritual forces opposing God. This revelation exposes the true nature and ultimate destiny of the "great whore," a figure of profound spiritual and political corruption. Finally, the imagery of "the great whore that sitteth upon many waters" introduces the theme of **Global Apostasy and Influence**, foreshadowing the extensive reach and corrupting power of this anti-God entity over "peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues" as later explained in [Revelation 17:15](/revelation/17-15 "Revelation 17:15 - The Meaning of the Waters").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **judgment (Greek, _kríma'_):** (G2917) This term denotes a decision, specifically the function or effect of a judicial sentence, whether for or against. In this context, it signifies a definitive, punitive sentence from God. It is not merely an observation but the execution of a divine decree against the "great whore," emphasizing the finality and righteousness of God's verdict.
* **whore (Greek, _pórnē'_):** (G4204) While literally referring to a prostitute, in biblical prophecy, particularly in the Old Testament, "harlot" or "whore" is a powerful metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and apostasy. It describes a betrayal of one's covenant relationship with God by pursuing illicit alliances with worldly powers or false gods. The addition of "great" (G3173, _mégas'_) emphasizes the unparalleled scale and severity of this spiritual corruption.
* **waters (Greek, _hýdōr'_):** (G5204) This word, meaning "water" literally, is used here symbolically. As clarified in [Revelation 17:15](/revelation/17-15 "Revelation 17:15 - The Waters as Peoples"), "the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." Thus, "many waters" signifies the vast, global dominion and influence of the "great whore" over diverse populations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials,"**: This clause establishes the authority and significance of the messenger. The angel is not just any angel, but one of those who had just poured out the final plagues of God's wrath, directly linking this new revelation to the preceding judgments. This connection underscores that the "judgment" about to be revealed is part of God's ongoing, culminating justice.
* **"and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither;"**: This signifies a direct, personal invitation from the angel to John, the visionary. The phrase "Come hither" (G1204, _deûro'_) is an imperative, indicating an urgent and privileged summons to a closer vantage point, enabling John (and by extension, the reader) to receive a profound and crucial revelation. It marks a deliberate shift in the narrative focus.
* **"I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:"**: This is the core declaration of the verse, stating the purpose of the angelic invitation. The angel promises to "shew" (G1166, _deiknýō'_) John the divine "judgment" (G2917, _kríma'_) of a highly symbolic figure. "The great whore" (G4204, _pórnē'_) represents an entity characterized by immense spiritual corruption and unfaithfulness to God. Her position, "that sitteth upon many waters" (G5204, _hýdōr'_), immediately conveys her widespread influence and dominion over vast populations and nations, setting the stage for the detailed exposition of "Babylon the Great" in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 17:1 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "great whore" is a potent symbol, not of a literal prostitute, but of a system or entity characterized by spiritual apostasy, idolatry, and corrupt alliances with worldly powers. This imagery draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic tradition where harlotry often depicted Israel's unfaithfulness to God. The phrase "sitteth upon many waters" is also highly **Symbolic**, representing the vast global reach and dominion of this corrupt entity over "peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues," as later explicitly interpreted in [Revelation 17:15](/revelation/17-15 "Revelation 17:15 - The Meaning of the Waters"). The angel's invitation, "Come hither," functions as a **Literary Hook**, drawing the reader into a deeper, more focused revelation about the nature of evil and God's response to it. The entire passage employs **Apocalyptic Imagery**, using vivid, often disturbing, symbols to convey profound spiritual truths about the cosmic conflict between God and the forces of evil, and the certainty of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 17:1 serves as a crucial theological pivot, emphasizing God's active and righteous judgment against all forms of spiritual rebellion and worldly corruption. It assures believers that no matter how powerful or pervasive evil may seem, it is ultimately subject to God's sovereign decree. The "great whore" represents the epitome of anti-God systems—whether religious, political, or economic—that lure humanity away from true worship and into idolatry and moral depravity. This verse highlights the certainty of divine retribution, providing comfort to the persecuted and a warning to those who align themselves with the world's corrupt systems. It underscores the biblical principle that unfaithfulness to God, especially when manifested in widespread societal corruption, will inevitably face His just condemnation.

* [Jeremiah 51:13](/jeremiah/51-13 "Jeremiah 51:13 - Babylon by Many Waters")
* [Nahum 3:4](/nahum/3-4 "Nahum 3:4 - Nineveh, the Prostitute")
* [Isaiah 23:17](/isaiah/23-17 "Isaiah 23:17 - Tyre's Harlotry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 17:1 calls believers to a profound level of discernment and faithfulness in a world saturated with competing loyalties and deceptive influences. The "great whore" symbolizes any system, ideology, or cultural current that seeks to usurp God's rightful place, encouraging spiritual adultery through materialism, power-worship, or moral compromise. This verse reminds us that God sees and will judge all such corruption. For us today, this means actively identifying and resisting the subtle and overt ways the world attempts to draw our allegiance away from Christ. It compels us to examine our own hearts for any areas of spiritual compromise or idolatry, urging us to maintain purity and singular devotion to God. The coming judgment should not instill fear in the faithful, but rather strengthen our resolve, knowing that our God is just and will ultimately triumph over all wickedness, bringing about a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "waters" or spheres of influence in our modern world might represent the pervasive reach of spiritual corruption, and how can we discern them?**
* **How does the concept of "spiritual harlotry" challenge us to evaluate our own loyalties and commitments in daily life?**
* **In what ways does the promise of God's ultimate judgment on evil provide comfort and hope amidst present injustices?**

### FAQ
**What does "the great whore that sitteth upon many waters" symbolize?**

Answer: This powerful imagery is highly symbolic. "The great whore" (G4204, _pórnē'_) represents a vast, influential, and utterly corrupt system or entity that has committed spiritual adultery against God. This "harlotry" involves idolatry, unfaithfulness to God's covenant, and illicit alliances with worldly powers for gain or control. Historically, this has been interpreted in various ways, often pointing to a corrupt religious-political system that opposes God and persecutes His people. "Sitteth upon many waters" (G5204, _hýdōr'_) signifies her widespread dominion and influence over vast populations and nations, as explicitly stated later in [Revelation 17:15](/revelation/17-15 "Revelation 17:15 - The Waters as Peoples"), where the waters are identified as "peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 17:1 focuses on the judgment of the "great whore," its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the vindication of God's righteousness through the Lamb, Jesus Christ. The "judgment" (G2917, _kríma'_) promised here is executed by the One who holds all authority in heaven and on earth, the resurrected Lord. Just as Christ triumphed over sin and death on the cross, His final return will bring about the complete overthrow of all opposing powers, including the spiritual harlotry represented by the "great whore." This judgment is not merely destructive but redemptive, clearing the way for the establishment of His eternal kingdom and the marriage supper of the Lamb, where the true Bride, the Church, will be united with Christ (as anticipated in [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, the judgment of the "great whore" is a necessary prelude to the full realization of Christ's reign and the glorification of His faithful people, demonstrating that His victory on Calvary (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")) will culminate in the final eradication of all evil and the establishment of His perfect, righteous rule (foretold in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 19:2

For true and righteous [are] his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Revelation 17:1

¶ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

Revelation 17:17

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.

Jeremiah 51:13

O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, [and] the measure of thy covetousness.

Revelation 16:19

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Revelation 21:9

¶ And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

Nahum 3:4

Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.