Revelation 17:15

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

And {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto me {G3427}, The waters {G5204} which {G3739} thou sawest {G1492}, where {G3757} the whore {G4204} sitteth {G2521}, are {G1526} peoples {G2992}, and {G2532} multitudes {G3793}, and {G2532} nations {G1484}, and {G2532} tongues {G1100}.

Then he said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the whore is sitting, are peoples, crowds, nations and languages.

Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

Commentary

Context

Revelation 17 presents John's vision of a "great whore" sitting upon "many waters" and riding a scarlet beast. This chapter is central to understanding key prophetic symbols in the book of Revelation, particularly concerning the identity and judgment of what is often referred to as "Babylon the Great." In this specific verse, an angel explains one of the most enigmatic symbols from the vision: the waters. The angel's clarification is crucial for interpreting the nature and scope of the entity symbolized by the "whore," providing a direct divine interpretation of a symbolic element previously introduced in Revelation 17:1.

Meaning and Symbolism

Verse 15 provides a direct and unambiguous interpretation of the "waters" upon which the great whore sits. The angel explicitly states that these waters "are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." This comprehensive list signifies a vast, universal, and diverse human population. It clarifies that the power or influence of the "whore" (often interpreted as a corrupt religious, political, or economic system) is not confined to a specific geographical location or a single nation, but rather extends globally, encompassing all segments of humanity.

  • Peoples (laoi): Refers to distinct ethnic or national groups.
  • Multitudes (ochloi): Denotes large crowds or masses of people.
  • Nations (ethnē): Implies all the gentile nations of the world, beyond just Israel.
  • Tongues (glōssai): Signifies linguistic diversity, further emphasizing a global reach.

Together, these terms paint a picture of widespread dominion and influence over the entire human race, indicating that the "whore's" power is pervasive and global in scope.

Linguistic Nuances

The Greek words used for "peoples" (laoi), "multitudes" (ochloi), "nations" (ethnē), and "tongues" (glōssai) are quite literal and cumulative in their meaning. There isn't a hidden linguistic complexity beyond their straightforward interpretation. Their combined use serves to intensify the idea of universality and vastness. The repetition and layering of these terms underscore the angel's emphasis on the global nature of the "whore's" influence, leaving no doubt about the extensive reach of this symbolic entity.

Key Themes

  • Global Influence and Dominion: The primary theme is the extensive, worldwide reach of the spiritual or political entity symbolized by the "great whore." This entity exerts significant influence over diverse populations across the globe.
  • Symbolic Interpretation: Revelation frequently uses symbols, and this verse highlights the importance of divine revelation for understanding these symbols. The angel's direct explanation is a key to unlocking the meaning of other prophetic imagery in the book.
  • The Pervasive Nature of Deception: By identifying the "waters" as all peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues, the verse underscores how widely spiritual deception or corrupt systems can spread and ensnare humanity.

Practical Application

For believers today, Revelation 17:15 serves as a powerful reminder of the global nature of spiritual forces and systems that stand opposed to God. It encourages:

  • Discernment: Christians are called to be discerning, recognizing that influences contrary to God's truth can arise from any nation, culture, or segment of society, not just specific geographical locations.
  • Awareness of Global Deception: The verse highlights that spiritual deception and anti-God systems have a universal appeal and reach. This calls for vigilance and a commitment to spreading the Gospel to all "peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues."
  • Separation from Worldly Systems: Understanding the pervasive influence of "Babylon the Great" reinforces the biblical call for believers to "Come out of her, my people" (Revelation 18:4), maintaining spiritual separation from corrupting worldly systems.
  • Confidence in God's Judgment: Despite the global influence of these systems, the broader context of Revelation assures us that God's ultimate judgment will fall upon them, as seen in the prophecies of Babylon's fall (Revelation 18:2).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 17:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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:

  • Jeremiah 51:13 (5 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 8:7 (5 votes)

    Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, [even] the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

  • Isaiah 8:8 (5 votes)

    And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

  • Jeremiah 51:55 (5 votes)

    Because the LORD hath spoiled Babylon, and destroyed out of her the great voice; when her waves do roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered:

  • Revelation 10:11 (3 votes)

    And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

  • Revelation 11:9 (3 votes)

    And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.