Revelation 17:16

KJV

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the ten {G1176} horns {G2768} which {G3739} thou sawest {G1492} upon {G1909} the beast {G2342}, these {G3778} shall hate {G3404} the whore {G4204}, and {G2532} shall make {G4160} her {G846} desolate {G2049} and {G2532} naked {G1131}, and {G2532} shall eat {G5315} her {G846} flesh {G4561}, and {G2532} burn {G2618} her {G846} with {G1722} fire {G4442}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for the ten horns that you saw and the beast, they will hate the whore, bring her to ruin, leave her naked, eat her flesh and consume her with fire.

Berean Standard Bible

And the ten horns and the beast that you saw will hate the prostitute. They will leave her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and burn her with fire.

American Standard Version

And the ten horns which thou sawest, and the beast, these shall hate the harlot, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and shall burn her utterly with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 17:16 unveils a dramatic and pivotal moment in the apocalyptic narrative, depicting the unexpected turn of the "ten horns" – representing a coalition of global powers allied with the "beast" – against "the whore," symbolizing "Babylon the Great." This verse graphically illustrates their violent rejection and complete destruction of this corrupt religious, political, and economic system, making her desolate, stripping her bare, devouring her resources, and utterly consuming her with fire, all orchestrated by divine purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 17 introduces "Babylon the Great," the "mother of harlots and abominations of the earth," seated upon a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns. The preceding verses establish the harlot's widespread influence over kings and peoples, intoxicating them with her spiritual fornication and illicit wealth. Critically, [Revelation 17:12-14](/revelation/17-12-14 "Revelation 17:12-14 - The Ten Kings and Their Power") introduces the ten horns as ten kings who receive power with the beast for "one hour" and will make war with the Lamb. Verse 15 explains that the "waters" upon which the harlot sits are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues, signifying her global reach. Revelation 17:16, therefore, presents a shocking reversal: the very powers that once supported or were seduced by her will become the instruments of her downfall, setting the stage for the detailed account of Babylon's destruction in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "harlot" and "Babylon" would have resonated deeply with John's original audience, who were familiar with Old Testament prophetic condemnations of idolatrous nations and cities, particularly those that oppressed God's people. "Babylon" was a historical archetype of imperial power, spiritual corruption, and opposition to God, stemming from the ancient Babylonian empire's destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Israel. In the Roman context, this imagery likely served as a veiled but potent critique of Rome itself, with its imperial cult, economic dominance, and persecution of Christians. The concept of "kings" turning against a once-favored city or power was not unheard of in the ancient world, often occurring when alliances shifted or when the cost of association outweighed the benefit, a common theme in prophetic judgments against cities like Tyre or Egypt.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the downfall of all systems that oppose Him, even using wicked agents to fulfill His purposes, as explicitly stated in [Revelation 17:17](/revelation/17-17 "Revelation 17:17 - God's Purpose Fulfilled"). The **Reversal of Alliances** is a profound theme, illustrating the inherent instability and self-destructive nature of evil and worldly power structures; what appears to be a unified front against God ultimately collapses from within. Furthermore, the graphic imagery underscores the theme of **Complete Destruction of Evil Systems**, portraying the utter annihilation and exposure of "Babylon the Great" in a manner that leaves no doubt about its final, irreversible ruin. This passage also reinforces the **Sovereignty of God** over human history and the actions of nations, assuring believers that despite apparent chaos, God's ultimate plan will prevail.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hate (Greek, _miséō'_):** G3404. This word signifies a strong detestation, active antagonism, and a turning with hostility, rather than mere dislike. In the context of Revelation 17:16, it denotes a profound shift from alliance or tolerance to active enmity, indicating a complete rejection and violent opposition to the harlot.
* **desolate (Greek, _erēmóō'_):** G2049. Derived from a word meaning "desert" or "waste," this term means to lay waste, abandon, or make utterly barren. When applied to the harlot, it implies the stripping away of her power, influence, and population, leaving her empty, ruined, and without inhabitants or support.
* **naked (Greek, _gymnós'_):** G1131. This word refers to being nude, either literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies the stripping away of her glory, protection, and deceptive coverings, exposing her shame, vulnerability, and true abominable nature to the world. This is a common prophetic image for humiliation and judgment.
* **burn (Greek, _katakaíō'_):** G2618. This compound verb (from _katá_ "down" and _kaíō_ "to burn") means to burn down completely, to consume wholly, or to utterly destroy by fire. It emphasizes the finality and totality of the harlot's destruction, a common biblical symbol of divine wrath and irreversible judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast,"**: This phrase identifies the agents of destruction. The "ten horns" were previously introduced in [Revelation 17:12](/revelation/17-12 "Revelation 17:12 - The Ten Kings") as ten kings who receive authority with the beast. Their connection "upon the beast" signifies their alliance with and participation in the beast's global system of power and rebellion against God. The reference "which thou sawest" grounds the vision in John's direct prophetic experience.
* **"these shall hate the whore,"**: This marks the dramatic reversal. The very powers that were once associated with or influenced by the harlot ("the whore," symbolizing Babylon the Great) will turn against her with intense animosity. This hatred is not merely passive dislike but an active, hostile aversion that drives their subsequent destructive actions.
* **"and shall make her desolate and naked,"**: This clause describes the initial phase of the harlot's destruction. To "make her desolate" means to strip her of her power, wealth, and inhabitants, leaving her barren and ruined. To make her "naked" signifies the removal of her splendor, protection, and deceptive coverings, exposing her shame, vulnerability, and true depravity to the world. This imagery evokes prophetic judgments from the Old Testament against corrupt cities and nations.
* **"and shall eat her flesh,"**: This gruesome and vivid metaphor indicates a complete devouring of her substance. "Eating her flesh" implies the violent appropriation, consumption, and destruction of her wealth, resources, political influence, and very being. It suggests a predatory act where the former allies turn on her to consume what she possesses, leaving nothing behind.
* **"and burn her with fire."**: This final act signifies the ultimate and irreversible destruction of the harlot. Fire is a potent biblical symbol of divine wrath, purification, and complete annihilation. This burning indicates a final, total, and irreversible judgment, leaving no trace of her power or existence, akin to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah or other judgments described in prophetic literature.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 17:16 is rich with **Symbolism**, where "the ten horns," "the beast," and "the whore" are not literal entities but represent complex geopolitical and spiritual powers. The "ten horns" symbolize a coalition of kings or nations, "the beast" represents a global anti-God empire, and "the whore" embodies "Babylon the Great," a corrupt global system of religious, economic, and political influence. The verse also employs profound **Irony**, as the very powers (the ten horns) that were once aligned with and seemingly benefited from the harlot's influence are divinely orchestrated to become the instruments of her utter destruction. This highlights the inherent instability and self-destructive nature of evil alliances. Furthermore, the language utilizes **Graphic Imagery** and **Hyperbole** with phrases like "eat her flesh" and "burn her with fire." While perhaps not literal cannibalism, these expressions are designed to convey the extreme violence, totality, and ruthlessness of the harlot's destruction, emphasizing the complete consumption of her resources and final annihilation. The description of making her "desolate and naked" is a form of **Personification**, treating the abstract entity of "the whore" as a person who can be stripped and shamed, intensifying the sense of humiliation and ruin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 17:16 powerfully illustrates the principle of divine retribution and the ultimate triumph of God's justice over all forms of human rebellion and corruption. It underscores that even the most formidable and seemingly entrenched systems of evil are ultimately fragile and subject to God's sovereign will. The unexpected turning of the beast's allies against the harlot reveals that worldly alliances are inherently unstable and self-serving, destined to collapse under the weight of their own depravity. This passage assures believers that God remains in control, using even the actions of those who oppose Him to bring about His predetermined purposes, culminating in the complete and irreversible destruction of all that stands against His righteous kingdom.

* [Jeremiah 13:26](/jeremiah/13-26 "Jeremiah 13:26 - Jerusalem's Exposure")
* [Ezekiel 16:37](/ezekiel/16-37 "Ezekiel 16:37 - Ezekiel's Prophecy of Exposure")
* [Revelation 18:8](/revelation/18-8 "Revelation 18:8 - The Sudden Destruction of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 17:16 serves as a profound reminder that no worldly power, no matter how influential or seemingly invincible, can ultimately withstand the sovereign will of God. For believers, this truth offers immense comfort and a call to discerning faith. It encourages us not to be intimidated or seduced by the apparent glory, wealth, or political might of systems that oppose God, for their end is assured destruction. We are called to place our trust not in fleeting human alliances or corrupt institutions, but in the enduring kingdom of God. This passage also challenges us to examine our own allegiances, ensuring that our hearts are not entangled with the values or pursuits of "Babylon," but are firmly fixed on Christ and His eternal purposes. The dramatic reversal depicted here should inspire patience and hope, knowing that God's justice will prevail, and every system that exalts itself against Him will ultimately be brought to nothing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "ten horns" turning on "the whore" challenge our perceptions of worldly power and alliances?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, be tempted to align ourselves with or place our trust in worldly systems that are ultimately destined for destruction?**
* **How does the assurance of God's ultimate sovereignty, even over the actions of wicked rulers, strengthen your faith and hope in challenging times?**
* **What does "making her desolate and naked" and "eating her flesh" reveal about the nature of God's judgment against spiritual and moral corruption?**

### FAQ
**What does "the whore" represent in Revelation 17?**

Answer: "The whore," also referred to as "Babylon the Great," is a complex symbol in Revelation 17. Theologically, she represents a vast, corrupt global system that encompasses religious apostasy, economic exploitation, and political power, all in opposition to God. She is depicted as intoxicating the kings and inhabitants of the earth with her spiritual fornication and illicit wealth. While some interpretations identify her with a specific historical city or entity (like Rome), it is more broadly understood as the anti-God world system that seduces humanity away from true worship and righteousness, embodying all forms of idolatry, materialism, and rebellion against divine truth. Her ultimate destruction signifies the end of all such systems.

**Why do the "ten horns" turn against "the whore" if they were previously allied with her?**

Answer: The turning of the "ten horns" (representing a coalition of kings or nations) against "the whore" is a divinely orchestrated act, as [Revelation 17:17](/revelation/17-17 "Revelation 17:17 - God's Purpose Fulfilled") explicitly states: "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." This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, even over the actions of wicked rulers. The alliance between the beast, the horns, and the harlot is inherently unstable and self-serving. When God's appointed time comes, He will cause these powers to turn on the harlot, perhaps because her usefulness to them has ended, or because their own ambitions lead them to consume her resources and power. This act serves as a dramatic display of divine judgment, where the very instruments of evil become the agents of its own destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 17:16 describes a future judgment upon a corrupt world system, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the ultimate triumph of the Lamb of God over all opposing powers. The graphic destruction of "the whore" by the "ten horns" foreshadows the complete and final dismantling of every kingdom, authority, and power that exalts itself against Christ. Jesus, as the true King of kings and Lord of lords, does not need human alliances or worldly systems to achieve His victory; rather, He orchestrates their self-destruction to clear the way for His perfect and eternal reign. This passage, therefore, points to the certainty of Christ's return, when He will judge the living and the dead, and establish His kingdom, a kingdom that will know no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). The Lamb, who was slain and by His blood purchased people for God ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")), is the one against whom the beast and the kings make war, and He is the one who will ultimately overcome them ([Revelation 17:14](/revelation/17-14 "Revelation 17:14 - The Lamb's Victory")). Thus, the judgment depicted in Revelation 17:16 is a necessary precursor to the glorious revelation of Christ's universal dominion and the establishment of the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people forever ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")).

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 18:8

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her.

Leviticus 21:9

And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself by playing the whore, she profaneth her father: she shall be burnt with fire.

Ezekiel 16:37

Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all [them] that thou hast loved, with all [them] that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

Ezekiel 16:44

¶ Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use [this] proverb against thee, saying, As [is] the mother, [so is] her daughter.

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 17:2

With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

Revelation 18:16

And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!