Revelation 17:18

And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

And {G2532} the woman {G1135} which {G3739} thou sawest {G1492} is {G2076} that great {G3173} city {G4172}, which {G3588} reigneth {G2192}{G932} over {G1909} the kings {G935} of the earth {G1093}.

And the woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”

And the woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”

And the woman whom thou sawest is the great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

Revelation 17:18 KJV explicitly identifies the mysterious "woman" seen in earlier verses of chapter 17. This verse serves as a crucial interpretive key, revealing the identity of the symbolic "great harlot" as a powerful, dominant city that exerts authority over the world's rulers.

Context of Revelation 17:18

Chapter 17 of Revelation describes a vivid vision of a woman riding a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns. This woman is adorned with great wealth but also associated with abominations and the blood of saints. Throughout the chapter, she is referred to as "Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth." Verse 18 provides a direct prophetic explanation, stating unequivocally that this woman represents a "great city" that holds sway over earthly kings. This identification sets the stage for the dramatic judgment described in Revelation chapter 18.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Identification of Symbolic Babylon: The primary message is the clear identification of the "woman" as a literal or symbolic "great city." This resolves much of the mystery surrounding the harlot's identity.
  • Global Dominion and Corruption: The phrase "which reigneth over the kings of the earth" emphasizes the immense political, economic, and spiritual influence of this city. It signifies a corrupt system that dominates world powers and is opposed to God's kingdom.
  • Divine Interpretation: This verse highlights God's ultimate control over prophecy. While much of Revelation is symbolic, God provides specific interpretations (as seen here, and in Revelation 1:20 regarding the seven stars and candlesticks) to ensure understanding of key elements.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "great city" is megalē polis (μεγάλη πόλις), underscoring its significant size, power, and importance in the prophetic narrative. The term "reigneth" (ἔχουσα βασιλείαν - echousa basileian) literally means "having kingship" or "having a kingdom," which powerfully conveys the city's dominant authority and imperial control over other nations and their rulers. This isn't just influence; it's a form of sovereignty.

Historical and Cultural Context

Many biblical scholars and early church fathers have historically interpreted this "great city" as referring to Rome. In the 1st century AD, Rome was undeniably the preeminent global power, ruling a vast empire and its client kings. It was known for its immense wealth, pagan idolatry, and its severe persecution of Christians under emperors like Nero and Domitian. The imagery of a "harlot" aligns with Old Testament prophetic language, where a city or nation engaging in idolatry or unfaithfulness to God is often depicted as a prostitute (e.g., Ezekiel 16). The name "Babylon" itself is symbolic, evoking the ancient city's pride, rebellion against God, and oppression of Israel, making it a fitting moniker for any oppressive world system that stands against God's people.

Practical Application

For believers today, Revelation 17:18 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths:

  • Discernment: We are called to discern and recognize worldly systems, whether political, economic, or cultural, that accumulate power and wealth through ungodly means and oppose the values of Christ's kingdom.
  • Spiritual Separation: The call to "Come out of her, my people" (Revelation 18:4), though from the next chapter, is intrinsically linked to understanding the nature of this "great city." It urges believers to avoid being entangled in or corrupted by systems that are destined for divine judgment.
  • Hope in God's Sovereignty: Despite the overwhelming power and influence attributed to this "great city," the ultimate message of Revelation is that God is sovereign. This verse, by identifying the enemy, assures us that God knows and will judge all unrighteousness, bringing about His eternal kingdom.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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 18:2

    And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

  • Daniel 7:23

    Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

  • Daniel 2:40

    And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all [things]: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.

  • Daniel 2:41

    And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.

  • Revelation 12:4

    And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

  • Luke 2:1

    ¶ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

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