Revelation 17:4

KJV

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the woman {G1135} was {G2258} arrayed {G4016} in purple {G4209} and {G2532} scarlet colour {G2847}, and {G2532} decked {G5558} with gold {G5557} and {G2532} precious {G5093} stones {G3037} and {G2532} pearls {G3135}, having {G2192} a golden {G5552} cup {G4221} in {G1722} her {G846} hand {G5495} full of {G1073} abominations {G946} and {G2532} filthiness {G168} of her {G846} fornication {G4202}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet and glittered with gold, precious stones and pearls. In her hand was a gold cup filled with the obscene and filthy things produced by her whoring.

Berean Standard Bible

The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.

American Standard Version

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations, even the unclean things of her fornication,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 17:4 offers a vivid, symbolic portrayal of the "great harlot," a central figure representing a powerful, corrupt system or city that stands in opposition to God. This verse meticulously details her outward splendor and lavish adornment, which serve as a deceptive facade, concealing her profound spiritual depravity and the abominable nature of her influence, ultimately highlighting the stark contrast between external allure and internal corruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 17:4 is an integral part of a larger vision granted to the Apostle John, specifically focusing on the judgment of "Babylon the Great," introduced by one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls ([Revelation 17:1](/revelation/17-1 "Revelation 17:1 - The Great Harlot and the Beast")). The preceding verses describe the woman seated on many waters, signifying her widespread influence over peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages, and then riding a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns, which represents the political and imperial power that supports and is intertwined with her. Verse 4 then zeroes in on her appearance, providing a striking visual contrast between her deceptive outward glory and the hidden spiritual filth she carries, setting the stage for the revelation of her true identity and her ultimate demise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Revelation 17:4 draws heavily on the historical and cultural symbols of the Roman Empire and the ancient Near East. "Purple and scarlet" were colors associated with royalty, immense wealth, and imperial power, often derived from expensive dyes, making garments of these hues exclusive to the elite. Gold, precious stones, and pearls further emphasize extravagant luxury and status, reminiscent of the opulence of pagan temples and imperial palaces. The "golden cup" evokes the practice of offering libations in pagan worship, but here it is filled with "abominations and filthiness," a direct indictment of idolatrous practices and moral corruption that were rampant in the Roman world and other ancient empires. This description would have immediately conveyed to John's original audience a sense of worldly power, idolatrous worship, and moral decay, often linked to the oppressive nature of Rome.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical prophecy. The most prominent is **Deceptive Splendor and Worldly Allure**, where outward beauty and wealth mask profound spiritual corruption. The woman's attire and golden cup, though outwardly magnificent, are a snare, drawing people into idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. This ties into the theme of **Spiritual Harlotry and Idolatry**, a recurring motif in Old Testament prophetic books (e.g., [Ezekiel 16](/ekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Unfaithfulness")) where unfaithfulness to God is depicted as spiritual adultery or fornication. The "abominations" in her cup explicitly point to detestable idolatrous practices. Finally, the verse foreshadows the theme of **Divine Judgment**, as this opulent yet corrupt system is destined for destruction, a judgment that will ultimately reveal the true nature of worldly power opposed to God, as seen later in the fall of Babylon ([Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** While literally meaning "woman" or "wife," in prophetic contexts, this term can symbolize a spiritual entity, a city, or a system. Here, it is clearly not an individual but a personification of a powerful, corrupt spiritual and political force, often identified with "Babylon the Great," which stands in opposition to the "bride" of Christ (the Church) later depicted in Revelation.
* **Full of (Greek, _gémō'_):** This verb signifies being "swollen out" or "completely filled." It emphasizes the absolute saturation of the cup with its contents. The cup is not merely holding some abominations; it is overflowing with them, indicating the pervasive and inherent nature of the harlot's spiritual corruption. There is no room for anything pure or good within it.
* **Abominations (Greek, _bdélygma'_):** This term refers to something utterly detestable, an object of disgust, particularly in a religious sense. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is frequently used to describe idolatrous practices, pagan rituals, and things that are an affront to God's holiness. The harlot's cup is filled with acts and objects of worship that God finds repugnant, directly linking her influence to false worship and spiritual defilement.
* **Fornication (Greek, _porneía'_):** While it can refer to physical sexual immorality, in prophetic and theological contexts, _porneía_ often signifies spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry. It describes the act of abandoning loyalty to God and instead pursuing illicit relationships with false gods, worldly systems, or practices that compromise one's devotion to the one true God. The "filthiness of her fornication" underscores the moral and spiritual pollution resulting from this unholy alliance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour":** This clause immediately establishes the woman's outward appearance as one of immense wealth, luxury, and power. Purple was the color of royalty and extreme expense, while scarlet often symbolized opulence, sin, or even bloodshed. This imagery suggests a system that commands respect and admiration from a worldly perspective, appearing glorious and desirable.
* **"and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls":** This further amplifies the description of her lavishness. "Decked" (Greek: _chrysóō_) means to be gilded or adorned with gold ornaments. The inclusion of gold, precious stones, and pearls signifies the highest level of material riches and ostentation, reinforcing the idea of a system that is outwardly magnificent and appeals to human desires for wealth and status.
* **"having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication":** This is the stark contrast that reveals her true nature. The cup itself is "golden," maintaining the theme of deceptive outward beauty, but its contents are utterly repulsive. "Abominations" refers to things detestable to God, specifically idolatrous practices, and "filthiness of her fornication" points to the moral and spiritual pollution resulting from spiritual unfaithfulness to God. This clause exposes the deep spiritual depravity hidden beneath the glittering exterior.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 17:4 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "woman" is not a literal individual but a symbolic representation of a powerful, corrupt entity, often interpreted as a global system, a city (Rome), or a religious-political power that opposes God. Her "purple and scarlet" attire symbolizes her royal status, wealth, and association with sin or violence. The "gold, precious stones, and pearls" symbolize the immense material riches and worldly allure she possesses. The "golden cup" is symbolic of influence and power, but its contents—"abominations and filthiness of her fornication"—symbolize the spiritual corruption, idolatry, and moral depravity she propagates. There is also profound **Irony** in the description: a "golden cup" that should hold something valuable or pure is instead filled with detestable things, highlighting the deceptive nature of this entity. The outward beauty is a stark contrast to the inward ugliness, creating a powerful sense of spiritual dissonance. This use of **Personification** gives a tangible, vivid form to abstract concepts of spiritual corruption and worldly power, making the warning more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 17:4 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of worldly power systems that set themselves against God. It underscores the biblical truth that outward splendor and material wealth, when divorced from divine truth and righteousness, lead to profound spiritual corruption and idolatry. The harlot's "golden cup" filled with "abominations and filthiness" vividly illustrates that what appears attractive and desirable in the world's eyes can be utterly detestable to God, leading people into spiritual unfaithfulness (fornication). This passage warns against the seductive power of worldly systems that promise glory and satisfaction but ultimately deliver spiritual death and judgment, highlighting the necessity of spiritual discernment and unwavering allegiance to God alone.

* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon")
* [Ezekiel 16:15-19](/ezekiel/16-15-19 "Ezekiel 16:15-19 - Israel's Spiritual Harlotry")
* [1 John 2:15](/1_john/2-15 "1 John 2:15 - Do Not Love the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 17:4 is a potent warning for believers in every age, urging us to cultivate keen spiritual discernment in a world brimming with deceptive allure. It challenges us to look beyond the glittering facades of power, wealth, and influence that worldly systems often present. The harlot's opulent attire and golden cup, though outwardly appealing, conceal a core of spiritual corruption, idolatry, and moral defilement. This calls us to examine our own allegiances: Are we captivated by the promises of worldly success, material gain, or societal acceptance, even if they subtly compromise our devotion to Christ? The verse reminds us that true spiritual richness and lasting peace are found not in accumulating earthly treasures or aligning with powerful human institutions, but in unwavering faithfulness to God and His truth. It is a call to be separate from the world's corrupting influences, to reject anything that leads to spiritual compromise, and to prioritize purity of heart and devotion to Christ above all else, recognizing that what the world esteems, God often abhors.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "purple and scarlet" allurements in today's culture might be masking spiritual "abominations and filthiness"?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize and resist the deceptive attractiveness of worldly systems?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my devotion to God for the sake of worldly gain or acceptance?**

### FAQ

**What does the "woman" in Revelation 17:4 symbolize?**

Answer: The "woman" in [Revelation 17:4](/revelation/17-4 "Revelation 17:4 - The Harlot's Appearance") is a complex and highly symbolic figure, widely interpreted as "Babylon the Great" ([Revelation 17:5](/revelation/17-5 "Revelation 17:5 - Mystery, Babylon the Great")). She represents a powerful, corrupt spiritual and political system or city that opposes God and persecutes His people. While some historical interpretations link her specifically to ancient Rome due to its imperial power and idolatry, broader theological interpretations understand her as any global, anti-God system that seduces humanity through wealth, power, and false religion, leading them into spiritual unfaithfulness. She stands in stark contrast to the pure "bride" of Christ, the Church ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem, the Bride")).

**What is the significance of the "golden cup full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication"?**

Answer: The "golden cup" is a powerful symbol of deceptive allure and the true nature of the harlot's influence. While gold suggests value and purity, the contents of the cup reveal her profound spiritual depravity. "Abominations" (Greek: _bdélygma_) refers to things utterly detestable to God, particularly idolatrous practices and pagan worship. "Filthiness of her fornication" signifies the moral and spiritual pollution resulting from her spiritual unfaithfulness to God, where devotion due to Him is given to false gods, worldly power, or illicit pleasures. This imagery vividly portrays how worldly systems, despite their outward splendor, are inherently corrupt and lead people into spiritual compromise and idolatry, offering a poisoned draught that appears appealing but leads to destruction. It echoes Old Testament warnings against spiritual harlotry, such as those found in [Hosea 4:12](/hosea/4-12 "Hosea 4:12 - Israel's Spiritual Adultery").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 17:4, with its vivid portrayal of the harlot's deceptive splendor and inherent corruption, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the world's allure and the true glory of Jesus Christ and His kingdom. The harlot's gaudy display of "purple and scarlet," "gold and precious stones and pearls," represents the fleeting, corruptible riches and power of this world, which ultimately lead to "abominations and filthiness." In contrast, Christ embodies true, incorruptible glory and righteousness. He came not arrayed in worldly splendor, but in humility, offering a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). While the harlot offers a cup of spiritual defilement, Jesus offers the "living water" that satisfies eternal thirst ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")). Furthermore, the harlot's spiritual "fornication" stands in stark opposition to the pure, faithful relationship Christ has with His Church, His beloved Bride, whom He sanctifies and cleanses to be "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church as Bridegroom and Bride")). The judgment pronounced upon the harlot ultimately highlights Christ's triumph over all worldly systems and spiritual wickedness, revealing Him as the true King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")), whose reign is eternal and whose glory far surpasses any earthly facade.

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 18:16

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!

Jeremiah 51:7

Babylon [hath been] a golden cup in the LORD'S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.

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 18:12

The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

2 Thessalonians 2:3

¶ Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Lamentations 1:9

Her filthiness [is] in her skirts; she remembereth not her last end; therefore she came down wonderfully: she had no comforter. O LORD, behold my affliction: for the enemy hath magnified [himself].