Revelation 17:5

KJV

And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} upon {G1909} her {G846} forehead {G3359} was a name {G3686} written {G1125}, MYSTERY {G3466}, BABYLON {G897} THE GREAT {G3173}, THE MOTHER {G3384} OF HARLOTS {G4204} AND {G2532} ABOMINATIONS {G946} OF THE EARTH {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On her forehead was written a name with a hidden meaning,

BAVEL THE GREAT

MOTHER OF WHORES AND OF

THE EARTH’S OBSCENITIES

Berean Standard Bible

And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

American Standard Version

and upon her forehead a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 17:5 unveils the identifying mark of the enigmatic woman, the "great harlot," central to John's apocalyptic vision. This verse reveals the name inscribed on her forehead: "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH," thereby exposing her true nature as a profound spiritual adversary, the ultimate source of idolatry and moral corruption, whose identity, though once hidden, is now divinely revealed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of a detailed vision granted to the Apostle John by one of the seven angels bearing the seven bowls of God's wrath, as described in [Revelation 17:1](/revelation/17-1 "Revelation 17:1 - The Judgment of the Great Harlot"). The angel's purpose is to explain the judgment awaiting "the great harlot who is seated on many waters." Prior to [Revelation 17:5](/revelation/17-5 "Revelation 17:5 - The Name of the Harlot"), John sees this woman arrayed in lavish purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls, holding a golden cup full of abominations. She is depicted riding a terrifying scarlet beast, covered with blasphemous names and possessing seven heads and ten horns, as detailed in [Revelation 17:3-4](/revelation/17-3-4 "Revelation 17:3-4 - The Woman and the Beast"). The inscription on her forehead in verse 5 serves as a definitive identification, revealing her true character and the source of her immense spiritual depravity, setting the stage for her subsequent judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The name "Babylon" carries immense historical and symbolic weight. For John's original audience, Babylon immediately evoked the ancient Mesopotamian empire that famously conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and exiled God's people (as recounted in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem")). It was synonymous with idolatry, pride, oppression, and rebellion against God. In the New Testament era, particularly under Roman persecution, "Babylon" became a veiled reference to Rome, the dominant imperial power that oppressed God's people. The practice of branding slaves or prostitutes on the forehead was also known in the ancient world, signifying ownership and public shame. Thus, the name on the harlot's forehead is not merely an identification but a mark of her degraded and condemned status, publicly displaying her true, abominable nature to the world.

* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 17:5](/revelation/17-5 "Revelation 17:5 - The Name of the Harlot") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Symbolic Identity**, where "Babylon the Great" transcends a literal city to represent a universal, spiritual system of rebellion against God, encompassing political, economic, and religious opposition. Secondly, the title "Mother of Harlots" highlights **Spiritual Harlotry and Idolatry**, a recurring biblical metaphor for unfaithfulness to God, seen prominently in Old Testament prophetic books like [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Spiritual Harlotry") and [Hosea 1-3](/hosea/1-3 "Hosea 1-3 - Hosea's Marriage and Israel's Unfaithfulness"), where Israel's pursuit of false gods is likened to prostitution. Thirdly, the phrase "Abominations of the Earth" underscores the theme of **Profound Corruption and Defilement**, indicating that this entity is the source and perpetuator of practices utterly detestable to God. Finally, the term "MYSTERY" signifies **Divine Revelation**, indicating that this hidden, spiritual reality is now being unveiled by God Himself, exposing the true nature of the forces opposing His kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **MYSTERY (Greek, _mystḗrion'_):** This term, in biblical usage, does not imply something unknowable, but rather a divine truth that was previously hidden or concealed but is now being revealed by God. It signifies a profound spiritual reality that cannot be discerned through human reason alone but requires supernatural disclosure. In this context, it suggests that the true nature of "Babylon" is not immediately obvious but is a divinely unveiled secret.
* **BABYLON (Greek, _Babylṓn'_):** Derived from the Hebrew "Babel," meaning "confusion," this name historically refers to the ancient city and empire notorious for its pride, idolatry, and oppression of God's people. In Revelation, "Babylon" serves as a powerful symbol, representing the archetypal worldly system that stands in defiant opposition to God and His kingdom, a type of tyranny that seeks to dominate and corrupt.
* **ABOMINATIONS (Greek, _bdélygma'_):** This word denotes something detestable, loathsome, or utterly abhorrent, particularly in a religious or moral sense. In the Old Testament, it often refers to idolatrous practices or things that are an affront to God's holiness. Here, it emphasizes that "Babylon" is the source and promoter of practices that are profoundly offensive and defiling in God's sight, especially those linked to spiritual impurity and idolatry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And upon her forehead was a name written":** This phrase immediately draws attention to the public and undeniable identification of the woman. In ancient cultures, marks on the forehead could signify ownership (slaves), dedication (priests), or public shame (criminals/prostitutes). Here, it serves as a damning public declaration of her identity and character, indicating that her true nature is openly displayed, even if it is a "mystery" to some.
* **"MYSTERY":** This single word is profoundly significant. It indicates that the entity represented by "Babylon" is not merely a literal city or empire, but a deeper, spiritual reality. It is a hidden truth about the nature of evil and rebellion against God that is now being unveiled through divine revelation. This "mystery" is unveiled for understanding, not for continued obscurity.
* **"BABYLON THE GREAT":** This is the core identification. "Babylon" symbolizes the epitome of worldly power, idolatry, and rebellion against God, drawing on its Old Testament history as the oppressor of God's people. The addition of "THE GREAT" emphasizes its immense influence, widespread reach, and magnified wickedness, suggesting a global system of spiritual and moral corruption.
* **"THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS":** This powerful metaphor identifies "Babylon" as the ultimate source, progenitor, or archetype of all spiritual unfaithfulness. In biblical prophecy, "harlotry" consistently refers to idolatry and turning away from the true God to embrace false gods, worldly systems, or immoral practices. As the "mother," she is the origin point from which all such spiritual defilement springs forth, corrupting nations and individuals.
* **"AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH":** This final clause further defines the extent of "Babylon's" depravity. She is not only the source of spiritual harlotry but also the origin and promoter of all practices, beliefs, and deeds that are detestable and utterly offensive to God. These "abominations" encompass all forms of idolatry, injustice, violence, and moral corruption that defile humanity and the entire world.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 17:5 employs several potent **Symbolism** devices to convey its message. The "woman" herself is a complex symbol, representing a powerful, corrupt entity. Her "forehead" serves as a symbolic billboard, publicly displaying her true character and condemnation. "Babylon" is a rich symbol, evoking historical oppression and idolatry, but here expanded to represent a universal anti-God system. "Harlots" symbolize spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, while "abominations" symbolize practices detestable to God. The phrase "Mother of Harlots" uses **Personification** to attribute a maternal role to this spiritual entity, emphasizing her role as the origin and nurturer of spiritual corruption. The use of "MYSTERY" creates **Irony**, as something previously hidden is now overtly displayed on her forehead, making her true nature clear to those with spiritual understanding. The descriptors "THE GREAT" and "THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" employ **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme wickedness, vast influence, and profound depravity of this entity, leaving no doubt as to its comprehensive opposition to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 17:5 profoundly articulates the nature of spiritual opposition to God's kingdom, revealing that behind visible systems of power and wealth often lies a deeper, pervasive spiritual corruption. The identification of "Babylon the Great" as the "Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth" underscores the biblical truth that all forms of idolatry, spiritual unfaithfulness, and moral depravity ultimately stem from a rebellion against the one true God. This verse serves as a stark warning against entanglement with worldly systems that promise prosperity or power but lead to spiritual defilement. It highlights God's sovereign knowledge of all evil, even that which operates under a guise of mystery or splendor, and His unwavering commitment to expose and judge it. The unveiling of "Babylon's" true identity prepares the reader for the detailed account of her ultimate destruction, affirming God's justice and the inevitable triumph of His righteous kingdom over all opposing forces.

* [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - Prophecy Against Babylon"): This Old Testament prophecy against the literal city of Babylon sets a precedent for its symbolic use in Revelation as the epitome of God's enemies and the recipient of His fierce judgment.
* [Jeremiah 51:7](/jeremiah/51-7 "Jeremiah 51:7 - Babylon as a Golden Cup"): Jeremiah describes Babylon as a "golden cup in the Lord's hand, that made all the earth drunken," foreshadowing the intoxicating influence of Revelation's "Babylon" that leads nations into spiritual harlotry and moral compromise.
* [2 Thessalonians 2:7](/2_thessalonians/2-7 "2 Thessalonians 2:7 - The Mystery of Lawlessness"): Paul speaks of the "mystery of lawlessness" already at work, a concept parallel to "Mystery, Babylon," indicating a hidden, pervasive evil force operating in the world that will ultimately be revealed and destroyed by the Lord Jesus.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 17:5 calls believers to a profound spiritual discernment in a world often characterized by alluring yet corrupt systems. The "mystery" of Babylon, now unveiled, reminds us that evil often operates subtly, cloaked in power, wealth, or even religious guise, making it imperative for us to look beyond superficial appearances. We are challenged to recognize and resist the "harlotry" of our age—any allegiance or devotion that compromises our singular fidelity to Christ. This includes the idolatry of consumerism, the pursuit of worldly power, the embrace of moral relativism, or the compromise with any ideology that undermines God's truth. The "abominations of the earth" are not merely ancient practices but manifest in contemporary injustices, spiritual deceptions, and ethical compromises that defile individuals and societies. Therefore, this verse urges us to cultivate spiritual purity, to stand apart from the corrupting influences of the world, and to live as citizens of God's eternal kingdom, eagerly awaiting His righteous judgment and the establishment of His perfect reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I identify "Babylonian" influences (systems or ideologies that oppose God's truth and promote spiritual compromise) in my own life or cultural context today?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted towards "spiritual harlotry" or compromise with worldly values, and how can I strengthen my faithfulness to Christ alone?**
* **How does the revelation of God's ultimate judgment on "Babylon" strengthen my trust in His sovereignty, justice, and the eventual triumph of His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Is "Babylon the Great" a specific city like Rome, or a religious system, or something else entirely?**

Answer: "Babylon the Great" in Revelation 17:5 is best understood as a multi-layered symbol rather than a single, literal entity. While it certainly would have evoked the oppressive Roman Empire for John's first-century audience, its description as "the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth" points to a far broader, universal principle. It symbolizes any and all systems—political, economic, or religious—that stand in defiant opposition to God, persecute His people, and lead the world into idolatry and moral corruption. It represents the collective spirit of human rebellion against divine authority throughout history, culminating in a final, powerful manifestation before Christ's return. The detailed judgment described in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon") further illustrates its comprehensive nature as a global force of evil.

**What does it mean for Babylon to be "The Mother of Harlots"?**

Answer: This powerful metaphor signifies that "Babylon the Great" is the ultimate source, progenitor, or archetype of all spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry. In biblical prophecy, "harlotry" consistently represents turning away from the true God to worship false gods, embrace worldly alliances, or engage in immoral practices that violate one's covenant with God. Prophets like [Hosea](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - Hosea's Prophetic Marriage") and [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Harlotry of Oholah and Oholibah") frequently used this imagery to describe Israel's apostasy. Therefore, "Mother of Harlots" means that Babylon is the fountainhead from which all forms of spiritual apostasy, idolatry, and moral corruption on earth originate and are propagated. She is the archetype of spiritual impurity and rebellion against God's holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The exposure and judgment of "Mystery, Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 17:5](/revelation/17-5 "Revelation 17:5 - The Name of the Harlot") find their ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Babylon represents the culmination of all human rebellion, idolatry, and spiritual harlotry, Christ is the embodiment of divine faithfulness and purity. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled God's law and offered Himself as the spotless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby cleansing humanity from the very "abominations" that Babylon promotes. His triumphant return, described in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return"), depicts Him as the righteous King who will utterly defeat all earthly powers and systems that align with "Babylon," bringing an end to their reign of corruption. In stark contrast to the harlot of Babylon, Christ's bride, the Church, is presented as the pure and faithful New Jerusalem, descending from heaven, adorned for her husband ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, the fall of Babylon is not merely an act of divine judgment but a glorious testament to the sovereign power and redemptive victory of Christ, who establishes an eternal kingdom of righteousness and truth, free from all spiritual harlotry and abomination.

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 14:8

And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

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.

Revelation 17:7

¶ And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

2 Thessalonians 2:7

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way.

Isaiah 3:9

¶ The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide [it] not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.

2 Timothy 3:1

¶ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 Timothy 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.