Revelation 17:5
And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The word "Mystery" at the beginning of the name isn't just a label, but a crucial clue that the entire title—"Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots and Abominations"—is symbolic. It signals that we're not meant to take it literally, but as a profound spiritual reality representing something far greater than a single city.
The vision shows a scarlet woman, representing a corrupt and idolatrous system, riding a beast and holding a golden cup filled with sin. This woman is described by the name written on her forehead, which contrasts sharply with the holy name on the foreheads of God's faithful followers. Her identity is revealed as "Babylon the great," signifying a spiritual successor to the ancient empire known for its opposition to God and its seductive idolatry.
Why would a powerful, seductive entity proudly display such a name? This isn't just a label; it's a declaration of identity.
The inscription on the harlot's forehead – 'Mystery, Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots and Abominations' – is a bold, public declaration. It's like ancient harlots wearing their names, but this signifies a deep, unashamed commitment to wickedness.
The 'Mystery'
The word 'Mystery' here doesn't mean it's something unknowable. Instead, it points to a hidden reality that is now being revealed. It's a spiritual truth, a counterfeit of the 'mystery of God' mentioned elsewhere. This entity operates with a hidden 'mystery of iniquity' (2 Thessalonians 2:7), a deceptive force that leads people astray.
'Babylon the Great'
This name links the entity to ancient Babylon, a symbol of imperial power, idolatry, and opposition to God's people. It's 'great' not just in size, but in its influence and the extent of its spiritual corruption.
'Mother of Harlots and Abominations'
This title reveals her role as the source and propagator of spiritual corruption. She doesn't just participate in sin; she gives birth to it, leading others into idolatry, false worship, and all sorts of detestable practices.
The Bible uses marriage imagery to describe God's relationship with His people. What happens when that covenant is broken?
This woman, described as a 'harlot,' represents a corrupted form of religion or a system that was once devoted to God but has now turned away.
The Spiritual Harlot
In Scripture, Israel and the Church are often depicted as brides or wives, in covenant relationship with God. When they turn to other gods or worldly systems, they are described as committing spiritual adultery or harlotry. This woman embodies that betrayal on a grand scale.
A False 'Mother Church'
Understand the original words
mystērion · Greek Noun
A reality that was once hidden but is now revealed by God to His people; in apocalyptic, it refers to a symbolic truth that requires divine revelation to interpret.
Babylōn · Greek Noun
A symbolic city name representing the pinnacle of rebellion against God, worldly pride, and the source of spiritual corruption throughout history.
The imagery of 'Babylon the Great' in Revelation draws heavily on the historical memory of ancient Babylon's imperial power, idolatry, and oppression of God's people. This symbol is applied to Rome, the dominant world power during John's time, highlighting its spiritual corruption and antagonism towards the early Church.
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Exile
The Kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon, its people exiled, and Jerusalem destroyed. This event left a deep scar on Jewish identity and memory.
331 BC
Alexander the Great conquers Babylon
Alexander the Great decisively defeated the Persian Empire and conquered Babylon, marking the end of Babylon's independent power and the beginning of Hellenistic influence.
c. 64 BC - AD 410
Roman Empire Dominates Mediterranean
Rome rose to power, eventually encompassing the territories of the ancient Near East. Its vast empire, administrative structure, and cultural influence profoundly shaped the world.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire swept through Rome. Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the disaster, leading to the first major Roman persecution of believers.
This passage also uses 'Babylon' as a symbolic name for a nation that oppresses God's people, paralleling Revelation's use of the name to represent a system of spiritual corruption.
Ezekiel 16:3This chapter likens Jerusalem to a harlot mother who gives birth to other harlots, which directly echoes the imagery of 'mother of harlots' in Revelation 17:5, highlighting spiritual unfaithfulness.
2 Thessalonians 2:7This verse refers to the 'mystery of lawlessness' already at work, offering a concept similar to the 'mystery' written on Babylon's forehead, suggesting a hidden, deceptive evil.
Isaiah 1:21Here, Jerusalem is described as having become a harlot, contrasting her former faithfulness with her current state of spiritual adultery and corruption, mirroring Babylon's character.
pulpitRevelation 17:5: "And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."
Verse 5. - And upon her forehead was a name written. Omit "was." Ὄνομα, "name," is dependent upon ἔχουσα, "having," in ver. 4. This practice was customary with harlots (Juv., 'Sat.,' 6:123; Seneca, 'Controv.,' 1:2). In Revelation 14:1 and Revelation 7:3 the faithful members of God's Church have his Name in their foreheads; here the faithless ones, represe…
clarkeRevelation 17:5: "And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."
And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots, and Abominations of the Earth - This inscription being written upon her forehead is intended to show that she is not ashamed of her doctrines, but publicly professes and glories in them before the nations: she has indeed a whore's forehead, she has refused to be a…
The word "Mystery" at the beginning of the name isn't just a label, but a crucial clue that the entire title—"Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots and Abominations"—is symbolic. It signals that we're not meant to take it literally, but as a profound spiritual reality representing something far greater than a single city.
The vision shows a scarlet woman, representing a corrupt and idolatrous system, riding a beast and holding a golden cup filled with sin. This woman is described by the name written on her forehead, which contrasts sharply with the holy name on the foreheads of God's faithful followers. Her identity is revealed as "Babylon the great," signifying a spiritual successor to the ancient empire known for its opposition to God and its seductive idolatry.
The vision shows a scarlet woman, representing a corrupt and idolatrous system, riding a beast and holding a golden cup filled with sin. This woman is described by the name written on her forehead, which contrasts sharply with the holy name on the foreheads of God's faithful followers. Her identity is revealed as "Babylon the great," signifying a spiritual successor to the ancient empire known for its opposition to God and its seductive idolatry.
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She is called the 'mother of harlots,' meaning she is the source from which other corrupt religious practices and systems originate. Instead of nurturing true faith, she breeds infidelity to God. This stands in stark contrast to the true 'Mother Church,' the heavenly Jerusalem, which brings forth life and righteousness.
Mimicking God's People
The inscription on her forehead is a deliberate, twisted imitation of the faithful. While God's true followers bear His name on their foreheads as a mark of ownership and devotion (Revelation 7:3, 14:1), this false entity bears a name that signifies her allegiance to the world and her defiance of God.
c. AD 95— this verse
Writing of Revelation
The Book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John, likely while exiled on the island of Patmos. It offers visions of cosmic conflict and ultimate divine victory during a time of Roman persecution.
AD 313
Edict of Milan
The Edict of Milan granted religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire, effectively ending widespread state-sanctioned persecution of Christians.
"And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.”" — The word "Mystery" at the beginning of the name isn't just a label, but a crucial clue that the entire title—"Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots and Abominations"—is symbolic. It signals that we're…
