Revelation 17:5-6
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What's striking here is that the name itself is called a "mystery." This isn't just a literal name; it signifies a hidden, deeper reality about this corrupt system—a spiritual truth that's hard to grasp, much like the "mystery of iniquity" mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. It warns us that the true nature of this spiritual harlotry and its widespread corruption is not immediately obvious on the surface.
And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I marveled greatly.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angel is showing John a vision of a symbolic, seductive woman representing a corrupt religious and political system. This "great harlot" is depicted as adorned with immense wealth and power, riding on a beast that embodies worldly authority. The inscription on her forehead reveals her true, hidden nature, contrasting sharply with her outward splendor.
Why is this woman called a 'Mystery'? And what does it mean that her name is literally written on her forehead for all to see?
The inscription on the woman's forehead isn't just a label; it's a bold declaration of her identity and purpose. The word "Mystery" signals that her true nature is hidden beneath a facade, a spiritual reality not easily understood by human reason alone. It's a counterfeit of the divine name that marks God's people, showing her allegiance to the world rather than to God.
This "mystery" is the deceptive nature of false religion and world systems that appear righteous but are fundamentally opposed to God. It’s a spiritual truth, a hidden reality of iniquity, much like the "mystery of iniquity" mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. Her name is not hidden; it's displayed openly, signifying her shamelessness and pride in her corrupt doctrines and practices.
She's not just a participant in sin; she's called the 'mother.' What does this say about her influence and the origin of evil?
This title, "mother of harlots and of earth’s abominations," reveals her as the source and originator of widespread spiritual corruption. She doesn't just engage in sin herself; she actively births, trains, and propagates unfaithfulness to God, idolatry, and all sorts of detestable practices.
This is a stark contrast to the "New Jerusalem," which is described as the mother of all believers. This 'Babylon' represents a system that leads others astray, corrupting nations and drawing them away from true worship. Her influence is pervasive, making her responsible for the spiritual decay seen across the earth.
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Why is this corrupt system called 'Babylon'? What ancient echoes resonate in this name?
Calling this system 'Babylon the Great' connects it directly to the ancient city known for its oppressive empire, idolatry, and opposition to God's people. Ancient Babylon was a symbol of worldly power that sought to usurp God's authority and scatter His people.
This spiritual Babylon, therefore, represents not just a specific historical or religious entity, but any system or institution throughout history that embodies the same spirit of rebellion against God. It's characterized by its spiritual fornication (compromising with the world), cruelty, and the persecution of those who remain faithful to God. The name signifies a global, powerful force that stands in direct opposition to God's kingdom.
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.
hagios · Greek Noun (plural)
A term used for God’s people who are set apart for His service and declared holy through faith in Christ. It refers to those who are consecrated to God and live in accordance with His will.
martys · Greek Noun (plural)
One who bears witness to the truth, often enduring suffering or death for their testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. It describes the ultimate testimony of one's commitment to the Lord.
The imagery of 'Babylon the Great' in Revelation powerfully evokes ancient memories of imperial oppression and idolatry, particularly the Babylonian exile. This historical resonance would have deeply impacted John's audience, who were experiencing the harsh realities of Roman imperial power and persecution, seeing Rome as a spiritual successor to ancient Babylon in its opposition to God's people.
c. 1800 BC
Rise of Babylon
Babylon emerges as a significant power in Mesopotamia, renowned for its advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and law under rulers like Hammurabi.
587-586 BC
Babylonian Exile
King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquers Jerusalem, destroys the First Temple, and exiles a significant portion of the Jewish population to Babylon.
c. 30 BC - AD 60
Roman Influence Grows
Rome consolidates its power, expanding its empire across the Mediterranean world, incorporating diverse cultures and religions under its governance.
c. AD 64— this verse
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome. Emperor Nero blames the Christians, initiating the first major persecution of believers in the Roman Empire.
c. AD 95
Book of Revelation Written
The Apostle John writes the Book of Revelation, likely while exiled on the island of Patmos, addressing seven churches in Asia Minor facing persecution.
This passage describes the judgment against literal Babylon, calling it 'a land of idols' and predicting its complete destruction, paralleling the spiritual judgment on 'Babylon the Great' for its idolatry and corruption.
Ezekiel 16:44-46This chapter likens Jerusalem to its sisters Samaria and Sodom, calling them harlots. This biblical theme of spiritual adultery, where God's people engage in idolatry and corrupt practices, directly echoes the 'mother of harlots' title given to the figure in Revelation.
2 Thessalonians 2:7This verse refers to the 'mystery of lawlessness' already at work, which corresponds to the 'Mystery' written on the forehead of the woman in Revelation, highlighting a hidden, deceptive spiritual rebellion against God.
Isaiah 47:8-11Isaiah prophesies against the pride and perceived invincibility of literal Babylon, describing it as a 'lady of kingdoms' who will face sudden destruction. This foreshadows the judgment upon the powerful, yet spiritually corrupt, entity called 'Babylon the Great'.
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…
What's striking here is that the name itself is called a "mystery." This isn't just a literal name; it signifies a hidden, deeper reality about this corrupt system—a spiritual truth that's hard to grasp, much like the "mystery of iniquity" mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. It warns us that the true nature of this spiritual harlotry and its widespread corruption is not immediately obvious on the surface.
The angel is showing John a vision of a symbolic, seductive woman representing a corrupt religious and political system. This "great harlot" is depicted as adorned with immense wealth and power, riding on a beast that embodies worldly authority. The inscription on her forehead reveals her true, hidden nature, contrasting sharply with her outward splendor.
The angel is showing John a vision of a symbolic, seductive woman representing a corrupt religious and political system. This "great harlot" is depicted as adorned with immense wealth and power, riding on a beast that embodies worldly authority. The inscription on her forehead reveals her true, hidden nature, contrasting sharply with her outward splendor.
"And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.
When I saw her, I mar…" — What's striking here is that the name itself is called a "mystery." This isn't just a literal name; it signifies a hidden, deeper reality about this corrupt system—a spiritual truth that's hard to gr…
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Last reviewed October 2026
