New Testament

Revelation 17:1

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, one of the seven angels who had previously poured out God's judgments approaches John, the author of Revelation.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke to me, saying, "Come here; I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters."

KJVKing James Version

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, one of the seven angels who had previously poured out God's judgments approaches John, the author of Revelation. The angel invites John to witness a significant vision regarding the 'great prostitute,' a symbol of corruption and immorality. This figure is described as sitting on many waters, which often represents nations and peoples. The imagery suggests that this entity has influence over various groups and is involved in spiritual and moral decay. The use of the term 'prostitute' indicates a betrayal of faithfulness, particularly in relation to God. The angel's message is about revealing the judgment that is to come upon this figure, highlighting the theme of divine justice against those who lead others astray. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the consequences of turning away from God and the ultimate triumph of divine righteousness over evil.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 17:1 to your life

This verse reminds us to be vigilant against influences that lead us away from faithfulness to God. It encourages self-examination of our values and the sources of our guidance. Staying rooted in biblical truth helps us resist corruption and maintain spiritual integrity.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 17:1 mean?

Revelation 17:1 describes an angel inviting John to witness the judgment of the 'great prostitute,' symbolizing corruption and immorality. This figure is depicted as having influence over many nations, representing spiritual betrayal and moral decay.

What is the significance of the 'great prostitute' in Revelation 17:1?

The 'great prostitute' in Revelation 17:1 symbolizes entities or systems that lead people away from God through corruption and immorality. Her presence indicates a betrayal of faithfulness and highlights the consequences of turning away from divine truth.

What does 'sits on many waters' mean in Revelation 17:1?

In Revelation 17:1, 'sits on many waters' refers to the great prostitute's influence over various nations and peoples. The waters symbolize the multitude of individuals and cultures affected by her corrupting influence.

What is the judgment mentioned in Revelation 17:1 about?

The judgment mentioned in Revelation 17:1 pertains to the consequences that will befall the great prostitute for her corruption and immorality. It emphasizes the theme of divine justice against those who lead others astray.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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