New Testament
Revelation 17:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then the angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, represent peoples, crowds, nations, and languages.
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And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
What Revelation 17:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 17:15, the angel explains the symbolism of the waters seen by John. These waters represent the vast array of people, cultures, and languages in the world. The imagery of a prostitute sitting on these waters signifies a corrupt system or entity that influences and seduces these diverse groups. This passage highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the pervasive nature of spiritual corruption. The 'prostitute' symbolizes false religions or systems that draw people away from the truth of God. The waters, therefore, serve as a metaphor for the multitude of individuals who are affected by this corruption, illustrating how widespread and influential such systems can be across different nations and languages. Understanding this helps us recognize the spiritual battles that exist in our world and the importance of discernment in our faith journey.
How to apply Revelation 17:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to be aware of the influences around us. We should seek to discern between truth and deception in our spiritual lives. Engaging with diverse cultures can enrich our understanding, but we must remain grounded in our faith to resist corrupting influences.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 17:15 mean?
Revelation 17:15 explains that the waters seen by John symbolize various peoples, nations, and languages. The verse highlights how a corrupt system, represented by the prostitute, influences and seduces these diverse groups.
What is the significance of the waters in Revelation 17:15?
The waters in Revelation 17:15 represent the multitude of people and cultures affected by spiritual corruption. They illustrate the widespread influence of false systems that draw individuals away from the truth.
What does the 'prostitute' represent in Revelation 17:15?
In Revelation 17:15, the 'prostitute' symbolizes corrupt systems or false religions that seduce and mislead people. This imagery emphasizes the danger of spiritual deception across different nations and languages.
How does Revelation 17:15 relate to spiritual corruption?
Revelation 17:15 highlights the theme of spiritual corruption by showing how a corrupt entity influences various peoples and cultures. It serves as a warning about the pervasive nature of deception in the world.
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