New Testament

Revelation 17:15

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 17:15, the angel explains the symbolism of the waters seen by John.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

Then the angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, represent peoples, crowds, nations, and languages.

KJVKing James Version

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

Verse Analysis

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. Explore related fear.

Related Bible verses

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

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.

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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