New Testament
Revelation 17:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The ten horns you saw on the beast will turn against the prostitute. They will strip her bare, leave her desolate, devour her flesh, and burn her with fire.
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And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
What Revelation 17:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the imagery of the beast and the prostitute represents the corrupt and immoral systems of power and influence in the world. The ten horns symbolize ten kings or rulers who initially support this corrupt system but will ultimately turn against it. Their actions—stripping her bare, leaving her desolate, devouring her flesh, and burning her with fire—depict a complete and violent rejection of the immoral practices that the prostitute represents. This reflects a divine judgment where those who once benefited from corruption will turn on it, leading to its destruction. The vivid language emphasizes the severity of this judgment and the ultimate fate of those who oppose God’s ways. It serves as a warning about the temporary nature of worldly power and the consequences of aligning with evil.
How to apply Revelation 17:16 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious about the systems and influences we support. It encourages us to align ourselves with righteousness and truth, rather than temporary power or popularity. Ultimately, we should seek to live in a way that honors God and resists corruption.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
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Keep studying Revelation 17:16
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Key themes
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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 17:16 mean?
Revelation 17:16 describes a dramatic turn of events where ten rulers, symbolized by the ten horns, betray and destroy a corrupt system represented by the prostitute. This illustrates a divine judgment against immorality and the eventual downfall of corrupt powers.
What is the significance of the ten horns in Revelation 17:16?
The ten horns in Revelation 17:16 symbolize ten kings or rulers who initially support a corrupt system but will ultimately turn against it, leading to its destruction. Their actions highlight the theme of betrayal and the temporary nature of worldly power.
What does the term 'the prostitute' refer to in Revelation 17:16?
In Revelation 17:16, 'the prostitute' represents corrupt and immoral systems of power and influence that seduce people away from righteousness. Her destruction signifies the judgment against such corruption.
How does Revelation 17:16 relate to the theme of divine judgment?
Revelation 17:16 illustrates divine judgment by showing how those who once supported corruption will ultimately reject and destroy it. This serves as a warning about the consequences of aligning with evil and the certainty of judgment.
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