New Testament

Revelation 17:16

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, the imagery of the beast and the prostitute represents the corrupt and immoral systems of power and influence in the world.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

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.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

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

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.

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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