New Testament
Revelation 17:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.
Compare translations
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
What Revelation 17:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 17:4, the imagery of a woman dressed in luxurious colors and adorned with precious materials symbolizes a powerful and corrupt entity, often interpreted as a representation of false religion or a corrupt political system. The purple and scarlet colors signify royalty and wealth, while the gold, precious stones, and pearls highlight her opulence. However, despite her outward beauty, she holds a golden cup filled with abominations and filthiness, indicating that her true nature is corrupt and sinful. This contrast serves to warn believers about the dangers of being seduced by appearances and the allure of worldly power and wealth, which can lead to spiritual decay and moral compromise. The passage invites readers to discern the true nature of such entities and to remain steadfast in their faith, avoiding the temptations that come from such seductive influences.
How to apply Revelation 17:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to be cautious of the allure of wealth and power, which can lead us away from our faith. We should focus on inner purity and spiritual integrity rather than being swayed by external appearances. Staying grounded in our beliefs helps us resist temptation.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Revelation 17:4
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Revelation 17:4
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 17:4 mean?
Revelation 17:4 describes a woman dressed in luxurious colors and adorned with precious materials, symbolizing a corrupt entity, often interpreted as false religion or a corrupt political system. The verse contrasts her outward beauty with the abominations in her cup, warning believers about the dangers of being seduced by appearances.
What is the significance of the colors purple and scarlet in Revelation 17:4?
In Revelation 17:4, the colors purple and scarlet signify royalty and wealth, representing the power and influence of the corrupt entity. These colors highlight the allure of materialism and the seductive nature of false authority.
What does the golden cup represent in Revelation 17:4?
The golden cup in Revelation 17:4 represents the corrupt and sinful nature of the entity, filled with abominations and filthiness. It symbolizes the deceptive allure of worldly power that can lead to spiritual decay.
How does Revelation 17:4 relate to the theme of corruption?
Revelation 17:4 illustrates the theme of corruption by depicting a beautiful woman who embodies false religion or corrupt authority, highlighting how outward appearances can mask inner moral decay and abomination.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.