New Testament

Revelation 17:4

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

At a Glance

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

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.

KJVKing James Version

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:

Verse Analysis

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. Explore related corruption.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

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

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.

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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