And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

REVELATION 17:1KJV
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Revelation 17:1 (KJV)

What does Revelation 17:1 mean?

Revelation 17:1 describes one of the seven angels, who had the seven vials (bowls), inviting John to witness the judgment of a figure called "the great whore" who is pictured as sitting on many waters. This sets the stage for a vision about the downfall of a corrupt and influential power.

In this scene, the angel is speaking directly to John, the author of Revelation, after the outpouring of the seven bowls of God's wrath. The angel’s invitation signals a shift to a new vision, focusing on the symbolic figure described as "the great whore," who represents something or someone with widespread influence ("many waters" often symbolizes peoples or nations). The verse introduces a dramatic moment where John is about to see a detailed judgment unfold.

The Greek behind Revelation 17:1

  • ἑπτὰ (hepta, "seven") and φιαλὰς (phialas, "vials" or "bowls"): These words connect this angel to the earlier judgments in Revelation, showing continuity in the sequence of visions.
  • κρίμα (krima, "judgment"): The Greek word here refers to a legal verdict or sentence, highlighting that what John is about to see is not just punishment, but a formal act of justice.
  • πόρνης (pornēs, "whore"): This term is often used symbolically in the Bible to describe unfaithfulness or spiritual corruption, not just literal immorality.
  • ὑδάτων (hydatōn, "waters"): In Revelation, "waters" are later explained as peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages, so this word hints at the broad reach or influence of the figure being judged.

Why Revelation 17:1 matters

  • This verse marks a turning point in Revelation, moving from the judgments poured out in the previous chapters to a focused vision about the downfall of a specific, symbolic enemy.
  • The language and symbols used here—especially "the great whore" and "many waters"—signal that what follows will be highly symbolic and should be read with an eye for metaphor, not just literal meaning.
  • Understanding that the angel is inviting John to witness a judgment helps clarify that what follows is a vision meant to reveal deeper truths about justice, power, and corruption.

Where else these words appear

“hither” Greek G1204 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
  • Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
  • Acts 7:34 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

“vials” Greek G5357 · used in 12 verses

  • Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
  • Revelation 16:2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
  • Revelation 16:10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

“whore” Greek G4204 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
  • Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

“judgment” Greek G2917 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
  • Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
  • 1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.