And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

REVELATION 17:5KJV
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Revelation 17:5 (KJV)

What does Revelation 17:5 mean?

Revelation 17:5 describes a symbolic woman with a mysterious name written on her forehead: "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." This verse uses vivid imagery to identify her as a powerful, corrupting influence linked to spiritual unfaithfulness and moral decay.

In the book of Revelation, the apostle John is shown a vision by an angel, revealing deeper truths about the forces opposed to God. The woman represents more than a single person or city—her name, "Babylon," recalls the ancient city known for its opposition to God, and the title "mother of harlots" suggests she is the source of widespread corruption. The word "mystery" signals that there is a hidden or symbolic meaning behind her identity.

The Greek behind Revelation 17:5

  • ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΟΝ (mystērion): This Greek word means "mystery" or "secret." Here, it signals that the name and identity of the woman are not straightforward but carry a deeper, symbolic meaning.
  • ΒΑΒΥΛΩΝ (Babylōn): "Babylon" in Greek refers to the ancient city, often seen in the Bible as a symbol of rebellion against God and a center of idolatry and immorality.
  • ΠΟΡΝΕΙΩΝ (porneion): Translated as "harlots," this word refers to sexual immorality, but in prophetic writing, it often points to spiritual unfaithfulness—turning away from God to other allegiances.
  • ΒΔΕΛΥΓΜΑΤΩΝ (bdelugmatōn): This word means "abominations," referring to things that are detestable, especially in a religious or moral sense. It emphasizes the depth of corruption associated with the woman.

Why Revelation 17:5 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the imagery in Revelation is often symbolic, not literal, especially with the use of "mystery" to invite readers to look for deeper meaning.
  • By calling the woman "Babylon," the passage connects her to a long biblical tradition of warning against societies or systems that oppose God and lead others astray.
  • The description sets the stage for the following verses, which explain the consequences of this corruption and how it fits into the larger story of good versus evil in Revelation.

Where else these words appear

“ABOMINATIONS” Greek G946 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,(whoso readeth, let him understand:)
  • Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not,(let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
  • Revelation 17:4 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:

“forehead” Greek G3359 · used in 8 verses

  • Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
  • Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
  • Revelation 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

“BABYLON” Greek G897 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 1:11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
  • Acts 7:43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
  • Revelation 16:19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

“HARLOTS” 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 17:1 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: