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.