Revelation 17:1–6
Babylon Unmasked: When Power Dresses Sin as Glory
“One of the seven angels…showed me the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters…with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality…she is dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold, jewels, and pearls…on her forehead a name written: mystery, Babylon the Great, mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.”
Revelation 17 is disturbing on purpose. God does not whisper His critique of corruption — He paints it in lurid colours and refuses to soften the image. A prostitute clothed in luxury. Kings drunk on her influence. Wealth, power, and violence wrapped in beauty and ritual. This is not shock for shock’s sake; it is exposure. Scripture is tearing the mask off a world system that seduces, exploits, and destroys while calling itself civilisation, progress, and success.
This passage unsettles us because it feels uncomfortably familiar. Babylon is not just a city, an empire, or a moment in history — it is a pattern. It is power that profits from compromise. Religion that blesses greed. Politics that feed on violence. Culture that sells desire while demanding loyalty. The language is sexual because the sin is relational: betrayal, infidelity, selling what should never be sold. Babylon does not conquer by force alone; she convinces people to want what will destroy them.
For the first Christians, this vision was dangerous and liberating. Rome looked invincible. Its wealth was intoxicating. Its gods were enforced. Revelation declares what the empire could not see about itself: you are not eternal, you are not righteous, and you will fall. This section forces us to ask a question far closer to home than we’d like — not “Who is Babylon?” but “Where have we learned to admire her?”
1) Why is this verse controversial, misunderstood, or debated?
Controversy:
Graphic sexual imagery to describe a city/nation can seem shocking or offensive.
Some interpret it literally (an actual woman), causing confusion.
Ties to political and religious powers make identification with real nations contentious.
Misunderstandings:
Seen as a call to hate specific nations or people rather than a symbolic critique of sin and corruption.
“Babylon” is sometimes assumed to refer only to ancient Rome; some try to map it onto modern nations.
2) What does it really mean in the bigger picture?
Part of Revelation’s apocalyptic vision of God’s final judgment.
Symbolizes worldly powers, economic systems, and false religions that lead people away from God.
Highlights moral and spiritual corruption on a global scale.
3) How do we understand and apply it today?
Principle: Beware of systems of power and culture that promote injustice, idolatry, or immorality.
Application:
Examine influences in politics, economy, and media that conflict with God’s values.
Prioritize faithfulness to God over worldly allure or material gain.
4) Why is this verse in the Bible?
To warn the faithful about persistent evil in the world.
To illustrate God’s ultimate justice against corrupt systems.
Provides hope that God will vindicate His people.
5) What do we learn about God, Christianity, and life?
God: Sovereign over human history; He judges corruption and immorality.
Christianity: Encourages vigilance, discernment, and refusal to compromise with evil.
Life:Temptations of power, wealth, and sin are alluring but ultimately destructive.
6) How would it have been understood originally?
Early Christians likely saw Rome and its imperial cult reflected in the imagery: wealth, indulgence, persecution of believers.
“Babylon” = symbolic name for oppressive empires, not a literal city at that time.
7) Is it as controversial as it looks?
The sexual imagery shocks modern readers, but original audiences understood it symbolically, reflecting judgment on power and corruption rather than literal prostitution.
Controversy arises mainly from literalist interpretations.
8) How does it fit with a loving God?
God’s judgment is targeted at systems that enslave, corrupt, and oppress, not arbitrary vengeance.
Demonstrates justice and holiness while offering hope to the faithful.
9) Cultural, historical, linguistic factors
“Waters” = peoples, nations, multitudes (Daniel 7:2, 17).
Purple and scarlet = royalty and wealth.
“Babylon” = symbolic of historical oppression and idolatry.
10) Parallel passages
Revelation 18 — Fall of Babylon the Great.
Isaiah 47 — Judgment on Babylon.
Jeremiah 50–51 — Prophetic condemnation of Babylon.
11) Literary context
Apocalyptic vision; highly symbolic genre.
Part of Revelation’s series on judgment of evil powers and vindication of God’s people.
12) Underlying principle
God opposes corruption, immorality, and idolatry in political and economic systems.
Allegiance to worldly powers can spiritually compromise believers.
13) Historical interpretation
Early church: Warned against compromise with Rome and pagan systems.
Medieval: Allegorical interpretations regarding sin and vice.
Modern: Often applied symbolically to unjust systems, political corruption, and moral decay.
14) Practical guidance today
Evaluate influence of wealth, politics, and culture on faith.
Avoid idolizing material success or compromising ethical standards.
Stand for justice and integrity even when worldly powers are alluring.
15) Common misconceptions
❌ Babylon = only ancient Rome or a literal city.
❌ “Prostitute” = literal woman to be condemned personally.
✅ Correct understanding: Symbolic representation of oppressive, corrupt, and idolatrous systems.
16) What does this reveal about human nature?
Humans are drawn to power, wealth, and compromise, often at the expense of morality.
Societies and nations can perpetuate collective corruption.
God holds all accountable, emphasizing ethical responsibility.
Bottom Line
Revelation 17:1–6 warns: Worldly power and wealth that corrupt hearts and lead to idolatry will face divine judgment. The “great prostitute” is symbolic of corrupt systems, teaching believers to remain faithful and morally vigilant.