Revelation 17: Outline and Meaning
Introduction
Revelation 17 pulls back the curtain on Babylon — not just a city, but a symbol of corrupt power dressed in luxury and intoxication (see related content below). John is carried into the wilderness where he sees a woman, glittering with jewels, drunk on the blood of the saints, riding a scarlet beast.
The vision is shocking: the world’s wealth, power, and seduction are not neutral. They serve the beast.
This chapter unmasks false glory. Empires that seem unstoppable are already doomed. Babylon’s beauty hides brutality, and her influence deceives the nations. But her judgment is certain.
Outline of Revelation 17
17:1–6 | The Great Prostitute and the Scarlet Beast
17:7–14 | The Mystery of the Woman and the Beast Explained
17:15–18 | The Woman’s Power and Her Inevitable Fall
Summary of Each Section
17:1–6 | The Great Prostitute and the Scarlet Beast
One of the angels who carried the bowls shows John the judgment of the great prostitute. She sits on many waters, dressed in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and jewels, holding a golden cup filled with abominations.
Her name is written on her forehead: “Babylon the Great, mother of whores and of earth’s abominations.” She is drunk with the blood of the saints. The beast she rides is covered with blasphemous names, seven heads, and ten horns. The picture is vivid: power, wealth, seduction, and violence all rolled together.
17:7–14 | The Mystery of the Woman and the Beast Explained
The angel explains the beast: it was, is not, and is about to rise. Its seven heads are seven mountains and also seven kings; five have fallen, one is, one is to come. The ten horns are ten rulers who will receive authority briefly, joining the beast in war against the Lamb. But the Lamb will conquer, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.
17:15–18 | The Woman’s Power and Her Inevitable Fall
The waters she sits on are peoples and nations. The beast and the horns will eventually turn against the woman, strip her, devour her, and burn her. Evil devours itself. Babylon, once intoxicating, will be laid waste. The chapter ends with stark irony: the powers that seemed invincible collapse under God’s hand.
Themes in Revelation 17
Babylon Unmasked — Wealth, luxury, and seduction tied to idolatry and violence.
The Beast’s Power — Worldly empires rise and rage but remain under God’s limits.
The Lamb’s Victory — However fierce the war, Christ conquers.
The Fall of False Glory — Babylon’s beauty ends in ruin.
Revelation 17: Meaning for Today
Revelation 17 warns the church not to be dazzled. Babylon is dressed to impress — wealth, luxury, and power packaged as glory — but it is a costume for corruption. Behind the glitter is blood. Behind the promises is emptiness.
For today’s believer, the call is to see clearly. Do not drink from Babylon’s cup. Do not be seduced by wealth or systems that demand compromise. They will fall. Christ alone conquers, and his people stand with him — called, chosen, and faithful.
FAQ
Q: Who is the prostitute?
She represents Babylon — worldly power, wealth, and corruption that opposes God.
Q: What does the beast symbolize?
Worldly empires energized by Satan, blasphemous and opposed to Christ.
Q: Why does the beast turn against the woman?
Evil is self-destructive. What looks united eventually collapses.
Q: How does the Lamb conquer?
Not through political force, but through his lordship. Those with him share in his victory by faithfulness.
Sources Consulted
G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation (New International Greek Testament Commentary, 1999).
Robert H. Mounce, The Book of Revelation (New International Commentary on the New Testament, 1997).
