Revelation 17 is a vision given to the Apostle John while he was on the island of Patmos. In this chapter, an angel shows John a mysterious woman riding a beast. This vision is full of symbolic meaning and helps explain the forces working against God’s people.
The woman in the vision is described as wearing purple and scarlet clothing, and she’s adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She holds a golden cup in her hand, which is full of abominations. On her forehead, there’s a name written: “Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth.” This woman represents a powerful, corrupt, and sinful system. In John's time, many believed this symbolized the Roman Empire, but others think it could refer to any future worldly power that opposes God.
The woman rides a beast that is scarlet in color and has seven heads and ten horns. The beast is covered in blasphemous names and symbolizes an empire or series of kings that oppose God’s authority. The angel explains to John that the beast “was, and is not, and yet is to come.” This points to a powerful kingdom or leader that existed, fell, and will rise again.
The seven heads are said to be seven mountains and also seven kings. Five of these kings had already fallen, one was currently ruling when John wrote the book, and one was yet to come. The ten horns are ten future kings who will rule for a short time and give their power to the beast. These kings will fight against the Lamb—Jesus—but He will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings. The people who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.
Interestingly, the beast and the ten horns eventually turn on the woman and destroy her. They strip her, burn her with fire, and leave her desolate. This shows that evil often turns against itself. What seems powerful and united for a time will eventually fall apart and be judged. More details revelation chapter 17
The chapter ends by identifying the woman as “that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.” At the time Revelation was written, this was widely understood to be Rome. But in a broader sense, it can mean any dominant world power or corrupt system that seduces people away from God through wealth, immorality, and false religion.
Revelation 17 shows us that no matter how strong evil may appear, its time is limited. God is in control, and His plan will succeed. Jesus will return, judge all wickedness, and reign forever. This chapter encourages believers to stay faithful and not be deceived by worldly power and riches, because in the end, only Christ’s kingdom will stand.