The book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse of John, is one of the most intricate and symbol-laden texts in the New Testament. Among its many enigmatic figures, few are as provocative and debated as the "great prostitute" described in Revelation 17. To understand her identity, we must delve into the text itself, as well as the historical and theological context in which it was written.
Revelation 17:1-6 (NIV) introduces the great prostitute:
"One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, 'Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits by many waters. With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.' Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. The name written on her forehead was a mystery: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus."
To begin our exploration, it's crucial to recognize that Revelation is a work of apocalyptic literature, characterized by its symbolic and allegorical language. The imagery used is often not meant to be taken literally but symbolically, representing deeper spiritual truths and historical realities.
The great prostitute, or "Babylon the Great," is a symbol that has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history. The term "Babylon" is significant. Historically, Babylon was an ancient city known for its wealth, luxury, and moral decadence. It was also the empire that destroyed Jerusalem and took the Israelites into captivity (2 Kings 25). In the context of Revelation, Babylon is often understood to symbolize a system of worldly power and corruption that stands in opposition to God and His people.
One common interpretation identifies the great prostitute with the city of Rome and the Roman Empire. In the first century, Rome was the epitome of political power, economic wealth, and moral corruption. The apostle John, writing Revelation during the reign of the Roman Empire, would have seen Rome as the embodiment of opposition to the Christian faith. The description of the woman sitting on a beast with seven heads (Revelation 17:3) is often linked to the seven hills on which the city of Rome was built. Additionally, the "many waters" she sits by (Revelation 17:1) could symbolize the multitude of nations and peoples under Roman dominion.
The imagery of the prostitute being "drunk with the blood of God’s holy people" (Revelation 17:6) also aligns with the historical persecution of Christians by Roman authorities. The early Christians faced severe oppression, and many were martyred for their faith. Thus, the great prostitute can be seen as a representation of the persecuting power of Rome, which sought to seduce and corrupt the nations while opposing God's kingdom.
However, the symbolism of the great prostitute extends beyond the historical context of Rome. Many theologians and scholars argue that Babylon the Great represents any system, government, or societal structure that embodies rebellion against God, moral corruption, and the persecution of the faithful. This interpretation allows the symbol to be applied to various entities throughout history and even in contemporary times. Any power that exalts itself against God, promotes idolatry, and oppresses God's people can be seen as a manifestation of Babylon the Great.
The book of Revelation also provides a stark contrast between the great prostitute and the Bride of Christ, which represents the Church. Revelation 19:7-8 (NIV) states:
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear."
The Bride of Christ is depicted in purity and righteousness, in contrast to the great prostitute's garish adornment and moral filth. This juxtaposition highlights the ultimate victory of Christ and His Church over the corrupt systems of the world.
Another layer of meaning can be found in the economic and commercial aspects of Babylon the Great. Revelation 18 elaborates on the fall of Babylon, emphasizing its role as a center of commerce and trade. The lament of the merchants and sea captains over Babylon’s destruction (Revelation 18:11-19) underscores the economic power and materialism associated with this symbol. This has led some interpreters to see Babylon the Great as a representation of economic systems and practices that prioritize wealth and material gain over ethical and spiritual values.
The prophetic vision of the great prostitute also serves as a warning to Christians. It calls believers to remain vigilant and faithful, resisting the seductive allure of worldly power, wealth, and immorality. Revelation 18:4 (NIV) exhorts:
"Then I heard another voice from heaven say: 'Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues.'"
This call to come out of Babylon is a call to holiness and separation from the corrupting influences of the world. It reminds Christians that their ultimate allegiance is to God’s kingdom, not to the transient powers and pleasures of this world.
In summary, the great prostitute in Revelation 17, identified as Babylon the Great, is a multifaceted symbol representing the forces of corruption, idolatry, and opposition to God. While it can be historically linked to the Roman Empire, its symbolism transcends any single entity, encompassing various forms of worldly power and moral decay throughout history. It stands as a stark contrast to the purity and faithfulness of the Bride of Christ, calling believers to steadfastness and holiness in the face of worldly temptation and persecution.
