Revelation 17:5
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Study Note
Study Note
The woman whose forehead bears the name 'MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH' represents imperial Rome to John's first-century readers — but the title 'Mystery' signals a symbolic register that transcends any single historical embodiment. Ancient Babylon had become the standard Jewish cipher for oppressive imperial power after the exile (1 Peter 5:13 also uses 'Babylon' for Rome), and Revelation deepens this symbolism into a theological archetype of any civilization built on exploitation, idolatry, and the blood of the saints. The 'mother of harlots' imagery builds on prophetic condemnations of Nineveh (Nahum 3:4) and Tyre (Isaiah 23:17) as prostitute-cities whose commerce corrupted the nations around them. Revelation 18's extended lament makes clear that Babylon's sin is inseparable from her economic dominance and the violence required to sustain it.
Other Translations
and upon her forehead a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
and upon her forehead was a name written: `Secret, Babylon the Great, the Mother of the Whores, and the Abominations of the earth.'
And on her brow was a name, SECRET, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE EVIL WOMEN AND OF THE UNCLEAN THINGS OF THE EARTH.
Cross References
The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. …
Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will do judgment upon the graven images of Babylon: and her whole land …
Then the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, shall sing for Babylon: for the spoilers shall come …
Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out …
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God …
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, …
And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink …