Revelation 17

Babylon and the Scarlet Beast

1 One of the seven angels holding the bowls came and said, “Come here. I will show you the judgment of the notorious prostitute sitting beside many waters.”

2 The earth’s kings committed immorality with her, and the people living on earth became drunk on the wine of her corruption.

3 The Spirit carried me into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast covered with blasphemous names, with seven heads and ten horns.

4 The woman wore purple and scarlet, decorated with gold, gems, and pearls. She held a gold cup filled with disgusting corruption.

5 This mysterious name was written on her forehead: “Babylon the Great, mother of prostitutes and of the earth’s abominations.”

6 I saw that she was drunk on the blood of God’s people and the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I was completely stunned.

7 The angel asked, “Why are you amazed, I will explain the mystery of the woman and the seven-headed, ten-horned beast carrying her.”

8 “The beast you saw once was, now is not, and will rise from the abyss before going to destruction. The earth’s people whose names were never written in the Book of Life will be amazed when they see it.”

9 “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads represent seven mountains where the woman sits, and they also represent seven kings.”

10 “Five have fallen, one presently rules, and another has not yet come. When he arrives, he will remain only a short time.”

11 “The beast that once was and now is not is itself an eighth king, connected to the seven, and it is headed for destruction.”

12 “The ten horns are ten kings who have not yet received kingdoms. They will receive authority with the beast for one hour.”

13 “They share one purpose and hand their power and authority over to the beast.”

14 “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings. With Him are His called, chosen, and faithful people.”

15 The angel continued, “The waters where the prostitute sits represent peoples, crowds, nations, and languages.”

16 “The ten horns and the beast will turn against the prostitute. They will strip her, ruin her, consume her flesh, and burn her with fire.”

17 “God placed it in their hearts to carry out His purpose by giving their kingdom to the beast until His words are fulfilled.”

18 “The woman you saw is the great city ruling over the earth’s kings.”