Revelation 17 describes a symbolic figure often called “the great prostitute.” This figure is depicted as riding a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns, adorned in purple and scarlet clothing, and adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She holds a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. The passage associates her with the city of seven hills, which many interpreters believe refers to Rome, the center of the Roman Empire at the time of Revelation’s writing. The imagery evokes a corrupt and influential power that opposes God and persecutes his followers.
Understanding this symbolic figure is crucial for interpreting the Book of Revelation and its message about the struggle between good and evil. The passage offers a powerful warning against alliances with corrupt and oppressive powers. Historically, this passage has been interpreted in various ways, often reflecting the specific historical and political contexts of different eras. Some interpretations focus on the political and religious systems that persecute Christians, while others emphasize the dangers of materialism, idolatry, and moral corruption more broadly. The figure serves as a potent symbol of the forces that oppose God’s kingdom.
