What does Revelation 17:16 mean?

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. Revelation 17:16

Explanation

Revelation 17:16 forms a part of the apocalyptic vision described by John of Patmos in the Book of Revelation. This verse speaks metaphorically about the destruction of a symbolic figure referred to as “the whore,” Babylon the Great, representing the epitome of evil, corruption, and idolatry. The “ten horns” symbolize ten kings or rulers who, initially allies of the beast on which the whore sits, eventually turn on her, desecrating and destroying her utterly. The verse portrays not only a literal ravaging and consuming by fire but also conveys a deeper meaning of divine retribution and the judgment of evil.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written during a period of Christian persecution, possibly around 95 AD when the Roman Empire was expanding its power. The imagery of Revelation often reflects the political and social climate of the time, with Rome itself potentially being an inspiration for Babylon the Great. The ten horns symbolizing ten kings may reference contemporaneous or future political alliances. Early Christians would have understood these prophecies within the context of their struggles against a dominant and often hostile pagan culture.

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations of Revelation 17:16 vary. From a futurist standpoint, this verse predicts events that are yet to take place during the end times. A historicist perspective might view the ten kings as successive worldly empires that ultimately turn on the corrupt system they supported. A more symbolic or idealist reading would see the verse as an ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, not specific to any historical period. Lastly, the preterist perspective would interpret the fall of Babylon as having been fulfilled with the decline of the Roman Empire or Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse encourage believers to reflect on the transient nature of worldly power structures and the importance of avoiding the seduction of immoral societal systems. It also serves as a warning against complacency and collusion with corrupt entities, reminding individuals of the eventual divine justice that prevails over evil.

Cross-References

• Revelation 18:8-9: “Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.”
• Daniel 7:24: “And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.”
• Revelation 17:12-13: “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.”

Language Study

The phrase “ten horns” (Greek: δέκα κέρατα) typically symbolizes strength and power. The verb “hate” (Greek: μισέω) conveys an intense aversion. “Desolate” and “naked” (Greek: ἠρήμωσεν and γυμνήν) carry both the physical state of being stripped bare and the moral exposure and vulnerability. “Eat her flesh” is a graphic metaphor for complete destruction. The expression “burn her with fire” (Greek: κατακαύσουσιν αὐτὴν ἐν πυρί) reflects both judgment and purification in the biblical tradition.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, the motif of a corrupting seductress is found in figures such as Ishtar or Inanna. The image of kingdoms or powers represented by horns is also present in other ancient Mesopotamian and Greco-Roman iconography. The notion of divine retribution against a city or nation has parallels in other religious traditions, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Hebrew Bible or the fall of Atlantis in Greek mythology.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, the description in Revelation 17:16 could not be taken literally, as it employs allegorical language. Science focuses on understanding the physical world through empirical evidence, so the prophetic and metaphysical elements of this verse would not be within its realm. However, the psychological and sociological influences of apocalyptic literature on cultures and societies can be an area of scientific study.

Commentaries

Commentaries offer various interpretations of Revelation 17:16:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary interprets the horns as lesser authorities under the supremacy of the Roman Empire, eventually contributing to its downfall, possibly alluding to the invasions and internal decay that led to Rome’s fall.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament suggests that the alliance of the ten kings with the beast signifies a temporary political arrangement that ultimately turns against the whore or corrupt system, emphasizing the theme of betrayal.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the complete, sudden, and unexpected destruction of the “whore,” which it sees as a symbol of worldliness and opposition to God’s church.

These interpretations reflect a mix of historical, theological, and symbolic approaches to studying the Book of Revelation.