What does Revelation 17:4 mean?

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: Revelation 17:4

Explanation

Revelation 17:4 presents a vivid and symbolic image of a woman dressed lavishly in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, precious stones, pearls, and holding a golden cup filled with abominable things and the impurities of her immorality. This woman represents the figure of “Babylon the Great,” which is described in the Book of Revelation as the symbol of a corrupt system that opposes God and influences the world with its seductive yet destructive allure. The use of rich colors, luxurious materials, and the golden cup signify wealth, power, and false religious systems that intoxicate and mislead the masses. The cup, while appearing valuable on the outside, holds within it the filth of her moral depravity, suggesting the inner corruption that lies behind the outward display of opulence.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was written by the Apostle John while in exile on the island of Patmos, likely during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian around 95 AD. The imagery of the woman in Revelation 17:4 reflects the opulent and decadent Roman Empire, which persecuted early Christians and was often depicted as morally corrupt and idolatrous. The colors purple and scarlet were associated with royalty and luxury, and the description of the woman’s adornments could also be an allusion to the pagan priesthood or the excesses of the imperial court.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints interpret Revelation 17:4 in various ways:

1. Preterist View: Preterists believe this passage was fulfilled historically, with the woman symbolizing first-century Rome and its imperial cults, which demanded worship from its subjects, including Christians who refused to comply.

2. Futurist View: Some futurists think that the woman symbolizes a future false religious system or political alliance that mimics the opulence and decadent immorality of ancient Rome but will rise during the end times.

3. Idealist View: Idealists interpret the imagery metaphorically, representing the ongoing struggle between good and evil throughout human history, where the rise and fall of corrupt systems are cyclical.

4. Historicist View: Historicists see this passage as signaling the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages, associating the wealth and power of the Church with the woman’s luxurious garb.

Practical Applications

Practically, Revelation 17:4 serves as a caution against the allure of material wealth, false religions, and worldly power structures. Believers are encouraged to:

1. Discern what is truly valuable and not be deceived by external appearances or worldly glamour.
2. Identify and reject systems or ideologies that promote immorality or oppose Christian values.
3. Uphold spiritual purity and faithfulness to God over chasing after wealth or societal approval.

Cross-References

• Revelation 18:16: “And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!”
• Revelation 17:5: “And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
• Jeremiah 51:7: “Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.”
• Isaiah 1:21: “How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.”

Language Study

Important terms in the original Greek text of Revelation 17:4 include:

• Arrayed (περιβεβλημένην, peribeblēmenēn): To be clothed or covered, implying full adornment that is meant to be seen and recognized.
• Purple (πορφύρου, porphyrou): A color associated with royalty due to the costly process of making purple dye from the murex shellfish.
• Scarlet (κόκκινον, kokkinon): A bright red color, often associated with wealth, luxury, and also sin or immorality.
• Gold (χρυσίῳ, chrysio): A precious metal representing wealth, but also idolatry in biblical contexts.
• Cup (ποτήριον, potērion): Often used in Scripture in a symbolic sense, referring to one’s fate or experiences, whether it be God’s wrath or blessings and here, the abominations of Babylon.
• Abominations (βδελυγμάτων, bdelugmatōn): Detestable acts, especially in terms of idolatrous practices or moral perversions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The image of a decadent and corrupt city or figure can be found in other ancient cultures and religions. For example, in Roman mythology, the goddess Roma was often depicted with opulence that might later have influenced the portrayal of ‘Babylon the Great.’ Ancient myths also personified cities as women, such as the Greek Helen of Troy, embodying beauty leading to destruction, similar to the allure and eventual downfall of the great city in Revelation.

Scientific Perspectives

Revelation 17:4 is inherently symbolic and does not directly intersect with scientific understandings. However, some interpretations connect the wealth and adornment of the woman with the principles of seduction observed in nature (e.g., bright colors or elaborate displays to attract mates or prey) and the potential consequences of unsustainable practices resembling modern concerns about wealth and environmental degradation.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various interpretations of Revelation 17:4:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the contrast between the church’s purity and Babylon’s spiritual fornication, seeing Babylon as representing all worldly churches and sects.
• The MacArthur Study Bible notes focus on the false religious system’s seduction and the ultimate judgment that awaits her.
• The ESV Study Bible interprets the attire and adornments of the woman as symbols of imperial Rome, representative of luxury and idolatrous extravagance.
• The New Bible Commentary sees the woman as personifying an end-time corrupt city and system that mimics the past evils of historic Babylon and Rome, full of arrogant defiance against God.