Revelation 17:15 — “Then the angel said to me, ‘The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.'”
Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, the angel begins to explain part of the vision that John saw earlier. Specifically, the angel clarifies what the “waters” represent in the vision of the prostitute (symbolizing a corrupt spiritual system or city). These waters are not literal seas or rivers—they stand for “peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.” In other words, the influence of this prostitute figure (introduced in Revelation 17:1) is widespread and global.
This system—symbolized by the woman sitting on the waters—has reach across many different cultures, countries, and languages. It paints a picture of a powerful force that has influence over the whole world. It isn’t limited to one group of people, but affects a vast, diverse population.
Historical Context
In the first century, John’s readers would likely have seen this as a clear reference to the Roman Empire. Rome ruled over many nations and peoples. Its culture, religion, and political power extended across a wide part of the known world. Rome promoted idolatry, emperor worship, and moral corruption—making it a strong candidate for what the prostitute symbolized.
But this vision doesn’t just point to Rome. It also speaks to a spiritual system that rises up again and again in history: one that promotes false worship, seduces the nations with wealth and power, and stands in opposition to God.
The phrase “peoples, multitudes, nations and languages” echoes other parts of Revelation that speak of the whole world being impacted—whether by God’s gospel or by the deception of the enemy.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals something critical: evil is not always isolated. It spreads. It seeks global influence. The woman in this vision is not just corrupt—she is sitting on (ruling over or supported by) the masses. This shows how spiritual deception often works. It gains power by gaining people.
This also emphasizes the depth of human rebellion. It isn’t just one nation or one culture that turns away from God—it’s humanity as a whole, unless God intervenes.
And yet, it also implies a truth on the other side: just as the world can be united in false worship, so it can also be reached by the gospel. The same groups mentioned here—peoples, nations, languages—are also described in Revelation as worshiping the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). The battle is over hearts on a global scale.
Literary Analysis
Revelation uses vivid symbols, and here the angel interprets one of them directly. That’s important, because it helps us understand how to read the rest of the book. The waters are symbolic—not of literal seas, but of the masses of humanity.
The repeated list—“peoples, multitudes, nations and languages”—is a typical biblical way of stressing the totality of something. It’s a literary device used to emphasize the global reach of this spiritual corruption.
The image of the woman “sitting” on the waters suggests control, dominance, or deep influence. She doesn’t just live among them—she rests on them, supported by them.
Cross-References
- Revelation 17:1 — “Come, I will show you… the great prostitute, who sits by many waters.”
- Revelation 13:7 — The beast is given authority “over every tribe, people, language and nation.”
- Revelation 7:9 — God’s people come from “every nation, tribe, people and language.”
- Jeremiah 51:13 — Refers to Babylon as one who “lives by many waters,” showing the Old Testament background of this image.
- Daniel 3:4 — The king’s herald addresses “nations and peoples of every language,” showing how worldly empires often gather diverse followers.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a warning and a wake-up call. It reminds us that evil ideas and false spiritual systems are not confined to one place or time. They can spread around the globe. They can influence culture, politics, media, and even religion. Just because something is popular, international, or well-supported doesn’t mean it’s from God.
This verse also challenges believers to remain watchful and discerning. We must evaluate the voices, systems, and movements we’re a part of. Are they leading people toward God—or away from Him?
At the same time, this verse doesn’t call us to despair. While the enemy reaches many, so does the gospel. God is also gathering people from every nation and language to Himself.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God shows His love in this verse by revealing the truth. He doesn’t leave His people guessing. He shows them the nature of spiritual deception and how far it spreads. This is a loving warning, like a parent telling their child not to follow the crowd off a cliff.
God’s love also means He cares about all people—peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. He is not distant from the world; He is at work to call people out of darkness and into light, no matter where they come from.
The same groups influenced by the prostitute can be rescued by the Lamb. That’s the hope the gospel brings.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the opposite of the woman sitting on the waters. While she spreads spiritual corruption to the nations, Jesus spreads truth, grace, and salvation. His gospel is for all peoples and languages, just like her influence is. The difference is in what each one leads to—death or life.
Revelation 5:9 says that Jesus was slain, and with His blood, He purchased people “from every tribe and language and people and nation.” That mirrors the exact same groups in this verse—but instead of sitting on them, Jesus saves them.
In the end, the prostitute falls, but the Lamb reigns. Jesus rescues the world not by deceiving it, but by dying for it.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does the image of the prostitute sitting on the waters teach us about the reach of spiritual deception?
- How do we see this kind of global influence in today’s world?
- What are some ways Christians can stay alert to false teaching or cultural influence?
- How does it encourage you to know that Jesus is also calling people from every nation and language?
- What’s the difference between being influenced by the world and being shaped by God’s truth?
- How does this verse help us understand the seriousness of what’s happening behind the scenes in our world?
- What does it mean for you to be faithful in a world where many follow after what looks appealing but leads away from God?