Revelation 17:5 — “The name written on her forehead was a mystery: Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth.”
Explanation of the Verse
This verse continues the vision of the woman that John sees. Now, the focus is on a name written across her forehead. This name isn’t random—it’s meant to reveal her true identity. The name is described as a “mystery,” meaning it holds a deeper meaning than it appears on the surface.
She is called Babylon the Great, which connects her to the ancient city of Babylon, long known for its pride, idolatry, and rebellion against God. The title “Mother of Prostitutes and of the Abominations of the Earth” suggests that this woman is not just guilty herself—she is the origin and source of all kinds of spiritual corruption. She represents a system that gives birth to widespread evil, false religion, and rebellion across the earth.
Her name being on her forehead is also symbolic. In biblical times, slaves or temple prostitutes often had identifying marks on their foreheads. This tells us who she belongs to and what she represents—she is openly connected to wickedness and opposed to the true God.
Historical Context
To the first readers of Revelation, this name would have had strong meaning. Babylon was more than just a historical city—it became a symbol for human pride, rebellion, and false worship. In the Old Testament, Babylon conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and carried God’s people into exile. It was known for its arrogance and idolatry (see Isaiah 47 and Jeremiah 50-51).
In John’s time, Babylon was also a code word for the Roman Empire, which persecuted Christians and promoted emperor worship. To the early church, Rome looked like Babylon—rich, powerful, and deeply opposed to God’s ways. This woman, then, symbolized not only Rome but any worldly system that draws people away from God through pride, greed, immorality, and lies.
Theological Implications
This verse helps us understand how seriously God takes spiritual compromise. This woman isn’t a minor character—she is called the mother of spiritual unfaithfulness. That means she gives life to it, spreads it, and influences others to follow the same path.
The “mystery” part of the name reminds us that spiritual deception often hides under the surface. It may look religious or good, but underneath, it is full of poison. God doesn’t want His people to be naïve—He reveals the truth so we can recognize what we’re dealing with.
This also shows that there is a clear line between what belongs to God and what belongs to the world. While God’s people are marked with His name (Revelation 14:1), this woman is marked with something completely opposed.
Literary Analysis
John uses powerful and symbolic language here. The name on her forehead echoes the biblical idea that people are marked by what they worship. In Revelation 13, people are marked with the name or number of the beast. In Revelation 14, God’s people are marked with His name. So the writing on her forehead reveals not just her identity, but her spiritual loyalty.
The title “Babylon the Great” draws readers back to stories of Babylon in the Old Testament—a place of pride, confusion, and downfall. Calling her the “mother” of prostitutes and abominations suggests her influence is widespread and deeply rooted.
The use of mystery doesn’t mean the truth is hidden forever. It means that without God revealing it, we wouldn’t understand. Through this vision, God lifts the veil.
Cross-References
- Isaiah 47:1, 8 — Babylon is described as a proud queen who will fall suddenly.
- Jeremiah 51:7 — “Babylon was a gold cup in the Lord’s hand… all the nations drank her wine.”
- Genesis 11:4, 9 — The Tower of Babel, the origin of Babylon, shows mankind’s attempt to reach heaven without God.
- Revelation 14:1 — God’s people have His name written on their foreheads.
- Revelation 13:16-17 — The beast marks people with his number on their foreheads or hands.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 — Speaks of a “man of lawlessness” who exalts himself and deceives many.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a bold warning. It tells us that spiritual deception is real, and it often looks attractive, powerful, and even religious. The woman looks glamorous, but her name exposes the truth: she stands for rebellion, idolatry, and spiritual filth.
For Christians today, this is a call to discernment. We live in a world full of voices—some religious, some political, some cultural—that try to pull us away from faithfulness to God. Not everything that sounds spiritual is from God. This verse teaches us to look beyond appearances and measure everything by God’s truth in Scripture.
We are also reminded that who we belong to matters. Are we marked by loyalty to Christ, or are we being drawn into the values of a world that opposes Him?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God doesn’t hide the truth—He reveals it out of love. He gives John this vision to warn His people. A loving God doesn’t stay silent when destruction is ahead. He calls us to be set apart, to stay faithful, and to recognize the traps of the enemy.
God’s love is protective. Just like a good shepherd warns his sheep of wolves, God is showing us what we must avoid. He wants us to be free from the corruption this woman represents, not seduced by her lies.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse shows us the kind of world Jesus came to save us from. The woman represents everything Jesus came to defeat—false religion, pride, spiritual adultery, and deception. Jesus is the truth (John 14:6), and He offers a clean, faithful, everlasting relationship.
While the woman bears a name of rebellion, Jesus offers a new name to all who follow Him (Revelation 2:17). He marks His people with His name (Revelation 3:12), and His Church is not a prostitute but a bride—pure, faithful, and beloved (Revelation 19:7-8).
Jesus alone can rescue us from the lies of the world. He laid down His life to bring us into the truth and give us the hope of something far better than anything Babylon can offer.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think God described the woman’s name as a mystery?
- How does the name “Babylon the Great” help us understand the danger of false world systems?
- What are some modern examples of spiritual deception or false worship that seem appealing on the surface?
- How can Christians stay alert and discerning in a world full of spiritual confusion?
- What does it mean to be “marked” by God instead of marked by the world?
- How does Jesus offer a better identity and future than anything the world promises?
- What steps can you take to grow in spiritual clarity and avoid being influenced by things that oppose God?