Revelation 17:5
WEB
And on her forehead a name was written, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
BSB
And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
KJV
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Matthew Henry
Greek interlinear
G2532
and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet
Derivation: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force;
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
G1909
about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with
Derivation: a primary preposition;
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.
KJV: about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with.
In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).
G3588
the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc
, including the feminine ἡ , and the neuter τό in all their inflections;
Derivation: the definite article;
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
G3359
forehead
Derivation: from G3326 and ops (the face);
the forehead (as opposite the countenance)
KJV: forehead.
See also: G3326.
G846
her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which
Derivation: from the particle αὖ (perhaps akin to the base of G109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward);
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.
Compare G848.
See also: G109, G1438, G848.
G3686
called, (+ sur-)name(-d)
Derivation: from a presumed derivative of the base of G1097 (compare G3685);
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
KJV: called, (+ sur-)name(-d).
See also: G1097, G3685.
G1125
describe, write(-ing, -ten)
Derivation: a primary verb;
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
KJV: describe, write(-ing, -ten).
G3466
mystery
Derivation: from a derivative of μύω (to shut the mouth);
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
KJV: mystery.
G897
Babylon
Derivation: of Hebrew origin (H894);
Babylon, the capitol of Chaldæa (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))
KJV: Babylon.
See also: H894.
G3173
(+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years
Derivation: (including the prolonged forms, feminine μεγάλη, plural μεγάλοι, etc.; compare also G3176, G3187);
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
KJV: (+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years.
See also: G3176, G3187.
G3384
mother
Derivation: apparently a primary word;
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
KJV: mother.
G4204
harlot, whore
Derivation: feminine of G4205;
a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater
KJV: harlot, whore.
See also: G4205.
G946
abomination
Derivation: from G948;
a detestation, i.e. (specially) idolatry
KJV: abomination.
See also: G948.
G1093
country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world
Derivation: contracted from a primary word;
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
KJV: country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world.
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Verses 1–6
Revelation 17:1–6
Here we have a new vision, not as to the matter of it, for that is contemporary with what came under the three last vials; but as to the manner of description, etc. Observe, 1. The invitation given to the apostle to take a view of what was here to be represented: Come hither, and I will show thee the judgment of the great whore, etc., Rev 17:1. This is a name of great infamy. A whore [in this passage] is one that is married, and has been false to her husband's bed, has forsaken the guide of her youth, and broken the covenant of God. She had been a prostitute to the kings of the earth, whom she had intoxicated with the wine of her fornication. 2. The appearance she made: it was gay and gaudy, like such sort of creatures: She was arrayed in purple, and scarlet colour, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls, Rev 17:4. Here were all the allurements of worldly honour and riches, pomp and pride, suited to sensual and worldly minds. 3. Her principal seat and residence - upon the beast that had seven heads and ten horns; that is to say, Rome, the city on seven hills, infamous for idolatry, tyranny, and blasphemy. 4. Her name, which was written on her forehead. It was the custom of impudent harlots to hang out signs, with their names, that all might know what they were. Now in this observe, (1.) She is named from her place of residence - Babylon the great. But, that we might not take it for the old Babylon literally so called, we are told there is a mystery in the name; it is some other great city resembling the old Babylon. (2.) She is named from her infamous way and practice; not only a harlot, but a mother of harlots, breeding up harlots, and nursing and training them up to idolatry, and all sorts of lewdness and wickedness - the parent and nurse of all false religion and filthy conversation. 5. Her diet: she satiated herself with the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus. She drank their blood with such greediness that she intoxicated herself with it; it was so pleasant to her that she could not tell when she had had enough of it: she was satiated, but never satisfied.
Cross-references: Rev 17:1 · Rev 17:4