The book of Revelation is a profound and symbolic text, known for its mysterious prophecies and vivid imagery. One such enigmatic figure mentioned in Revelation 17 is the “Mother of Harlots.” This mysterious entity has intrigued scholars and believers alike for centuries, leading to various interpretations and speculations. In this post, we aim to shed light on this cryptic figure, exploring different interpretations and historical contexts to better understand the symbolism and significance of the Mother of Harlots in Revelation 17.
The Book of Revelation, Chapter 17
The “Mother of Harlots” of the Book of Revelation is featured in chapter 17:
Revelation 17:1–18, King James Version
1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: 2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 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: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he comes, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goes into perdition. 12 And the ten horns which thou saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 15 And he said unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.
Understanding the Symbolism
Revelation is heavily reliant on symbolism and allegory, making it challenging to interpret its contents literally. The Mother of Harlots is no exception. To grasp the true meaning behind this title, we must delve into the symbolic language used in the book.
The term “harlot” or “whore” in biblical contexts often represents spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and corruption. It denotes a deviation from the true faith and a turning away from God’s teachings. Therefore, the Mother of Harlots can be understood as a symbolic representation of a corrupt, false religious system or entity that leads people astray from the true path of faith.
Possible Interpretations: Mother of Harlots
Pagan Rome: One prominent interpretation points to the Roman Empire as the Mother of Harlots. During the time of Revelation’s writing, the early Christian community faced severe persecution under the Roman authorities, who demanded loyalty and worship of the emperor as a god. This religious oppression and idolatry could have influenced the portrayal of Rome as the corrupt and oppressive Whore of Babylon.
Apostate Jerusalem: Some scholars suggest that the Mother of Harlots represents Jerusalem, particularly the religious leadership of the city during the first century. The gospels and the book of Acts describe instances of religious leaders opposing Jesus and His teachings, leading many astray from the true faith.
A Future Entity: Another interpretation posits that this whore of Babylon may represent a yet-to-emerge religious system or organization that will deceive and mislead people in the end times.
Symbol of a Universal Phenomenon: Some scholars take a more abstract approach, seeing the figure as a symbol of any religious system throughout history that deviates from the pure teachings of God.
Who Is the Mother of Harlots in Revelation 17?
The identity of the Mother of Harlots remains a subject of debate and interpretation within theological circles. While several plausible explanations have been put forth, the true meaning of this symbol may never be fully known. The book of Revelation is a complex literary work with layers of meaning, and the Mother of Harlots is just one of its many enigmatic figures.
As we explore and interpret these biblical texts, it is crucial to approach them with humility and open-mindedness, acknowledging the limitations of human understanding. The primary focus of Revelation is to reveal God’s sovereignty, ultimate victory, and the importance of staying faithful to the true faith, regardless of the challenges and trials that come our way.
Ultimately, whether we identify the Mother of Harlots as a historical entity, a future reality, or a universal symbol, the central message remains constant – to remain steadfast in our faith, grounded in God’s truth, and vigilant against any forces that seek to lead us astray from His divine path.
