Read the Modern Pastor’s Version
Select a book and chapter to read the MPV in modern, pastor-shaped English. This view shows the reading edition of the text in paragraphs.
Currently viewing: Revelation 17 · MPV reading edition
The angel who had one of the seven bowls took me away in the Spirit to a vast desert. There I saw a prostitute seated on a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns. She was resplendent in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls, holding a golden cup filled with abominable things and the impurities of her sexual immorality.
On her forehead was written: "Mystery, Babylon the Great, Mother of Prostitutes and Abominations of the Earth." I saw that she was drunk with the blood of God's holy people and the blood of those who bore witness to Jesus. As I gazed upon her, I was overcome with awe.
The angel said to me, "Why are you so amazed? I will explain the mystery of the prostitute and the beast that carries her." The beast that you saw is an entity that once existed but now no longer exists in its former state; yet it still holds a presence on earth. This beast originates from the depths of hell, destined to meet its own destruction.
The seven heads represent seven mountains upon which the prostitute sits, symbolizing great and powerful empires. Ten kings will arise, five having already fallen, one currently reigning, and another soon to appear with a brief reign. The eighth king, who is also one of these seven, rises from the ashes of those who have come before him, ultimately meeting his demise.
The ten horns you saw are ten future rulers who have yet to receive their kingdoms but will be granted authority by the beast for a single hour. These leaders will unite in mind and surrender their power and authority to the beast, waging war against the Lamb. Yet, the Lamb will triumph over them, being Lord of lords and King of kings, with his followers being called, chosen, and faithful.
The waters where the prostitute sits represent vast multitudes from various nations and languages. However, these same ten horns that were granted power by the beast will turn against the prostitute, ravaging her flesh and burning her with fire. This was predetermined by God to fulfill His purpose, causing them to surrender their kingdoms to the beast until all of God's plans are fulfilled.
The woman you saw is actually a great city that holds dominion over the kings of the earth, exerting its influence through various forms of corruption and control.