Who Is “Babylon”?
Who is the “great harlot” and Babylon the Great? The “great prostitute,” as the Greek is sometimes translated, is discussed in several chapters of Revelation under the figure of Babylon (17:1-19:3). To understand how to interpret the identity of the “great harlot” and Babylon, we need to read the entire passage. The account begins in the first four verses of Revelation 17 by introducing us to this “great prostitute.” She is pictured as having committed adultery with the rulers of all nations. The people throughout the world have become awe-struck by her power. This fallen woman sits on a scarlet or red beast with seven heads and ten horns. She is adorned with extravagant jewelry and holds a golden cup in her hand, the contents of which depict her political and social adultery. This brings us to the end of verse 4. At this point in the text, we do not know who this “great harlot” is. But we already know that the Bible uses the symbol of prostitution and harlotry to depict idolatry and w
