The woman in Revelation 17:4 is often interpreted as a symbol of the great city or entity associated with corruption, sin, and idolatry, and she plays a key role in the apocalyptic vision described by the apostle John. This passage is part of a broader vision in the Book of Revelation, which is filled with vivid and symbolic imagery.
In Revelation 17:4, the woman is described as being adorned in purple and scarlet, with a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. She is seated on a beast with seven heads and ten horns, a creature that is typically understood as representing a powerful political or religious system. The woman is referred to as “Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth.”
There are several interpretations of who or what this woman represents:
1. Historical Rome: Many scholars believe the woman symbolizes the city of Rome, particularly during the time of the early Roman Empire. Rome was known for its wealth, decadence, and idolatry, and the imagery of the woman in luxurious attire aligns with the opulence of the Roman Empire. The “beast” she rides is often thought to represent the imperial power of Rome.
2. A Symbol of Apostate Christianity: Some Christian interpretations view the woman as representing apostate Christianity or the corrupting influence of false religious systems. This interpretation is common in certain Protestant traditions, especially in the context of the Reformation, where the Catholic Church was sometimes portrayed as the “Whore of Babylon.”
3. A Symbol of Corrupt Power and Worldliness: In a broader sense, the woman could represent any system of power—political, economic, or religious—that is associated with corruption, materialism, and spiritual adultery. The woman is described as being drunk with the blood of the saints and the martyrs of Jesus, which indicates persecution and opposition to righteousness.
4. Babylon as a Metaphor: Babylon, historically a city in Mesopotamia, is often used symbolically in Scripture to represent moral and spiritual corruption, worldliness, and opposition to God. In this sense, the woman could symbolize all systems that exalt themselves above God and lead people into sin.
In summary, the woman in Revelation 17:4 represents a symbol of moral and spiritual corruption, often interpreted as either a particular historical entity (such as Rome), a religious system (like apostate Christianity), or a general symbol of worldliness and opposition to God’s kingdom. The precise identity is debated among scholars and theologians, but the key point is that she embodies forces that corrupt and deceive humanity.
