Albert Barnes Commentary Revelation 17:5

"and upon her forehead a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." — Revelation 17:5 (ASV)

And upon her forehead. This means in a circlet around her forehead. That is, it was made prominent and public, as if written on the forehead in blazing capitals. In Revelation 13:1, it is said that "the name of blasphemy" was written on the "heads" of the beast. The meaning in both places is substantially the same: that it was prominent and unmistakable. (See the notes on Revelation 13:1).

(Compare with the notes on Revelation 14:1).

Was a name written. This means a title, or something that would properly indicate her character.

Mystery. It is proper to remark that, as far as is now known, there is nothing in the original as written by John that corresponded with what is implied by placing this inscription in capital letters. The same remark may be made of the "title" or inscription that was placed over the head of the Savior on the cross (Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; Luke 23:38; John 19:19). Our translators have adopted this form, apparently, for the sole purpose of indicating that it was an inscription or title.

Regarding the meaning of the word mystery, see the notes on 1 Corinthians 2:7. (Compare with the notes on 1 Timothy 3:16).

Here, "mystery" seems to be used to denote that there was something hidden, obscure, or enigmatical under the title adopted; that is, the word Babylon and the word mother were symbolical. Our translators have printed and punctuated the word mystery as if it were part of the inscription. It would probably be better to regard it as referring to the inscription in this way: "a name was written—a mysterious name, namely, Babylon," etc. Or, "a name was written mysteriously."

According to this interpretation, it would mean not that there was any wonderful "mystery" about the thing itself (whatever might be true on that point), but that the name was enigmatical or symbolical, or that there was something hidden or concealed under the name. It was not to be literally understood.

Babylon the great. This refers to Papal Rome, the nominal head of the Christian world, as Babylon had been of the heathen world. (See the notes on Revelation 14:8).

The mother of harlots.

1. Of that spiritual apostasy from God which, in the language of the prophets, might be called adultery (see the notes on Revelation 14:8);
2. The promoter of lewdness by her institutions (see the notes on Revelation 9:21).

In both these senses, there never was a more expressive or appropriate title than the one employed here.

And abominations of the earth. This refers to abominable things that prevail on the earth (Revelation 17:4). (Compare with the notes on Revelation 9:20-21).