Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
and on her forehead a name written, "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."
Verse Takeaways
1
A Shameless, Symbolic Name
Scholars explain that the name on the woman's forehead, like the labels worn by Roman prostitutes, signifies her open and shameless character. The word 'Mystery' is a key instruction, telling the reader that 'Babylon' is not a literal city but a symbolic name representing a deeper, spiritual reality of corruption and opposition to God.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
Revelation
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
6
18th Century
Presbyterian
And upon her forehead. This means in a circlet around her forehead. That is, it was made prominent and public, as if written on t…
Upon her forehead a name written (επ το μετωπον αυτης ονομα γεγραμμενον). Roman harlots wore a label with their names on their bro…
19th Century
Anglican
And upon her forehead . . .—It was usual for harlots to wear their name on the forehead; but the name here is more than a…
Consider supporting our work
The woman has a title written on her forehead, showing that in spite of all her royal glamour she is nothing but a prostitute. It was customary for…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And upon her forehead was a name written As the high priest had on his mitre upon his forehead written, holiness to …
Rome clearly appears to be meant in this chapter. Pagan Rome subdued and ruled with military power, not by artifice and flatteries. She generally l…
Get curated content & updates
