Revelation 17:5

Authorized King James Version

And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
AND
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐπὶ
G1909
upon
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#3
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
μέτωπον
G3359
forehead
the forehead (as opposite the countenance)
#5
αὐτῆς
G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#6
ὄνομα
G3686
was a name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#7
γεγραμμένον
G1125
written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#8
μυστήριον
G3466
MYSTERY
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
#9
Βαβυλὼν
G897
BABYLON
babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))
#10
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
μεγάλη
G3173
THE GREAT
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#12
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
μήτηρ
G3384
THE MOTHER
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
#14
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πορνῶν
G4204
OF HARLOTS
a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater
#16
καὶ
G2532
AND
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
βδελυγμάτων
G946
ABOMINATIONS
a detestation, i.e., (specially) idolatry
#19
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
γῆς
G1093
OF THE EARTH
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of covenant community reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection