Revelation 17:4

Armenian Eastern Bible 1994

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a woman dressed in luxurious colors and adorned with gold and precious stones, holding a golden cup filled with the disgusting results of her immoral behavior. The description is symbolic, depicting the evil of a corrupt system or city.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who looks very fancy but is actually not nice inside. This verse talks about someone like that — they look beautiful on the outside, but their actions are really bad and make God sad.

Historical Background

John wrote this book while in exile on Patmos around 95 AD. He was addressing Christians facing persecution from the Roman Empire, warning them of false religious systems that could lead to spiritual corruption.

Living It Out Today

In today’s context, we can see people or groups who appear glamorous and successful but engage in morally corrupt practices behind the scenes. This reminds us to look beyond surface appearances when making judgments about others.

Topics

judgmentcorruptionfalse religionsymbolismwarningmoral integrity

Related Verses

Genesis 3:1-6Isaiah 52:3Matthew 23:27-28Revelation 17:5-6Revelation 19:2

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the golden cup represent?
The golden cup represents the harmful effects of this woman's actions, filled with disgusting contents that symbolize her immoral behaviors.
Who wrote Revelation and when?
John the Apostle wrote the book of Revelation around 95 AD while in exile on Patmos.
What is the symbolic meaning behind the woman's dress?
The luxurious dress symbolizes the wealth and allure of a corrupt system, masking its true sinful nature underneath.
How does this verse relate to today's world?
This verse serves as a warning against being deceived by outward appearances and encourages discernment in recognizing moral corruption within people or institutions.
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