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Babylon the Harlot Aliases

Names & Likenesses

The nature and works of the great harlot of Revelation is described in great detail, but never specifically named. This is common fare in biblical forecasts of the future and serves to veil prophecies intended to be fully understood only by the discerning living in the times they described.
However, this harlot that was destined to "reign over the kings of the earth" in its prime is referred to by a number of different monikers that illuminate her character and identity from several different vantage points. These include:

Babylon the Great Harlot in Revelation

"great city," "strong city" (Revelation 11:8, 16:19, 17:18, 18:10, 18:16, 18:18)

• As seen by others, she is uniquely strong and mighty.

"Queen" (Revelation 18:7)

• Represents her grandiose self image.

"not a widow" (Revelation 18:7)

• In context, sees herself as the "bride" of Christ.

"Sodom," "Egypt," Jerusalem in apostasy (“where also their Lord was crucified”) (Revelation 11:8)

• Indicates that other prophetic references and symbols relating to these also relate to the great city identified with Babylon in Revelation.

• All (plus Babylon) represent places that oppressed the faithful minority of God’s servants in their midst until God intervened with judgment and deliverance.

"Babylon the great" (Revelation 14:8, 17:5, 18:2)

• Ancient Babylon is primary symbol of character and works of the great harlot.

• Babylon was melting pot of diverse races, cultures, religions.

• Babylon was an unrivaled political and economic power in the world at one time, like the harlot it symbolizes.

• Like the above historical references, the people of God were an oppressed minority dwelling in the midst of Babylon.

"great harlot," "harlot" (Revelation 17:1, 19:2, 17:16)

• Represents God’s view of her character.

"mother of harlots" (Revelation 17:5)

• God holds her accountable for spawning other similar harlots.

"mother of abominations of the earth" (Revelation 17:5)

• God holds her responsible for spreading abominations around the world.

"woman" (Revelation 17:3, 4, 6, 7, 9)

• Feminine symbolism indicates people rather than a government.

Old Testament References to Babylon

"Chaldea," "Chaldeans," "Land of Chaldeans" – Jeremiah 50:1, 8, 10, 25, 35, 45, 51:4, 24, 54

"Daughter of Babylon" – Jeremiah 50:42, 51:33

"Arrogant one" (king of Babylon) – Jeremiah 50:31, 32

"Land of Merathaim" (means “double rebellion”) – Jeremiah 50:21

"Leb Kamai" (“heart of those who rise up” against Me.) – Jeremiah 51:1

"Pekod" (means “visitation”; province where Nineveh was) – Jeremiah 50:21

"Hammer of the whole earth" – Jeremiah 50:22

Yahweh’s “war-club” or “weapon of war” – Jeremiah 51:20

"Destroying mountain" (who destroys the whole earth) – Jeremiah 51:25

"Golden cup in the hand of the LORD" – Jeremiah 51:7

"Lucifer" or "morning star," "son of the morning" or "dawn" – Isaiah 14:12

"Praise of the whole earth" – Jeremiah 51:41

"You who dwells by many waters" (abundant in treasures) – Jeremiah 51:13

"Sheshach"  ("thy fine linen"; Licentious winter celebration Dec 17-24, predecessor to Roman saturnalia; name for Babylon apparently taken from the goddess Shach.) – Jeremiah 51:41

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