Rev 17:5 | TNotes | STEP | 17:5 Using code language, John was probably referring to Rome (see 17:9 ) as Babylon the Great, Mother of All Prostitutes . Babylon was a symbol of the idolatries and demonic obscenities of the world. As Mother , she had produced offspring who copied her character. Rome, like Babylon, prostituted herself to false gods and led other nations into adultery and idolatry.

‏ Revelation of John 17:5

17:5 ^a Using code language, John was probably referring to Rome (see 17:9 ^b) as Babylon the Great, Mother of All Prostitutes. Babylon was a symbol of the idolatries and demonic obscenities of the world. As Mother, she had produced offspring who copied her character. Rome, like Babylon, prostituted herself to false gods and led other nations into adultery and idolatry.