And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
4. arrayed in purple and scarlet colour ] Protestant interpreters have been fond of applying this description to the robes of Roman bishops and cardinals: and perhaps not altogether unjustly. See Introduction, pp. 57, 58.
decked with gold ] Lit. gilded with gold: perhaps illustrated by the contemporary picture of the historical imperial harlot, Messalina.
precious stone ] Lit. stone, used, of course, collectively. See on Rev 15:6.
a golden cup ] See Jer 51:7 already quoted. We can hardly say that the cup serves her to drink the blood of saints and martyrs ( Rev 17:6), but it is meant to suggest that she is drunken and invites to drunkenness, as well as to uncleanness.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour – On the nature of the scarlet color, see the notes on Rev 17:3. The purple color – porphura – was obtained from a species of shellfish found on the coasts of the Mediterranean, which yielded a reddish-purple dye, much prized by the ancients. Robes dyed in that color were commonly worn by persons of rank and wealth, Mar 15:17, Mar 15:20; Luk 16:19. The purple color contains more blue than the crimson, though the limits are not very accurately defined, and the words are sometimes interchanged. Thus the mock robe put on the Saviour is called in Mar 15:17, Mar 15:20, porphuran – purple, and in Mat 27:28, kokkinen – crimson. On the applicability of this to the papacy, see the notes on Rev 17:3.
And decked with gold – After the manner of an harlot, with rich jewelry.
And precious stones – Sparkling diamonds, etc.
And pearls – Also a much-valued female ornament. Compare the notes on Mat 7:6; Mat 13:46.
Having a golden cup in her hand – As if to entice lovers. See the notes on Rev 14:8.
Full of abominations – Of abominable things; of things suited to excite abhorrence and disgust; things unlawful and forbidden. The word, in the Scriptures, is commonly used to denote the impurities and abominations of idolatry. See the notes on Dan 9:27. The meaning here is, that it seemed to be a cup filled with wine, but it was in fact a cup full of all abominable drugs, leading to all kinds of corruption. How much in accordance this is with the fascinations of the papacy, it is not necessary now to say, after the ample illustrations of the same thing already furnished in these notes.
And filthiness of her fornication – The image here is that of papal Rome, represented as an abandoned woman in gorgeous attire, alluring by her arts the nations of the earth, and seducing them into all kinds of pollution and abomination. It is a most remarkable fact that the papacy, as if designing to furnish a fulfillment of this prophecy, has chosen to represent itself almost precisely in this manner – as a female extending an alluring cup to passers by – as will be seen by the engraving on this page. Far as the design of striking this medal may have been from confirming this portion of the Book of Revelation, yet no one can fail to see that if this had been the design, no more happy illustration could have been adopted. Apostate churches, and guilty nations, often furnish the very proofs necessary to confirm the truth of the Scriptures.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 4. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication] This strikingly represents the most pompous and costly manner in which the Latin Church has held forth to the nations the rites and ceremonies of its idolatrous and corrupt worship.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
And the woman was arrayed in a purple and scarlet colour; purple was the colour of kings and princes: this woman, Rev 18:7, said she was queen.
Scarlet also was a rich and noble colour, anciently most used in a time of war. How much it is in use with the pope and his cardinals, is sufficiently known.
And decked with gold and precious stones and pearls; this shows the worldly riches of the papacy.
Having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication; alluring and tempting persons to idolatry, as whores use to do with their philters, or enchanted cups, allure and provoke men to sensual satisfactions.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
4. The color scarlet, it isremarkable, is that reserved for popes and cardinals. Paul II made itpenal for anyone but cardinals to wear hats of scarlet; compare RomanCeremonial [3.5.5]. This book was compiled several centuries agoby MARCELLUS, a Romisharchbishop, and dedicated to Leo X. In it are enumerated fivedifferent articles of dress of scarlet color. A vest ismentioned studded with pearls. The Pope’s miter is of goldand precious stones. These are the very characteristicsoutwardly which Revelation thrice assigns to the harlot or Babylon.So Joachim an abbot from Calabria, about A.D.1200, when asked by Richard of England, who had summoned him toPalestine, concerning Antichrist, replied that “he was born longago at Rome, and is now exalting himself above all that is calledGod.” ROGER HOVEDEN[Annals, 1.2], and elsewhere, wrote, “The harlot arrayedin gold is the Church of Rome.” Whenever and wherever (not inRome alone) the Church, instead of being “clothed (as at first,Re 12:1) with the sun” ofheaven, is arrayed in earthly meretricious gauds, compromising thetruth of God through fear, or flattery, of the world’s power,science, or wealth, she becomes the harlot seated on the beast, anddoomed in righteous retribution to be judged by the beast (Re17:16). Soon, like Rome, and like the Jews of Christ’s and theapostles’ time leagued with the heathen Rome, she will then becomethe persecutor of the saints (Re17:6). Instead of drinking her Lord’s “cup” ofsuffering, she has “a cup full of abominations andfilthinesses.” Rome, in her medals, represents herself holding acup with the self-condemning inscription, “Sedet superuniversum.” Meanwhile the world power gives up its hostilityand accepts Christianity externally; the beast gives up itsGod-opposed character, the woman gives up her divine one. They meethalfway by mutual concessions; Christianity becomes worldly, theworld becomes Christianized. The gainer is the world; the loser isthe Church. The beast for a time receives a deadly wound (Re13:3), but is not really transfigured; he will return worse thanever (Re 17:11-14).The Lord alone by His coming can make the kingdoms of this worldbecome the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ. The “purple”is the badge of empire; even as in mockery it was put on our Lord.
deckedliterally,”gilded.”
stonesGreek,“stone.”
filthinessA, B, andANDREAS read, “thefilthy (impure) things.”
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour,…. Which may be expressive of her grandeur, authority, and power, sitting as a queen, and sovereign in the empire, ruling over kingdoms and nations in it; and also of her bloody disposition to the saints, with whose blood she is afterwards said to be drunk;
and decked with gold and precious stones, and pearls; which may denote her hypocrisy, she being gilded with these things, as the word signifies, when she was inwardly rotten, corrupt, and filthy; and may point out the things by which persons have been enticed into the communion of the church of Rome, and to comply with her idolatrous worship and practices; and may also respect the prodigious riches, which have, by various methods, been brought into the pope’s coffers; these, with other things, are reckoned among the merchandise of Babylon, Re 18:12 and particularly this may have reference to the adorning of their temples, or churches, and the decking of their images, with those things; which gaudy pompous shows strike the minds of carnal men, amuse them, and engage their attention. So Philo k the Jew describes an whore as arrayed in purple, and adorned with gold and precious stones; see Pr 7:10.
Having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication; in allusion to Babylon, Jer 51:7 and also to harlots, who give philters or love potions to men, to excite lust, and draw their affections to them; and this being a golden cup may design the external lustre and splendour of the worship of the church of Rome, by which many have been drawn into a compliance with it, which is attended with many abominable, filthy, and idolatrous practices: and perhaps some regard may be had to the golden chalice, in which, it is pretended, is the very blood of Christ, which the priests take as such, and worship and adore, and is no other than an abominable and filthy piece of idolatry; and such are the persons that partake of it; like the Pharisees of old, they make clean the outside of the cup and platter; glister, and make a great show of devotion, but within are full of extortion and excess.
k De Mercede Meretricis non recip. p. 861.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Was arrayed ( ). Periphrastic past perfect indicative of , to fling round one.
In purple and scarlet ( ). Accusative retained after this passive verb of clothing, as so often. is old adjective for purple (from ), in N.T. only here and John 19:2; John 19:5. See preceding verse for .
Decked (). Perfect passive participle of , old verb, to gild, to adorn with gold, here alone in N.T.
With gold and precious stone and pearls ( ). Instrumental case. is cognate with the participle. is collective (Rev 18:12; Rev 18:16; Rev 21:19). There is a also with (Rev 18:12; Rev 18:16; Rev 21:21), for which word see Mt 7:6. Probably John is thinking of the finery of the temple prostitutes in Asia Minor.
Full of abominations ( ). Agreeing with , “cup” (neuter singular accusative). Some MSS. read (nominative masculine like in verse 3, quite irregular). For (genitive after ) see Mt 24:15; (Mr 13:14), common in the LXX for idol worship and its defilements (from , to render foul), both ceremonial and moral. See Jer 15:7.
Even the unclean things of her fornication ( ). Either the accusative after as in verse 3 (and full of the unclean things of her fornication) or the object of , like .
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Purple [] . See on Luk 16:19.
Decked [] . Lit., gilded.
Precious stones [ ] Lit., precious stone.
Golden cup. Compare Jer 51:7.
Abominations [] . See on Mt 24:15.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And the woman was arrayed,” (kai he gene en peribeblemene) “and the woman was having been decked, wrapped around with jeweled clothing,” decorated; note, “pride goeth before destruction;” this was an whore proud of her outward, deceitful appearance, Pro 16:18.
2) “In purple and scarlet,” (porphuroun kai kokkinon) “in purple and scarlet,” the color of and decked out like high royalty; full of pride, conceit, and self glory, like the rich man that wound up in hell, Luk 16:19-31; Rev 18:16.
3) “And decked with gold and precious stones and pearls,” (kai kechrusomene chruso kai litho timis kai magaritois) “and -bedecked (she was) with precious (valuable) stones and pearls; Rev 18:12; The harlot posed as the Bride of Christ – the espoused, (2Co 11:1-2), but she was an harlot to the Dragon, the antichrist and the beast, Rev 17:2.
4) “Having a golden cup in her hand,” (echousa poterion chruson en te cheiri autes)”and holding a golden cup (container) in her hand,” as she was associated with, in complicity with, the religions of Ancient Babylon, having assimilated her worship with that of Rome, Jer 51:7.
5) “Full of abominations,” (gemon bdelugmaton) “being full of (or overflowing with) abominations,” moral and spiritual pollutions, just as surely as when Belshazzar led worship to a thousand gods of his province that brought the judgment of God upon him, Dan 5:1-4; Dan 5:23-30.
6) “And filthiness of her fornication,” (kai ta akatharta tes porneias autes) “and the unclean, or impure, things of (originating from) her fornication;” consorting with, compromising with, becoming party to heathen religions is called fornication, whoredom, and worship of devils, condemned of our Lord, Psa 115:1-8; 1Co 10:20-21; Heb 13:10.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(4) And the woman was arrayed . . .Better, arrayed (or, clad) in purple (the colour of the robe which was in mockery put on our LordJoh. 19:2) and scarlet, gilded (not decked) with gold, &c. Her appearance is one of imperial splendour. (Comp. the description of Tyre in Eze. 28:13.)
Having a golden cup in her hand . . .Translate, Having a golden cup in her hand teeming with abominations and with the unclean things of the fornication of the earth. Jeremiah (Jer. 51:7) called Babylon a golden cup in the hand of the Lord. The cup had made all the earth drunken; the cup of intoxication, splendid and attractive, was full of an evil power, which robbed mens senses and degraded them. The great city of the world ever holds out such a glittering cup, which
Most do taste through fond intemperate desire.
Soon as the potion works, their human countenance,
Th express resemblance of the gods, is changed
Into some brutish form. . . . . . .
Comus, 68-77.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
4. Decked with gold and precious stones and pearls The pomp and glare, and lavish richness of the Romish equipage and worship, are notorious to all the world. The Italian historian Platina, quoted by Newton, says of Paul II: “In his pontifical vestments he outwent all his predecessors, especially in his regno or mitre, upon which he had laid out a great deal of money in purchasing, at vast rates, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, chrysolites, jaspers, unions, and all manner of precious stones, wherewith adorned, like another Aaron, he would appear abroad somewhat more august than a man, delighting to be seen and admired by every one.”
A golden cup in her hand And so it was said of ancient Babylon, Jer 51:7: “The nations have drunken of her wine, therefore the nations are mad.”
Full of filthiness fornication Not wine alone is in her cup, but drugs and philters, and stimulants to fornication.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations, even the unclean things of her fornication.’
What an absurd picture. While pretending piety in the wilderness her outward appearance tells a different story. She is decked out like a prostitute, enjoying all that comes from wealth and influence because of what she offers in her golden cup. She is the epitome of a pretence piety, of false religion.
‘Abominations’. This word is constantly used in the Old Testament to represent idolatry and idolatrous worship with all that accompanied it, including spiritualism, magic, witchcraft and divination (Deu 18:9-12; 2Ki 23:24; Deu 29:17; Deu 32:16; 1Ki 14:23-24; 2Ki 16:3-4 ; 2Ki 21:2-3; Eze 8:6 and often; Rev 11:18; Eze 16:15-26 – linked with harlotry). It is often described in terms of whoredom and uncleanness because of its accompaniments. For her golden cup see Jer 51:7, ‘Babylon has been a golden cup in the Lord’s hand, that made all the earth drunk. The nations have drunk of her cup, therefore the nations are mad’. This is what Babylon symbolises.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
Ver. 4. In purple and scarlet ] Clothing for kings and nobles, over whom this whore domineers much more than the concubines did over the kings of Persia.
And decked with gold ] Gr. , gilded with gold, to note her hypocrisy and outsideness, gold without, copper within. The pope styles himself the servant of God’s servants, but yet stamps in his coin, “The nation and country that will not serve thee shall be rooted out.” At the absolution of King John of England, 8000 marks of silver were presently delivered to Pandoffus the pope’s envoy, who trampled it under his feet as condemning that base matter, but yet received it and sent it away to Rome. (Daniel’s Hist.)
And precious stones and pearls ] Besides the rich stones that are in the pope’s triple crown of inestimable price and value, he carries in his pantofle a (which he holds out to be kissed) the picture of the cross, set in pearls and precious stones, Ut plenis faucibus crucem Christi derideat, saith Hiedfeld. Pope Sixtus quintus five was wont to give to Tiresa, his harlot, pantofles covered with pearls. He spent two hundred and threescore thousand crowns upon a conduit, which he built for his pleasure; and yet he brought in fifty hundred thousand crowns into the new treasury built by himself in the castle of St Angelo. At the coronation of Pope Leo X, a million crowns are said to have been spent in one day. Pope Paul II was wont to sleep all day, and spend whole nights in weighing monies and beholding jewels and precious pictures, uno eo die 1,000,000 aureorum expendit. (Jac. Rev 261.)
A golden cup full of abominations ] Gold, if it be right, they say discovers and expels poison. Put poison into a cup of gold, and it will hiss and send up certain circles like rainbows. Hereby is signified (saith an author) that God threateneth judgment and fire to those that pour poison into divine doctrine, as the pope doth with his mad mixtures. He that argued from the letters of Papa, P. Poculum, A. Aureum, P. Plenum, A. Abominationum, argued no less wittily than that other, who of Roma made Radix omnium malorum, the base of all evils.
a A slipper; formerly applied very variously, app., at one time or another, to every sort of in-door slippers or loose shoes; esp. to the high-heeled cork-soled chopins; also to out-door overshoes or goloshes; and to all manner of Oriental and non-European slippers, sandals, and the like. (In Scottish use from 15th c.; in common Eng. use from c 1570 to c 1650-60; after that chiefly an alien or historical word.) D
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Rev 17:4 . . goes by an awkward zeugma with (collective) ; “with ornaments of gold and precious stones and pearls” (like Ezekiel’s doomed prince of Tyre). The harlot in Test. Jud 1:13Jud 1:13 :5 was also decked and poured out wine for her victims. Rome is pronounced luxurious, licentious and loathsome. Here, as in the contemporary 4 Esd. 3:2, 29, it is felt to be a mystery that prosperity and permanence should belong to a state flaunting its impiety and oppression, not merely enjoying but propagating vice.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
decked. Literally “gilded”.
stones = stone.
golden cup. Compare Jer 51:7.
abominations. Greek. bdelugma, used in Septuagint of an idol (2Ki 23:13, &c.); in plural, of idolatry (Deu 18:9, &c). Called “abominations” because of the uncleanness practiced in the worship.
and filthiness = and having the unclean things; as the texts.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
arrayed: Rev 18:7, Rev 18:12, Rev 18:16
decked: Gr. gilded, Dan 11:38
golden: Rev 14:8, Rev 18:6, Rev 19:2, Jer 51:7, 2Th 2:3-10
abominations: Deu 29:17, 1Ki 14:24, 2Ki 21:2, Isa 66:3, Eze 20:30, Hos 9:10
filthiness: Ezr 9:11, Lam 1:9, Eze 24:11, Eze 24:13, Eze 36:25
Reciprocal: Deu 27:15 – an abomination Jos 1:14 – the mighty Jdg 8:26 – purple 1Ki 11:7 – abomination 1Ki 18:4 – cut off the prophets 2Ki 9:22 – the whoredoms 2Ch 15:8 – abominable idols Job 28:18 – pearls Isa 47:12 – General Jer 4:30 – Though Jer 44:4 – this Eze 28:13 – every Dan 2:32 – head Hab 2:19 – it is Luk 16:19 – clothed 1Pe 4:3 – and Rev 12:3 – a great Rev 17:1 – the great Rev 17:3 – a woman Rev 21:21 – the twelve Rev 21:27 – worketh
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Rev 17:4. Since the state color of the beast (Rome) was scarlet and purple, it was appropriate that the rider of the beast should be robed to match. It is literally true that the clergy of the church of Rome wear these colors in their church ceremonies. It is also appropriate that such colors be used in the symbols of that church, in view of the faithful people of God who had their blood taken from them in the persecution at the hands of that wicked institution. Being decked with precious stones and pearls also was appropriate because the church of Rome possesses and uses great wealth in her ceremonies. The symbolic cup represents the corrupt practices that the church of Rome forced upon her subjects. It is symbolized in the form of a person filling a cup with vile and abominable materials then forcing some helpless person to drink it.
Comments by Foy E. Wallace
Verse 4.
The description in Rev 17:4, of the woman arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and bedecked with all adornments of gold, jewels and pearls, were highly extended symbols of the harlots sources of seduction; and the golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication were all descriptive of the lewd character of the harlot woman, and symbolic of the unfaithfulness of Jerusalem, “the faithful city become an harlot.” It was a lurid picture of the spiritual condition of Jerusalem and all Judea.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Rev 17:4. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and gilded with gold and precious atone and pearls. In these words we have a general description of the womans royal magnificence (comp chap. Rev 18:16). Arrayed is more than adorned. She has not merely ornaments of gold and precious stones and pearls, so numerous that she sparkles with them; they are thought of as a golden and costly gilding to her (comp. chap. Rev 2:17).
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
The woman was arrayed in the clothes of luxury in a gaudy sort of way. Her clothes clearly identify here with the beast she rides (scarlet) and show how much she will spend on her own pleasure. (Gold, gems and pearls) One would expect a fine drink from a golden cup, but her’s contains things the Lord hates, the filthiness of sin. It is said the harlots of that day had their names tattooed on their foreheads. She is the mother of all the spiritually unfaithful and the sins of the earth. The description here reminds us of Jeremiah’s prophecy in regard to ancient Babylon ( Isa 51:1-8 )
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
Rev 17:4-5. And the woman was arrayed With the utmost pomp and magnificence; in purple and scarlet Which were the colours of the imperial habit, the purple in times of peace, and the scarlet in times of war: and the scarlet is the colour of the popes and cardinals, as it used to be that of the Roman emperors and senators. Nay, the mules and horses which carry the popes and cardinals are covered with scarlet cloth, so that they may properly be said to ride upon a scarlet-coloured beast. The woman is also decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls And who can sufficiently describe the pride, and grandeur, and magnificence of the Church of Rome in her vestments and ornaments of all kinds? One remarkable instance of this we have in Paul II., whose mitre was set with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, chrysolites, jaspers, and all kinds of precious stones: and another conspicuous instance is in the lady of Loretto; the riches of whose holy image, and house, and treasury are far beyond the reach of description. There silver can hardly find an admission, and gold itself looks but poorly among such an incredible number of precious stones. Moreover, the woman, like other harlots, who give filters and love-potions to inflame their lovers, hath a golden cup in her hand, like the ancient Babylon, Jer 51:7, full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication Signifying the specious and alluring arts wherewith she bewitches and incites men to idolatry, which is an abomination, and spiritual fornication, and to many other abominable doctrines as well as practices. And upon her forehead a name written Whereas the saints have the name of God and the Lamb on their foreheads. The allusion here seems to be to the practice of some notorious prostitutes, who had their names written in a label upon their foreheads, as we may collect from ancient authors; (see Seneca, Book 1. contr. 2; Juvenal, Sat. 6. lin. 122;) MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT This name mystery can imply no less than that she dealeth in mysteries; her religion is a mystery, a mystery of iniquity; and she herself is mystically Babylon the Great. Benedict XIII., in his proclamation of the jubilee, A.D. 1725, explains this sufficiently. His words are, To this holy city, famous for the memory of so many holy martyrs, run with religious alacrity! Hasten to the place which the Lord hath chosen. Ascend to this new Jerusalem, whence the law of the Lord, and the light of evangelical truth, hath flowed forth into all nations, from the very first beginning of the church: the city most rightfully called The Palace; placed for the pride of all ages; the city of the Lord; the Sion of the Holy One of Israel. This catholic and apostolical Roman Church is the head of the world, the mother of all believers, the faithful interpreter of God, and mistress of all churches. But God varies the style: he terms her the mother of harlots The parent, ring-leader, patroness, and nourisher of many daughters, that closely copy after her; and abominations Of every kind, spiritual and fleshly; of the earth In all lands. In this respect she is indeed catholic, or universal.
The Papists would fain persuade us that pagan Rome is here intended: but, as Bishop Newton justly observes, The title of mystery is in no respect proper to her more than any other city, and neither is there any mystery in substituting one heathen, idolatrous, and persecuting city for another; but it is indeed a mystery that a city, called Christian, professing and boasting herself to be the city of God, should prove another Babylon in idolatry and cruelty to the people of God. She glories in the name of Roman Catholic, and well therefore may she be called, Babylon the Great. She affects the style and title of our holy mother the church, but she is in truth the mother of fornications and abominations. Neither can this character, with any propriety, be applied to ancient Rome, for she was rather a learner of foreign superstitions than the mistress of idolatry to other nations; as appears in various instances, and particularly from that solemn form of adjuration which the Romans used when they laid siege to a city, calling forth the tutelary deities of the place, and promising them temples, and sacrifices, and other solemnities at Rome. It may be concluded, therefore, that this part of the prophecy is sufficiently fulfilled, though there should be reason to question the truth of what is asserted by some writers, that the word MYSTERY was formerly written in letters of gold upon the forepart of the popes mitre. Scaliger affirms it upon the authority of the duke de Montmorency: Francis le Moyne and Brocardus confirm it, appealing to ocular inspection: and when King James objected this, Lessius could not deny it. If the thing be true, it is a wonderful coincidence of the event with the letter of prophecy. It is, however, much more certain, and none of that communion can deny it, that the ancient mitres were usually adorned with inscriptions.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
17:4 And {4} the woman was arrayed {5} in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having {6} a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
(4) That harlot, the spiritual Babylon, which is Rome. She is described by her attire, profession, and deeds.
(5) In attire most glorious, triumphant, most rich, and most gorgeous.
(6) In profession the nourisher of all, in this verse and teaching her mysteries to all, Rev 17:5 setting forth all things most magnificently: but indeed fatally besetting miserable men with her cup, and brings upon them a deadly giddiness.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The woman’s clothing was purple, symbolic of royalty, and scarlet, representing luxury (Rev 17:3; cf. Mat 27:28; Mar 15:17; Mar 15:20; Joh 19:2; Joh 19:5). Her ornaments included gold, precious stones, and pearls-jewelry that made her look like a queen. Contrast the bride of the Lamb whom John saw adorned with bright, clean linen (Rev 19:8). The cup in her hand added to her royal appearance, but it contained idolatrous abominations (cf. Deu 18:9; Deu 29:17; Deu 32:16; Jer 51:7; et al.), namely, unclean things connected with her spiritual immorality. The harlot wore expensive, attractive garments and accessories that made her externally appealing, but she is a counterfeit beauty. What is inside her is unclean.
"Any institution or facet of culture that is characterized by pride . . ., economic overabundance, persecution, and idolatry is part of Babylon." [Note: Beale, p. 856.]