17:5a–c
And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH: The Berean Standard Bible and some English versions write this title with all capital letters. Other English versions capitalize the first letter of each word. Write this title as a name or title in your language.
17:5a
And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: There are two ways to interpret how the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as mysterious is used:
(1) It describes the name or title on her forehead. The name was mysterious or secret. For example:
on her forehead a name was written, a mystery, (New American Standard Bible)
(2) It is itself part of the name or title. For example:
upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY (King James Version)
It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Other ways to translate this interpretation are:
On her forehead a mysterious name was written: (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
On her forehead was written a name, a mystery: (NET Bible)
-or-
On her forehead was written a name that has a secret meaning: (Good News Translation)
on her forehead a mysterious name was written: The Greek grammar indicates that the writing was already there when John saw the woman. The clause is passive. Some languages must use an active or intransitive clause. For example:
⌊someone⌋ had written a name on her forehead
-or-
On her forehead were these words:
-or-
A name/title was on her forehead:
If you translate following the last two examples, your translation should imply that the title was written.
mysterious: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as mysterious refers to truth or knowledge that people have not discovered on their own. Someone else reveals it to them.
The name is told in 17:5b–c. So the mystery is probably that this particular name had not been told before. It is not explained here. People will have to read the name and try to understand its meaning. Other ways to translate this word are:
a name of mystery: (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
a name that has a secret meaning: (Good News Translation)
Also see how you translated this word in 1:20.
17:5b
BABYLON: The name of this woman is BABYLON. It is used in the same way in 14:8 and 16:19.
THE GREAT: This word means “important” or “well-known” here. It does not indicate that Babylon was good or noble in any way. See how you translated this word in 16:19 or possibly 17:1.
THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES: This phrase indicates figuratively that the woman is the origin of all those who do prostitution. Here prostitution refers figuratively to worshiping idols and being unfaithful to God.
In some languages a literal translation would not clearly indicate the figurative meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:
• Translate literally and explain its meaning in a footnote. For example:
This phrase indicates figuratively that Babylon began the practices/ways of idolatry. She encouraged others to be unfaithful to God.
• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:
The Originator of Prostitutes
PROSTITUTES: Here this word implies seduction, immorality, greed, and immoral selling practices, as well as other shameful deeds. See how you translated this word in 17:1.
17:5c
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH: The word “mother” is implied from 17:5b but not repeated here. The woman began the ABOMINATIONS and other people followed her in those sins. In some languages it is more natural to repeat the meaning of the word “mother” here. For example:
Mother of the Abominations of the Earth
-or-
Originator of the Abominations of the Earth
ABOMINATIONS: This word refers to deeds that are detestable or very awful. The word refers figuratively to the woman’s sinful life and deeds. Other ways to translate this word are:
Obscenities (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
detestable things (NET Bible)
See how you translated this word in 17:4 (“abominations”).
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