Revelation 17:16

The ten horns. See on v. 12.

Upon the beast. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “and the beast.” The horns and the beast participate in executing the divine sentence upon Babylon. Concerning the identity of the beast see on v. 3.

Shall hate. This represents a change of attitude on the part of the “beast” and the “horns.” Some apply this attitude on the part of the ten horns to the attitude of some of the nations of Western Europe toward the papacy since Reformation times; others consider that the fulfillment of this prediction is yet future. Heretofore the horns had given their support to the policies advocated by the “woman” (see on vs. 3, 9, 13), particularly to the plot to slay the saints (see on v. 14). But when Christ overcomes them (v. 14) they turn on her, realizing that she has deceived them (see on v. 2).

The whore. See on v. 1.

Desolate. Gr. erēmoō, “to desolate,” “to lay waste” (cf. on v. 3). The form of the word in Greek implies that “the whore” will ever remain “desolate” (see on ch. 18:21). For a more complete description of the harlot’s desolate state see ch. 18:22, 23.

Naked. That is, deprived of her gorgeous attire (vs. 3, 4), and thus left in embarrassment and shame. cf. Eze23:29; Rev. 16:15.

Flesh. Literally, “flesh pieces,” which stresses the action of devouring and the completeness of the act. As a beast of prey rends and tears its victim in the process of devouring it, so “the whore” is to be violently, pitilessly destroyed by the very powers that had so recently supported her (see above on “shall hate”).

Burn her. Literally, “burn her up completely.” Compare ch. 18:8, which reads: “she shall be utterly burned with fire.” A figurative woman would, of course, be burned figuratively. See on Rev.18:8, 9; cf. Eze. 28:17–19.