This page gives you Bible study questions for Revelation 17, with a leader’s note under each one. It suits a small group, a Sunday class, or a personal study. The chapter is one of the most vivid in the book, so the questions move from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes daily faithfulness.
Revelation 17 at a Glance
John is taken by one of the seven angels into a wilderness, where he sees a woman seated on a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns. She is dressed in luxury, holds a cup of corruption, and bears a name that identifies her as Babylon. The angel explains that the beast and its kings will turn against her, and that all of them are ultimately defeated by the Lamb, who is Lord of lords and King of kings.
The chapter closes with the woman identified as a great city that reigns over the kings of the earth. Leaders should keep this arc in view: a seductive power, its hidden meaning, and God’s sovereign purpose working through even the enemies of his people.
Observation Questions
Use these first to anchor the group in the text itself. Ask people to point to the words on the page before offering any interpretation, and let silence sit for a moment before moving on.
Revelation 17:1-2
1 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality; and those who dwell in the earth were made drunken with the wine of her sexual immorality.”
(WEB)
These opening verses set the stage and introduce the central figure, so reading them aloud first helps the whole group enter the vision together.
Revelation 17:4
The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of the sexual immorality of the earth.
(WEB)
The vivid description of the woman’s wealth and the golden cup gives the group a concrete image to return to when discussing temptation and appearance.
Revelation 17:14
These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and those who are with him are called chosen and faithful.”
(WEB)
This verse states the decisive outcome of the conflict and names the Lamb’s identity, making it a natural high point for prayer and encouragement.
Revelation 17:17
For God has put in their hearts to do what he has in mind, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished.
(WEB)
Reading this verse aloud invites the group to reflect on God’s sovereignty over history, which is central to the chapter’s theological message.
Revelation 17:18
The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.”
(WEB)
The chapter ends by naming the woman as a great city, so reading this verse last helps the group close the study with a clear sense of what the vision is describing.
Memory Verse for Revelation 17
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you grateful that you see the seductive powers of this world clearly, and that you have not left your people without hope. Teach us to recognize the golden cups that promise much and deliver corruption. Give us the courage to remain faithful when the kings of the earth seem to hold the upper hand, and remind us that the Lamb has already overcome. Help us to rest in your sovereign purposes, trusting that your words will be accomplished in your time. Keep our hearts loyal to you alone, and let the truth of this chapter shape how we live this week. Amen.
