Definition: And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 17:15. It's a pretty complex passage, but we can understand it in simpler terms. Here’s what it means, broken down: “And he saith unto me…” : This is Jesus speaking to John, the author of the book of Revelation. He’s giving a message from Heaven. “…The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth…” : This is a metaphor. “Waters” usually represent cleansing and purification. The “whore” is a very evocative image. A whore is a woman who is openly immoral or lustful – someone who embraces sin and pleasure. “Are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” : This tells us what’s happening in the waters . It's not just one woman; it’s many people – all types of people: Peoples: This refers to groups of people, possibly representing humanity as a whole. Multitudes: Think of huge crowds, large gatherings. Nations: Different countries or nations. Tongues: This suggests different languages and cultures are present in this scene. So, the overall picture is this: Jesus is telling John that the water itself is filled with a massive and diverse crowd – people from all over the world, representing different groups and cultures – all gathered around the “whore” (the symbol of immoral behavior). What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of: The End Times: It speaks to a time when the world will be filled with a widespread, chaotic mix of people and cultures. A Gathering of Humanity: It suggests that humanity, despite its efforts to control itself, will eventually be brought together in a significant way – perhaps as a collective for judgment or transformation. Important Note: It's crucial to remember this is a symbolic representation. Jesus isn’t talking about a specific person or event. He’s using vivid imagery to warn us about the potential for widespread moral decay and societal breakdown. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind the “whore” image? Connect this verse to other biblical themes (like judgment or redemption)?