"Why are you so amazed?" said the angel. "I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns. “Why are you so amazed?” said the angel.The angel's question addresses John's reaction to the vision he is witnessing. In biblical literature, angels often serve as messengers or interpreters of divine visions ( Daniel 8:15-17). John's amazement may reflect the shocking nature of the vision, which reveals the spiritual realities behind earthly powers. The angel's role here is to guide John to a deeper understanding, emphasizing that the vision is not meant to confuse but to reveal truth. “I will tell you the mystery of the woman
The "woman" in this context is symbolic, often interpreted as representing a corrupt system or city, traditionally identified with Babylon. In biblical symbolism, women can represent cities or nations (Isaiah 1:8, Revelation 21:2). The term "mystery" suggests a hidden truth that requires divine revelation to be understood, a common theme in apocalyptic literature (Ephesians 3:3-5). and of the beast that carries her,
The "beast" is a recurring symbol in Revelation, representing oppressive political powers or empires (Daniel 7:3-7). The imagery of the beast carrying the woman suggests a relationship where the political power supports and upholds the corrupt system. This reflects the historical context of the Roman Empire, which many early Christians saw as embodying such a beastly power. which has the seven heads and ten horns.
The "seven heads" and "ten horns" are symbolic features that appear elsewhere in Revelation (Revelation 13:1). The seven heads are often interpreted as seven hills, alluding to Rome, known as the city on seven hills, or as seven kings or kingdoms (Revelation 17:9-10). The ten horns are typically seen as ten kings or rulers who will align with the beast (Daniel 7:24). This imagery connects to the prophetic visions in Daniel, where beasts with multiple heads and horns represent successive empires and rulers. Persons / Places / Events 1. The AngelA divine messenger who provides John with insight and understanding about the vision he is witnessing. Angels often serve as intermediaries between God and humans in biblical accounts. 2. JohnThe apostle and author of the Book of Revelation, who receives visions concerning the end times while exiled on the island of Patmos. 3. The WomanSymbolic of a great city or system that is in opposition to God. In the context of Revelation, she represents Babylon, a symbol of worldly power and corruption. 4. The BeastRepresents a powerful, evil entity or empire that opposes God and persecutes His people. The beast is often associated with the Antichrist in eschatological interpretations. 5. Seven Heads and Ten HornsSymbolic imagery representing the completeness and power of the beast. The seven heads may symbolize seven mountains or kings, while the ten horns often represent ten kings or kingdoms that align with the beast. Teaching Points Understanding Prophetic ImageryThe use of symbolic language in Revelation requires careful interpretation. Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and sound biblical scholarship to discern the meaning of prophetic visions. The Danger of Worldly AlliancesThe woman and the beast represent worldly systems that oppose God. Christians are called to remain separate from such alliances and to live in holiness and obedience to God. God's Sovereignty Over HistoryDespite the apparent power of the beast, God is in control of history. Believers can trust in His ultimate victory over evil. The Call to DiscernmentBelievers must be discerning and vigilant, recognizing the spiritual realities behind worldly powers and influences. Hope in God's JusticeThe revelation of the mystery assures believers that God's justice will prevail. The wicked will be judged, and God's kingdom will be established. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the angel's explanation in Revelation 17:7 help us understand the symbolic nature of the visions in Revelation? 2. In what ways can the imagery of the woman and the beast be seen in today's world? How should Christians respond to such influences? 3. How does the connection between Revelation 17 and Daniel 7 enhance our understanding of biblical prophecy? 4. What practical steps can believers take to avoid being influenced by worldly systems that oppose God? 5. How does the assurance of God's ultimate victory over evil in Revelation 17 encourage you in your personal walk with Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 7The imagery of beasts with horns is reminiscent of Daniel's vision, where beasts represent kingdoms and horns symbolize kings or rulers. This connection highlights the continuity of prophetic imagery concerning end-time events. Revelation 13The beast in Revelation 13 shares similarities with the beast in Revelation 17, emphasizing the theme of opposition to God and the persecution of the saints. Revelation 18The fall of Babylon is described, providing further context to the identity and fate of the woman in Revelation 17. People JohnPlaces Babylon, PatmosTopics Angel, Astonished, Beast, Carries, Carrieth, Carrying, Clear, Explain, Hast, Heads, Horns, Marvel, Meaning, Messenger, Mystery, Rides, Seated, Secret, Seven, Seven-headed, Surprised, Ten, Ten-horned, Wherefore, Wild, Wonder, WonderedDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 17:7 4113 angels, agents of judgment Revelation 17:1-18 4125 Satan, agents of Revelation 17:3-7 7730 explanation Revelation 17:3-8 4654 horn Revelation 17:5-8 6694 mystery Revelation 17:7-9 5935 riddles
6694 mystery Revelation 17:7-13 4627 creatures Revelation 17:7-14 4609 beast, the
9115 antichrist, the Library The Present Distress of Nations.
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them with fear, and for looking after those things which are coming to pass on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25, 26). As we have already remarked more than once, prophecy invariably has a double fulfillment at least, and so we believe it is with the one just quoted. Directly, it has reference …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's ReturnThe vineyard Labourers.
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The First Great Group of Parables.
(Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision B. Parable of the Sower. ^A Matt. XIII. 3-23; ^B Mark IV. 3-25; ^C Luke VIII. 5-18. ^a Behold, ^c 5 The sower went forth to sow his seed [Orientals live in cities and towns. Isolated farmhouses are practically unknown. A farmer may therefore live several miles from his field, in which case he literally "goes forth" to it]: ^b 4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed { ^a seeds } fell by the way side, ^c and it was trodden under foot, and the birds of …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Conclusion
"Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6). In our Foreword to the Second Edition we acknowledge the need for preserving the balance of Truth. Two things are beyond dispute: God is Sovereign, man is responsible. In this book we have sought to expound the former; in our other works we have frequently pressed the latter. That there is real danger of over-emphasising the one and ignoring the other, we readily admit; yea, history furnishes numerous examples of cases of each. To emphasise …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Links Revelation 17:7 NIVRevelation 17:7 NLTRevelation 17:7 ESVRevelation 17:7 NASBRevelation 17:7 KJV
Revelation 17:7 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
