Revelation 17:9

This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.

Study Bible

This calls for a mind with wisdom
The phrase emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment and understanding. The Greek word for "wisdom" is "sophia," which implies not just knowledge but the ability to apply that knowledge in a godly manner. In the context of Revelation, wisdom is necessary to interpret the symbolic language and imagery. Historically, wisdom literature in the Bible, such as Proverbs, often calls for a heart and mind aligned with God's truth, suggesting that understanding Revelation requires divine insight and a heart attuned to God's purposes.

The seven heads
The "seven heads" are part of the symbolic imagery used throughout Revelation. In Greek, "kephalai" refers to heads, which can symbolize authority or leadership. In the context of Revelation, these heads are often interpreted as representing political or spiritual powers. Historically, the number seven is significant in biblical literature, symbolizing completeness or perfection. This suggests that the heads represent a complete or comprehensive system of power or authority that stands in opposition to God.

are seven mountains
The phrase "seven mountains" has been the subject of much interpretation. The Greek word "oros" means mountain or hill. In the historical context of the Roman Empire, Rome was famously known as the city on seven hills, which has led many conservative scholars to associate this imagery with Rome and its imperial power. Mountains in biblical literature often symbolize strength, stability, and sometimes kingdoms or empires, suggesting that these mountains represent powerful earthly kingdoms.

on which the woman sits
The "woman" in this passage is often identified as the "great prostitute" or "Babylon" from earlier in Revelation 17. The Greek word "kathemai" means to sit or dwell, indicating a position of control or influence. In the historical and scriptural context, the woman represents a corrupt system or entity that exerts influence over the kingdoms of the world. This imagery suggests a union of political and spiritual corruption, where the woman, symbolizing false religion or idolatry, holds sway over the earthly powers represented by the mountains.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman
Symbolic of a great city or entity that holds significant power and influence. In the context of Revelation, she is often associated with Babylon, representing a system of worldly corruption and opposition to God.

2. The Seven Heads
These are symbolic representations, often interpreted as seven hills or mountains, which have been historically associated with the city of Rome. They can also represent seven kingdoms or powers.

3. The Seven Mountains
These are often interpreted as the seven hills of Rome, but they can also symbolize completeness or fullness of worldly power and authority.

4. The Beast
A symbolic representation of a powerful, oppressive regime or leader that works against God's purposes.

5. John the Apostle
The author of Revelation, who receives this vision and conveys it to the early Christian churches.

Teaching Points

Wisdom and Discernment
Believers are called to seek wisdom and discernment to understand the spiritual realities behind worldly powers and influences.

Symbolism of Mountains
The seven mountains can represent the pervasive influence of worldly systems. Christians should be aware of how these systems can impact their faith and witness.

The Role of the Church
The church is called to stand firm against the corrupting influences of worldly powers, maintaining faithfulness to Christ.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the apparent power of worldly systems, God remains sovereign and will ultimately judge and overthrow all opposition.

Living in Expectation
Christians are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that current worldly powers are temporary and will be replaced by God's eternal kingdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we apply the call for wisdom in Revelation 17:9 to our daily lives, especially in discerning truth from deception?

2. In what ways do the "seven mountains" challenge us to examine the influences of worldly systems in our own lives?

3. How does the imagery of the woman and the beast in Revelation 17 help us understand the nature of spiritual warfare?

4. What parallels can we draw between the fall of Babylon in Jeremiah 51 and the symbolic Babylon in Revelation, and how does this encourage us in our faith?

5. How can the church today remain faithful and distinct in a world that often mirrors the corrupt systems described in Revelation 17?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 7
The vision of the four beasts in Daniel parallels the imagery in Revelation, where beasts represent kingdoms or empires that oppose God.

Revelation 13
The beast from the sea in Revelation 13 shares characteristics with the beast in Revelation 17, emphasizing the theme of opposition to God and persecution of His people.

Jeremiah 51
The fall of Babylon in Jeremiah serves as a precursor to the symbolic fall of Babylon in Revelation, representing God's judgment on corrupt systems.