Revelation 17 7

Revelation 17:7 kjv

And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

Revelation 17:7 nkjv

But the angel said to me, "Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.

Revelation 17:7 niv

Then the angel said to me: "Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns.

Revelation 17:7 esv

But the angel said to me, "Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her.

Revelation 17:7 nlt

"Why are you so amazed?" the angel asked. "I will tell you the mystery of this woman and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns on which she sits.

Revelation 17 verses

Revelation 17 7 Meaning

Then the angel, acting as a divine interpreter, questioned John's astonishment at the vision he had just witnessed, specifically the sight of the woman seated upon the scarlet beast. This question served not as a rebuke, but as a direct preface to the angel's solemn promise: to provide a complete divine revelation concerning the "mystery" of both the harlot-like woman and the symbolic beast, clearly identifying its key features of seven heads and ten horns, and explaining their intertwined relationship where the beast provides support for the woman. This verse marks a crucial transition from perplexing vision to promised elucidation, indicating that the bewildering symbols are not random but part of God's revealed plan, which the angel is commissioned to make known.

Revelation 17 7 Context

Revelation chapter 17 introduces a new, highly symbolic vision centered on "Babylon the Great," depicted as a harlot riding a scarlet beast. The preceding verses (17:1-6) describe the woman's nature (adorned, intoxicated with the blood of saints) and her connection to the beast, culminating in John's intense amazement at this perplexing sight. Verse 7 acts as the critical bridge in the narrative, transforming from bewildering observation to authoritative interpretation. The angel's question to John and his subsequent promise directly precede a detailed explanation (17:8-18) that unveils the identity of the beast (its past, present, and future manifestations) and the woman (her symbolic meaning, eventual judgment). This passage directly contributes to the overarching theme of God's triumph over all rebellious powers and systems, ultimately preparing the reader for the detailed destruction of Babylon described in chapter 18. Historically, for the original audience, such symbolic depictions often conveyed deep meanings about corrupt powers, especially those linked to the persecuting Roman Empire, yet were designed to provide hope for God's enduring sovereignty and justice.

Revelation 17 7 Word analysis

• Then the angel said to me, (καὶ εἶπέν μοι ὁ ἄγγελος - kai eipen moi ho angelos): This phrase indicates a narrative continuation, with the angel transitioning from a silent guide to an active revealer of truth. The angelic messenger acts as a direct link between the divine throne and John, embodying the prophetic tradition of God sending His word through messengers.
• “Why (Τί - Ti) were you amazed? (ἐθαύμασας - ethaumasas?):
  • Τί (Ti): "What?" or "Why?" Here, it functions as "Why," indicating a query about John's state.
  • ἐθαύμασας (ethaumasas): The verb "to be amazed, to wonder, to marvel." It's in the aorist active indicative, implying a completed action, John's wonder or amazement had been evident and lingering. This confirms John's profound emotional and intellectual reaction to the shocking and paradoxical imagery of the vision in Rev 17:6, where the "great harlot" sits on a beast, indicating a complex and horrifying alliance. The question is rhetorical, not a reprimand, but an invitation for explanation, setting the stage for the unveiling of the mystery. It implicitly acknowledges that the vision is indeed perplexing and supernatural in its implications.
• I will explain to you (ἐγὼ ἐρῶ σοι - egō erō soi):
  • ἐγὼ (egō): Emphatic "I." The angel takes personal and authoritative responsibility for delivering the divine explanation. This emphasizes the divine commission behind the upcoming interpretation.
  • ἐρῶ (erō): "I will tell/speak/say." Future tense, indicating a clear promise to reveal the truth.
  • This phrase emphasizes that the ensuing explanation is not John's deduction, but a direct divine disclosure through the angel. It highlights the divine source and the certain revelation that is about to unfold.
• the mystery (τὸ μυστήριον - to mystērion):
  • μυστήριον (mystērion): In biblical context, "mystery" does not mean something incomprehensible, but rather a truth previously hidden from human understanding and revealed only through divine revelation. It's a divine secret that God now chooses to make known. This term underscores that the symbols of the woman and the beast, though bewildering on the surface, hold profound, divinely appointed meaning that is about to be unveiled. It is something revealed through God's specific act, not human wisdom or discovery.
• of the woman (τῆς γυναικὸς - tēs gynaikos): Refers to "the great harlot" described from Rev 17:1-6. Symbolically represents a religious-economic-political system in rebellion against God, corrupting the earth. It denotes an unholy spiritual power, potentially identifiable with historical corruptions like Imperial Rome or an end-time spiritual and global economic system opposing Christ and His Church.
• and of the beast (καὶ τοῦ θηρίου - kai tou thēriou): Refers to the "scarlet beast" described from Rev 17:3, and with attributes mentioned previously in Rev 13:1. This is a central figure in Revelation, often symbolizing a political or imperial power characterized by antagonism to God, having Satanic origin and power.
• with seven heads and ten horns (ἔχοντος κεφαλὰς ἑπτὰ καὶ κέρατα δέκα - echontos kephalas hepta kai kerata deka): These are distinct symbolic features of the beast previously introduced. They are numerical and descriptive attributes that are subsequently explained by the angel in Rev 17:9-16, signifying specific kings, empires, or geopolitical powers. The mention of these attributes here reinforces that the angel will explain the beast's full nature.
• that carries her (τοῦ βαστάζοντος αὐτήν - tou bastazontos autēn):
  • βαστάζοντος (bastazontos): "Carrying, bearing, supporting." This participle clarifies the action and relationship. The imagery of the woman "sitting on" or being "carried by" the beast (Rev 17:3) denotes a relationship of dependence or even influence. It implies that the beastly political/imperial power provides support, structure, or vehicle for the harlot system, suggesting an intertwined, mutually beneficial, albeit ultimately destructive, alliance. This also highlights that the explanation will cover the dynamic between these two entities.

Revelation 17 7 Bonus section

• The role of the "interpreting angel" (known as a hermeneia angel in scholarly discussion) is consistent throughout biblical apocalyptic literature, notably in Daniel and Zechariah. This emphasizes that divine visions, while often overwhelming in their imagery, are consistently accompanied by divine interpretation to ensure correct understanding. This validates the interpretation given and ensures its authenticity for the audience.
• The use of "mystery" (μυστήριον) consistently in the New Testament, especially in Pauline epistles (e.g., Eph 3:3-5, Rom 16:25-26), refers to divinely ordained truths previously unrevealed but now disclosed. This term ensures the reader that the forthcoming explanation is not speculative or human-devised, but an unveiling of God's sovereign knowledge and plan.
• John's astonishment itself serves a literary purpose, inviting the reader into the scene and mirroring their own likely reaction to such visions, thus drawing them into the unfolding revelation. His personal bewilderment becomes the universal human experience before the unveiling of God’s prophetic truths.

Revelation 17 7 Commentary

Revelation 17:7 serves as a crucial hermeneutical hinge in the book, transitioning the reader from bewildered observation to enlightened understanding. John’s profound amazement (recalling 17:6) at the vision of the great harlot riding the scarlet beast is directly acknowledged by the interpreting angel, signaling that this initial reaction, while humanly understandable given the grotesque symbolism, is merely a precursor to divine clarity. The angel's rhetorical question, "Why were you amazed?" isn't a rebuke but an invitation to perceive the deeper, hidden truth. The explicit promise, "I will explain to you the mystery," underscores the divine origin of the upcoming interpretation, affirming that the complex symbolism of the woman (representing a corrupt religious-economic-political system) and the beast (symbolizing a persecuting geopolitical power, characterized by its seven heads and ten horns) is not impenetrable but will be revealed by God. This promise ensures that the perplexing apocalyptic imagery, far from being arbitrary, conveys God's profound plan regarding His adversaries and His ultimate triumph. It highlights God's commitment to revealing hidden truths to His servants, assuring that the true nature of end-time adversaries will not remain unknown.