King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:3 Mean?

Revelation 17:3 in the King James Version says “So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of na...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”

Revelation 17:3 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

1

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

2

With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

3

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

4

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: decked: Gr. gilded

5

And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. harlots: or, fornications

Read Revelation 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.... This verse from Revelation's vision of babylon the harlot - false religion, political-religious alliance judged employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 17:3 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“So”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπήνεγκέν2 of 23

“away”

G667

to bear off (literally or relatively)

με3 of 23

“me”

G3165

me

εἰς4 of 23

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἔρημον5 of 23

“the wilderness”

G2048

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

ἐν6 of 23

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πνεύματι7 of 23

“the spirit”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

καὶ8 of 23

“So”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶδον9 of 23

“I saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

γυναῖκα10 of 23

“a woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

καθημένην11 of 23

“sit”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

ἐπὶ12 of 23

“upon”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

θηρίον13 of 23

“beast”

G2342

a dangerous animal

κόκκινον14 of 23

“a scarlet coloured”

G2847

crimson-colored

γέμον15 of 23

“full of”

G1073

to swell out, i.e., be full

ὀνομάτων16 of 23

“names”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

βλασφημίας17 of 23

“of blasphemy”

G988

vilification (especially against god)

ἔχον18 of 23

“having”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

κεφαλὰς19 of 23

“heads”

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

ἑπτὰ20 of 23

“seven”

G2033

seven

καὶ21 of 23

“So”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κέρατα22 of 23

“horns”

G2768

a horn (literally or figuratively)

δέκα23 of 23

“ten”

G1176

ten

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 17:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 17:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 12:3Revelation 13:1-6Revelation 12:6Revelation 17:9-12Revelation 17:18Revelation 17:6-7

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