King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:7 Mean?

Revelation 17:7 in the King James Version says “And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast tha... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

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

6

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

7

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.

8

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was , and is not, and yet is.

9

And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth .


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The angel's promise to explain the mystery of the woman and beast indicates that apocalyptic symbols require divine interpretation. Human wisdom cannot decode these visions; God must reveal their meaning. The 'mystery' (Greek 'mystērion') refers not to incomprehensibility but to truth hidden until divinely disclosed. Reformed theology emphasizes that Scripture interprets Scripture—the angel will explain symbols using biblical imagery. The beast carrying the harlot represents political power supporting false religion, while the woman represents apostate religious systems. Understanding requires spiritual discernment, not mere intellectual analysis.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mystery religions pervaded the Roman world, claiming secret knowledge available only to initiates. John's use of 'mystery' reclaims this term for divine revelation—true understanding comes through God's disclosure, not human initiation rites. The symbolism would resonate with readers familiar with Rome's religious-political fusion and imperial cult.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing that divine mysteries require God's interpretation humble your approach to difficult biblical passages?
  2. What does the angel's offer to explain symbolism teach about Scripture's perspicuity—clarity for those whom God enlightens?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

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

εἶπέν2 of 29

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

μοι3 of 29

unto me

G3427

to me

τὰ4 of 29

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγγελος,5 of 29

the angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Διὰτί6 of 29

Wherefore

G1302

through what cause ?, i.e., why?

ἐθαύμασας;7 of 29

didst thou marvel

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

ἐγὼ8 of 29

I

G1473

i, me

σοι9 of 29

thee

G4671

to thee

ἐρῶ10 of 29

will tell

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

τὰ11 of 29

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μυστήριον12 of 29

the mystery

G3466

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)

τὰ13 of 29

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυναικός,14 of 29

of the woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

καὶ15 of 29

And

G2532

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

τὰ16 of 29

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θηρίου17 of 29

of the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

τὰ18 of 29

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βαστάζοντος19 of 29

that carrieth

G941

to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

αὐτήν,20 of 29

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὰ21 of 29

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔχοντος22 of 29

hath

G2192

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

τὰ23 of 29

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑπτὰ24 of 29

the seven

G2033

seven

κεφαλὰς25 of 29

heads

G2776

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

καὶ26 of 29

And

G2532

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

τὰ27 of 29

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δέκα28 of 29

ten

G1176

ten

κέρατα.29 of 29

horns

G2768

a horn (literally or figuratively)


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 17:7 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 17:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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