King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:9 Mean?

Revelation 17:9 in the King James Version says “And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth .” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 17:9 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

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 .

10

And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

11

And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

Read Revelation 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.... 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 17:9 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 · 18 words
ὧδε1 of 18

“And here”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

ἡ2 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

νοῦς3 of 18

“is the mind”

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

ἡ4 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

ἔχων5 of 18

“hath”

G2192

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

σοφίαν6 of 18

“wisdom”

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

ἡ7 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

ἑπτὰ8 of 18

“The seven”

G2033

seven

κεφαλαὶ9 of 18

“heads”

G2776

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

ὄρη10 of 18

“mountains”

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)

εἰσίν11 of 18

“are”

G1526

they are

ἑπτὰ12 of 18

“The seven”

G2033

seven

ὅπου13 of 18
G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἡ14 of 18

“which”

G3588

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

γυνὴ15 of 18

“the woman”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

κάθηται16 of 18

“sitteth”

G2521

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

ἐπ'17 of 18

“on”

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

αὐτῶν18 of 18

“which”

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

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 17:9 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 17:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 13:18Revelation 17:7Revelation 17:18Matthew 24:15Revelation 17:3Daniel 12:4

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 17 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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