Revelation 17:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G2532} he carried {G667} me {G3165} away {G667} in {G1722} the spirit {G4151} into {G1519} the wilderness {G2048}: and {G2532} I saw {G1492} a woman {G1135} sit {G2521} upon {G1909} a scarlet coloured {G2847} beast {G2342}, full of {G1073} names {G3686} of blasphemy {G988}, having {G2192} seven {G2033} heads {G2776} and {G2532} ten {G1176} horns {G2768}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He carried me off in the Spirit to a desert, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast filled with blasphemous names and having seven heads and ten horns.

Berean Standard Bible

And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, where I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.

American Standard Version

And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness: and I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 17:3 presents a profound prophetic vision to the Apostle John, where an angelic guide transports him "in the spirit" to a wilderness setting. There, John witnesses a striking and ominous tableau: a woman, later identified as "Mystery Babylon," seated upon a scarlet-colored beast. This beast is depicted as being covered in blasphemous names and possessing seven heads and ten horns, a complex array of symbolism that immediately signals its immense power, inherent opposition to God, and the vast scope of its influence in the end times. This verse serves as the dramatic introduction to a detailed revelation concerning the nature and ultimate judgment of this formidable spiritual and political entity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the immediate continuation of the angel's invitation to John in [Revelation 17:1](/revelation/17-1 "Revelation 17:1 - The Great Harlot and Her Judgment") to witness the judgment of "the great whore that sitteth upon many waters." The preceding verses (Revelation 16) describe the pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath, culminating in the destruction of "Babylon the Great" ([Revelation 16:19](/revelation/16-19 "Revelation 16:19 - Babylon the Great Remembered")). Chapter 17 then provides a detailed explanation of *who* this "Babylon" is and *why* she is judged, with verse 3 setting the scene for John's direct observation of this symbolic entity. The vision here parallels and expands upon earlier descriptions of beasts and symbolic figures found throughout the book, particularly those in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Two Beasts") and [Revelation 12](/revelation/12 "Revelation 12 - The Woman, the Dragon, and the Child"), indicating a developing narrative of conflict between God's kingdom and worldly powers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's experience of being "carried away in the spirit" (Greek: _en pneumati_) echoes similar prophetic experiences in the Old Testament, such as Ezekiel being transported by the Spirit ([Ezekiel 3:12-14](/ezekiel/3-12-14 "Ezekiel 3:12-14 - Ezekiel Lifted by the Spirit")) or Daniel receiving visions. This state signifies a divinely initiated, supernatural perception of spiritual realities. The "wilderness" (Greek: _eremos_) in biblical literature often carries dual connotations: a place of desolation, testing, and judgment, but also a place of divine encounter and revelation, where God speaks clearly away from the noise of civilization (e.g., Israel's wilderness journey, Elijah's encounter). For John, it provides a stark backdrop for the revelation of a corrupt system. The imagery of a "woman" and a "beast" draws upon ancient Near Eastern symbolism, where beasts often represented empires or rulers (as seen in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts")), and women could symbolize cities, nations, or religious systems, either faithful (e.g., Jerusalem) or apostate (e.g., the harlot of [Isaiah 1:21](/isaiah/1-21 "Isaiah 1:21 - The Faithful City Become a Harlot")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several critical themes within Revelation. The theme of **Divine Revelation and Prophetic Vision** is central, as John is supernaturally enabled to perceive truths about future events and spiritual realities, emphasizing God's sovereign control over history. The imagery of the **Woman and the Beast** immediately brings to the forefront the theme of **Worldly Power and Rebellion Against God**. The woman, identified as "Mystery Babylon" in [Revelation 17:5](/revelation/17-5 "Revelation 17:5 - Mystery, Babylon the Great"), symbolizes a powerful, corrupt system—often interpreted as a false religious, political, or economic entity—that wields immense influence and opposes God. The "scarlet-colored beast" represents the worldly political power that supports and is intertwined with this system, echoing the beast from the sea in [Revelation 13:1](/revelation/13-1 "Revelation 13:1 - The Beast from the Sea"). The beast's being "full of names of blasphemy" highlights the pervasive theme of **Blasphemy and Anti-God Opposition**, signifying a system that openly defies God and claims divine prerogatives. Finally, the **Symbolic Numbers** of "seven heads and ten horns" continue the apocalyptic numerology prevalent in Revelation, pointing to the complete nature and various manifestations of this oppressive power, linking back to the dragon in [Revelation 12:3](/revelation/12-3 "Revelation 12:3 - The Great Red Dragon") and the beasts in [Daniel 7:7](/daniel/7-7 "Daniel 7:7 - The Fourth Beast").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning a current of air, breath, or by analogy, a spirit. In this context, it refers to the divine Spirit or a state of spiritual inspiration, indicating that John's transportation and vision were supernaturally enabled by God's power, allowing him to perceive spiritual realities beyond normal human senses. It signifies a prophetic trance or divine enablement.
* **Woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** From G1135, meaning a woman, or specifically a wife. Here, the "woman" is a profound symbol, not a literal individual. In Revelation, women often symbolize religious or political entities. This woman, later identified as "Mystery, Babylon the Great" ([Revelation 17:5](/revelation/17-5 "Revelation 17:5 - Mystery, Babylon the Great")), represents a powerful, corrupt system that exerts influence over the world, embodying spiritual harlotry and opposition to God.
* **Beast (Greek, _thēríon'_):** From G2342, meaning a dangerous animal, a wild or venomous beast. In apocalyptic literature, "beast" consistently symbolizes a powerful, often oppressive, political kingdom or empire that is hostile to God and His people. The description of this beast with multiple heads and horns reinforces its formidable, multi-faceted, and inherently destructive nature, aligning with the beasts seen in Daniel's prophecies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness:"** This phrase describes John's supernatural transportation to a specific setting for the vision. The angelic guide, mentioned in [Revelation 17:1](/revelation/17-1 "Revelation 17:1 - The Angel's Invitation"), facilitates this spiritual journey. "In the spirit" signifies a state of divine inspiration or prophetic ecstasy, where John's physical senses are transcended, allowing him to perceive spiritual realities and future events. The "wilderness" is a symbolic location, often associated with desolation, isolation, or a place where God reveals profound truths, away from the corrupting influences of the world. It sets a somber, revelatory tone for the ensuing vision.
* **"and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast,"** This is the central image of the vision. John's observation of the "woman" and the "beast" immediately establishes their symbolic relationship. The woman "sitting upon" the beast suggests a close alliance, control, or dependence. She rides the beast, implying she directs or is supported by its power. The beast's "scarlet colour" is highly symbolic, representing luxury, royalty, sin, and bloodshed, aligning with the nature of the corrupt system and the persecuting power it embodies.
* **"full of names of blasphemy,"** This clause describes the beast's inherent character. Being "full of names of blasphemy" indicates that the beast, representing a political or imperial power, is characterized by open defiance and opposition to God. It claims divine attributes, speaks impious words against God, His name, His tabernacle, and His heavenly dwelling, or demands worship due only to God. This highlights its pervasive anti-God nature and ultimate rebellion.
* **"having seven heads and ten horns."** These are crucial symbolic features of the beast. The "seven heads" are later interpreted as seven mountains and seven kings ([Revelation 17:9-10](/revelation/17-9-10 "Revelation 17:9-10 - The Seven Heads and Seven Kings")), often signifying a succession of world empires or a complete system of governance. The "ten horns" are interpreted as ten kings who receive power with the beast ([Revelation 17:12](/revelation/17-12 "Revelation 17:12 - The Ten Horns and Ten Kings")), symbolizing a future coalition of powers or rulers. These features link this beast to earlier prophetic visions in Daniel and Revelation, indicating a continuity of oppressive, anti-God power throughout history, culminating in the end times.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 17:3 is rich in **Symbolism**, a hallmark of apocalyptic literature. The "woman," "scarlet-colored beast," "names of blasphemy," "seven heads," and "ten horns" are not literal entities but represent complex spiritual, political, and historical realities. This pervasive symbolism allows the text to convey profound theological truths about evil, power, and judgment in a way that transcends specific historical moments, making it applicable across generations. The verse also employs **Vivid Imagery**, creating a striking and memorable picture for the reader: a woman astride a monstrous, brightly colored beast covered in offensive inscriptions. This imagery is designed to evoke strong emotional responses and convey the terrifying nature of the forces at play. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Vision**, a common literary device in Revelation, where John is granted direct, divinely inspired insight into future events and spiritual conflicts. This vision serves not only to reveal but also to warn and prepare believers for the realities of the end times.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 17:3 powerfully underscores the pervasive nature of spiritual rebellion and the world's entanglement with systems that oppose God. The imagery of the woman and the beast highlights the insidious alliance between corrupt religious/economic power and oppressive political authority, both characterized by blasphemy and a usurpation of divine prerogatives. This vision serves as a stark reminder that throughout history, and especially in the end times, there will be powerful earthly entities that defy God, persecute His people, and demand allegiance that belongs only to the Creator. Yet, the very act of revealing these entities demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to exposing and judging all forms of evil, assuring believers that no power can ultimately thwart His divine plan.

* [Daniel 7:7-8](/daniel/7-7-8 "Daniel 7:7-8 - The Fourth Beast and Little Horn")
* [Revelation 13:1-2](/revelation/13-1-2 "Revelation 13:1-2 - The Beast from the Sea")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 17:3 calls believers to a profound level of spiritual discernment and vigilance. In a world often captivated by outward displays of power, wealth, and influence, this verse serves as a divine X-ray, exposing the true, blasphemous nature of systems that appear glamorous or formidable but are fundamentally opposed to God. It challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and to critically evaluate the underlying spiritual allegiances of cultural, political, and even religious movements. Just as John was transported to the "wilderness" to receive this stark revelation, we are called to cultivate a spiritual detachment from the world's allurements, enabling us to see clearly the forces at work. This vision is not meant to incite fear, but to equip us with knowledge, encouraging steadfastness in our faith, purity in our worship, and a clear understanding of the spiritual battle. It reminds us that our allegiance must be solely to Christ, and that any system or ideology that claims ultimate authority or demands worship is a manifestation of the beast's blasphemous spirit, destined for judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "woman on the scarlet beast" challenge my perceptions of power and influence in the world today?**
* **In what ways might the "names of blasphemy" manifest in contemporary society, and how can I discern them?**
* **What does John's transportation "in the spirit into the wilderness" teach me about seeking spiritual clarity and revelation?**
* **How can understanding the symbolic nature of Revelation help me to avoid literalistic misinterpretations while still grasping its profound truths?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that John was "carried away in the spirit into the wilderness"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that John entered a state of divine inspiration or prophetic trance, similar to experiences described by Old Testament prophets like Ezekiel. It means God supernaturally enabled him to perceive spiritual realities and future events that are beyond normal human senses. The "wilderness" is a symbolic setting, often representing a place of desolation or isolation, but also a place where God speaks clearly and reveals profound truths, away from the distractions and corruptions of the world. It emphasizes the solemn and divinely orchestrated nature of the vision he is about to receive.

**Who is the "woman" mentioned in this verse, and what does she represent?**

Answer: The "woman" is a central symbolic figure in Revelation 17. While not explicitly named in [Revelation 17:3](/revelation/17-3 "Revelation 17:3 - The Woman and the Beast"), she is later identified by the angel as "Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth" in [Revelation 17:5](/revelation/17-5 "Revelation 17:5 - Mystery, Babylon the Great"). She represents a powerful, corrupt, and apostate system that exerts immense influence over the world. Interpretations vary, but she is generally understood to symbolize a false religious system, a global economic power, or a political empire that is fundamentally opposed to God and His people, characterized by spiritual harlotry and deception. Her "sitting upon" the beast indicates her close alliance with or dependence on worldly political power.

**What do the "scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns" symbolize?**

Answer: This beast is a complex symbol of immense worldly power that is inherently hostile to God. Its "scarlet colour" (Greek: _kokkinos_) signifies luxury, royalty, sin, and bloodshed, aligning with its destructive and corrupt nature. Being "full of names of blasphemy" means it openly defies God, claiming divine prerogatives or speaking impious words against Him. The "seven heads" are later explained in [Revelation 17:9-10](/revelation/17-9-10 "Revelation 17:9-10 - The Seven Heads and Seven Kings") as both "seven mountains" (often interpreted as Rome) and "seven kings" (representing a succession of world empires or a complete system of governance). The "ten horns" are interpreted in [Revelation 17:12](/revelation/17-12 "Revelation 17:12 - The Ten Horns and Ten Kings") as "ten kings" who receive authority with the beast, symbolizing a future coalition of powers or rulers. This beast is closely linked to the beast from the sea in [Revelation 13:1](/revelation/13-1 "Revelation 13:1 - The Beast from the Sea") and the fourth beast in [Daniel 7:7](/daniel/7-7 "Daniel 7:7 - The Fourth Beast"), representing a final, powerful, and anti-God political empire that will arise in the end times.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 17:3, with its chilling depiction of a woman riding a blasphemous beast, ultimately points to the absolute necessity and ultimate triumph of Christ. The "scarlet-colored beast" and the "woman" represent the culmination of all worldly power and spiritual apostasy that stand in opposition to God's kingdom. This vision, therefore, magnifies the singular authority and purity of Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy of all worship and allegiance. Unlike the beast, which is "full of names of blasphemy," Christ bears the "name which is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - The Name Above Every Name")), a name that evokes reverence, not defiance. While the beast's power is temporary and destined for destruction ([Revelation 17:14](/revelation/17-14 "Revelation 17:14 - The Lamb Will Conquer Them")), Christ's dominion is eternal, for He is the "King of kings and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The judgment pronounced upon this beastly system in Revelation highlights the perfect justice of God, executed through His Son, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thus, this verse, by revealing the depths of anti-Christ rebellion, simultaneously illuminates the glorious and indispensable role of Jesus as the conquering Lamb of God, who will ultimately cast down all opposing powers and establish His righteous kingdom forever ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 12:3

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

Revelation 13:1

¶ And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

Revelation 13:6

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

Revelation 12:6

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.

Revelation 17:6

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.

Revelation 17:7

¶ 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.

Revelation 17:9

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