Revelation 17:3

Revelation 17:3 introduces a pivotal vision in the Apostle John's prophetic journey, guided by an angel. This verse sets the stage for a detailed revelation concerning the judgment of "Mystery Babylon," a powerful symbolic entity in end-time prophecy.

Context

This verse immediately follows the angel's invitation to John to witness the judgment of the "great whore that sitteth upon many waters" (Revelation 17:1). John is transported "in the spirit," a common prophetic state seen elsewhere in Revelation (Revelation 1:10, Revelation 4:2), indicating a divinely inspired vision. The "wilderness" often symbolizes a place of desolation, isolation, or a setting conducive to receiving profound spiritual revelation, away from the distractions of the world.

Key Themes

• Symbolic Transportation and Revelation: John's being "carried away in the spirit into the wilderness" highlights the supernatural nature of the vision and God's direct involvement in revealing these future events. The wilderness setting emphasizes the starkness and solemnity of the coming judgment.
• The Woman and the Beast: The central imagery is "a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast."
  • The Woman: As further described in subsequent verses (Revelation 17:5), this woman is identified as "Mystery, Babylon the Great." She represents a powerful, corrupt system—often interpreted as a false religious, political, or economic entity—that exerts significant influence over the world. Her "sitting upon" the beast suggests control, alliance, or dependence on worldly power.
  • The Scarlet Beast: The "scarlet coloured beast" is a manifestation of immense worldly power, typically associated with an antichrist kingdom or empire. Its "scarlet colour" symbolizes luxury, sin, and bloodshed, often linked to the persecuting nature of this power. This beast shares characteristics with the beast from the sea in Revelation 13:1, which also has seven heads and ten horns.
• Blasphemy and Opposition to God: The beast being "full of names of blasphemy" underscores its inherent opposition to God and divine authority. This signifies a system that openly defies God, claiming attributes or honors due only to Him, or speaking impious words against His name, tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.
• Symbolic Numbers (Seven Heads and Ten Horns): These are recurring symbols in Revelation, often representing kingdoms, rulers, or specific powers. The "seven heads" can denote successive empires or a complete system of governance, while the "ten horns" typically symbolize ten kings or a coalition of powers that will rise in the end times, as also seen in the description of the great red dragon in Revelation 12:3 and the beast of Daniel 7:7.

Linguistic Insights

• The phrase "in the spirit" (Greek: en pneumati) signifies John entering a state of divine inspiration or prophetic trance, enabling him to perceive spiritual realities beyond normal human senses.
• "Scarlet coloured" (Greek: kokkinon) refers to a vibrant, deep red hue, historically associated with royalty, luxury, and often with sin, prostitution, or bloodshed, aligning with the negative connotations of the woman and beast.
• "Blasphemy" (Greek: blasphemia) denotes speaking evil against God, claiming divine prerogatives, or dishonoring sacred things. The beast's being "full of names of blasphemy" indicates its pervasive and inherent anti-God nature.

Practical Application

Revelation 17:3 serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual forces at play in the world. It calls believers to:

• Spiritual Discernment: Be vigilant in discerning systems, whether religious, political, or economic, that may appear powerful or glamorous but are ultimately opposed to God and His truth. The "scarlet" allure can hide a blasphemous core.
• Understanding Prophecy: Recognize that biblical prophecy uses rich symbolism to convey profound truths about humanity's future and God's ultimate sovereignty. This vision encourages us to seek deeper understanding of the times and to remain steadfast in faith.
• Separation from Worldly Corruption: Just as John is carried into the "wilderness," believers are called to separate themselves from the corrupting influences of the world, particularly those that embody blasphemy and opposition to Christ.