Revelation 17:7

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the angel {G32} said {G2036} unto me {G3427}, Wherefore {G1302} didst thou marvel {G2296}? I {G1473} will tell {G2046} thee {G4671} the mystery {G3466} of the woman {G1135}, and {G2532} of the beast {G2342} that carrieth {G941} her {G846}, which {G3588} hath {G2192} the seven {G2033} heads {G2776} and {G2532} ten {G1176} horns {G2768}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the angel said to me, “Why are you astounded? I will tell you the hidden meaning of the woman and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that was carrying her.

Berean Standard Bible

“Why are you so amazed?” said the angel. “I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns.

American Standard Version

And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou wonder? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and the ten horns.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 17:7 marks a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision, as an angel addresses his astonishment at the sight of the woman riding the scarlet beast. The angel's question, "Wherefore didst thou marvel?", serves as a prelude to a divine revelation. This verse initiates a profound explanation of the "mystery" surrounding the enigmatic woman and the multi-headed, horned beast that carries her, promising to unveil the symbolic identities and roles of these powerful entities within God's unfolding prophetic narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 17:7 directly follows John's initial encounter with "Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth," whom he observes "drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus" ([Revelation 17:6](/revelation/17-6 "Revelation 17:6 - The Woman Drunk with Blood")). John's profound "marveling" at this sight prompts the angel's intervention, setting the stage for the detailed interpretation that occupies the remainder of [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Judgment of the Great Harlot"). This verse transitions the narrative from observation and emotional reaction to divine exposition, providing the necessary interpretive key for the complex symbolism introduced in the preceding verses. The angel's explanation is crucial for understanding the nature and ultimate fate of the anti-God forces at play in the end times.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Revelation, including the beast with multiple heads and horns, draws heavily on Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly those found in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"), which describes successive world empires as beasts. The concept of a "mystery" (Greek: _mystērion_) in the New Testament often refers to a truth previously hidden but now revealed by God, not something inherently unknowable. John's audience, living under Roman imperial power, would have been familiar with the concept of powerful, oppressive empires. The "woman" riding the beast likely alludes to a city or system that dominates and controls, much like a queen or a harlot who exerts influence. The "seven heads" could historically point to the seven hills of Rome, a common ancient association, or to a succession of world powers. The "ten horns" typically symbolize kings or kingdoms, often signifying complete power or a confederation of powers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Revelation. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Interpretation**, as God, through His angel, actively provides understanding for seemingly impenetrable prophetic visions, ensuring His servants are not left in confusion. Secondly, it highlights the **Nature of Anti-God Powers**, personified by the "woman" and the "beast," which represent systems of spiritual apostasy, political oppression, and economic corruption that oppose God and persecute His people. This theme is further developed as the angel explains their origin, power, and ultimate destruction, as seen in the beast's rise and fall in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast from the Sea and the Beast from the Earth") and the woman's judgment in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"). Thirdly, the angel's authoritative tone reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Control**, even over the most formidable earthly powers, assuring believers that these events are part of God's predetermined plan and not random chaos.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **marvel (Greek, _thaumázō_):** From _thauma_, meaning "to wonder" or "to admire." Here, it denotes John's profound astonishment, awe, or even bewilderment at the sight of the woman and beast, particularly the woman's state of being "drunken with the blood of the saints" ([Revelation 17:6](/revelation/17-6 "Revelation 17:6 - The Woman Drunk with Blood")). This reaction highlights the shocking and disturbing nature of the vision, prompting the angel's immediate interpretive response.
* **mystery (Greek, _mystḗrion_):** Derived from a word implying "to shut the mouth," suggesting a secret or a truth revealed only to initiates. In the New Testament, _mystērion_ refers not to something inherently incomprehensible, but to a divine truth previously hidden or veiled, now revealed by God's disclosure. The angel's promise to "tell thee the mystery" signifies that the complex symbolism of the woman and beast is not meant to remain obscure but will be divinely illuminated for John and, by extension, for God's people.
* **carrieth (Greek, _bastázō_):** This verb means "to lift," "to bear," or "to carry." In this context, it describes the beast physically supporting the woman. This imagery signifies a close, symbiotic relationship between the political-economic power (the beast) and the corrupt religious-economic system (the woman). The beast provides the power and platform for the woman's influence, though this relationship is ultimately temporary and will end in the woman's destruction by the beast itself ([Revelation 17:16](/revelation/17-16 "Revelation 17:16 - The Beast's Destruction of the Harlot")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel?":** This opening clause establishes the divine initiative in providing understanding. The angel, acting as God's messenger, perceives John's profound astonishment and directly addresses it, signaling that the vision's complexity is about to be clarified. The question is rhetorical, designed to draw John's attention to the impending explanation.
* **"I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her":** This is the core promise of the verse. The angel declares his intent to reveal the "mystery" – the divinely hidden truth now to be unveiled – concerning the two central figures of John's vision: the "woman" (Babylon the Great) and the "beast" (the final anti-God empire). This statement assures John (and the reader) that the symbolic meaning of these entities will be disclosed.
* **"which hath the seven heads and ten horns":** This final clause specifically identifies the beast, reiterating its distinctive features previously mentioned in [Revelation 17:3](/revelation/17-3 "Revelation 17:3 - The Scarlet Beast"). These features are crucial symbolic elements that will be further explained by the angel in the subsequent verses ([Revelation 17:9-12](/revelation/17-9-12 "Revelation 17:9-12 - Explanation of the Heads and Horns")), representing a succession of kingdoms and a confederation of kings, respectively.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 17:7 employs several significant literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, as the angel directly addresses John, shifting the narrative from passive observation to interactive revelation. This direct address creates a sense of immediacy and personal instruction. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "the woman" and "the beast" serving as complex, multi-layered representations of spiritual and political powers. The angel's promise to "tell thee the mystery" underscores that these are not literal figures but require divine interpretation, typical of apocalyptic literature where earthly realities are veiled in supernatural imagery. The phrase "Wherefore didst thou marvel?" functions as a **rhetorical question**, not seeking an answer from John, but rather serving to transition the narrative and highlight the significance of the impending explanation. This question also emphasizes John's human reaction to the terrifying and perplexing vision, making the divine intervention all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 17:7 is profoundly theological, underscoring God's commitment to revealing His truth to His servants, especially concerning the forces that oppose His kingdom. The angel's declaration that he "will tell thee the mystery" highlights that God does not leave His people in the dark regarding the nature of evil and its ultimate defeat. This divine disclosure is a testament to God's sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most formidable and deceptive earthly powers operate within the bounds of His predetermined plan. It assures believers that understanding, discernment, and ultimately, victory, are available through divine revelation, fostering trust in God's control over history.
* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants")
* [Ephesians 3:3-5](/ephesians/3-3-5 "Ephesians 3:3-5 - The Mystery Revealed to the Apostles and Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 17:7 serves as a powerful reminder that while the world's spiritual and political landscape may appear bewildering and even terrifying, God is not silent. He actively reveals His plans and the nature of the forces at work, both good and evil. For believers today, this verse encourages a posture of humble receptivity to God's Word, particularly its prophetic truths. It challenges us to move beyond mere astonishment at global events to seek divine understanding, trusting that God will illuminate what is necessary for our discernment and faithfulness. Understanding these "mysteries" equips us to stand firm against deception, to recognize the transient nature of worldly power, and to live with hope in God's ultimate victory. It calls us to discern the spiritual realities behind the headlines, to pray for wisdom, and to remain vigilant in our witness, knowing that God's sovereign hand guides all things to their appointed end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of life or current events do you find yourself "marveling" or feeling bewildered, and how might seeking God's perspective on these bring clarity?**
* **How does the concept of God revealing "mysteries" encourage you in your study of Scripture, especially challenging passages?**
* **What are some contemporary "women" or "beasts" (systems or powers) that seem to oppose God's kingdom, and how does understanding their ultimate fate impact your response to them?**

### FAQ
**What is the "mystery" the angel promises to reveal in Revelation 17:7?**

Answer: The "mystery" (Greek: _mystērion_) is not something inherently unknowable, but a divine truth previously hidden or veiled, which God now chooses to disclose. In [Revelation 17:7](/revelation/17-7 "Revelation 17:7 - The Angel Explains the Mystery"), the angel promises to reveal the symbolic meaning and identity of the "woman" (Babylon the Great) and the "beast that carrieth her." This revelation explains their nature, their relationship, and their ultimate destiny within God's prophetic plan, providing crucial understanding for John and for all believers. The subsequent verses in [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Judgment of the Great Harlot") elaborate on this mystery, identifying the woman as the great city that reigns over the kings of the earth and the beast as a succession of kingdoms culminating in a final, powerful, anti-God empire.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 17:7, though focusing on the unveiling of anti-God powers, ultimately points to the supreme authority and redemptive work of Christ. The "mystery" revealed by the angel is part of God's overarching plan, a plan that culminates in the triumph of the Lamb. While John marvels at the beast and the harlot, the New Testament consistently directs our gaze to Christ as the one who "hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth" ([Revelation 3:7](/revelation/3-7 "Revelation 3:7 - The Key of David")). The beast's power, despite its terrifying appearance, is temporary and ultimately subservient to the divine purpose, for Christ is "King of kings, and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The revelation of these end-time enemies serves to highlight the necessity and glory of Christ's return, when He will judge the great harlot and conquer the beast, establishing His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return and Victory")). Thus, the angel's explanation of the "mystery" is not merely about understanding evil, but about affirming the certainty of Christ's victorious reign and the ultimate vindication of His saints.

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 17:8

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.

Revelation 17:1

¶ 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:

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.