Revelation 17:3

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.

Study Bible

Then the angel carried me away
The phrase begins with the action of an angel, a divine messenger, emphasizing the supernatural guidance given to John. The Greek word for "angel" (ἄγγελος, angelos) signifies a messenger, often used in Scripture to denote a heavenly being sent by God. This highlights the divine authority and purpose behind the vision. The phrase "carried me away" suggests a spiritual transportation, indicating that John is being taken to a place beyond the physical realm to receive a revelation from God.

in the Spirit
This phrase indicates that John is in a state of spiritual vision or trance, a condition where he is receptive to divine revelation. The Greek word for "Spirit" (πνεῦμα, pneuma) is often used to denote the Holy Spirit, suggesting that this experience is under the influence and guidance of God's Spirit. This underscores the authenticity and divine origin of the vision, as John is not acting on his own accord but is led by the Spirit.

into a wilderness
The "wilderness" is a significant biblical motif, often representing a place of testing, revelation, or divine encounter. In the Old Testament, the wilderness was where the Israelites wandered and where prophets like Elijah encountered God. Here, it symbolizes a desolate, barren place, perhaps indicating the spiritual barrenness of the vision to follow. It sets the stage for the revelation of the woman and the beast, suggesting a contrast between the desolation of the wilderness and the opulence of the vision.

where I saw a woman
The "woman" is a central figure in this vision, representing a corrupt system or entity. In biblical symbolism, women often represent cities or religious systems (e.g., the bride of Christ as the Church). This woman is later identified as "Babylon the Great," symbolizing a powerful, seductive, and corrupting influence in the world. Her presence in the wilderness may suggest her ultimate desolation and judgment.

sitting on a scarlet beast
The "scarlet beast" is a vivid image, with "scarlet" symbolizing luxury, power, and sin (Isaiah 1:18 associates scarlet with sin). The beast represents a political or religious power opposed to God, often interpreted as a symbol of the Antichrist or a corrupt empire. The woman's position "sitting on" the beast indicates her control or alliance with this power, suggesting a union of corrupt religious and political systems.

that was covered with blasphemous names
The "blasphemous names" indicate a direct opposition to God, as blasphemy involves speaking against or dishonoring the divine. In the Roman context, emperors often claimed divine status, which would be considered blasphemous. This detail highlights the beast's arrogance and rebellion against God, serving as a warning against idolatry and false worship.

and had seven heads and ten horns
The "seven heads" and "ten horns" are symbolic of authority and power. In biblical apocalyptic literature, such imagery often represents kingdoms or rulers. The number seven often signifies completeness or perfection, while ten can denote fullness or the extent of power. This imagery suggests a coalition of powers or a complete manifestation of evil authority, echoing the visions in Daniel 7, where similar beasts represent empires opposed to God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Angel
A divine messenger who guides John in his vision, symbolizing God's revelation to humanity.

2. John
The apostle and author of Revelation, who receives and records the vision.

3. The Wilderness
A desolate place symbolizing spiritual barrenness or a place of testing and revelation.

4. The Woman
Represents a corrupt system or entity, often interpreted as a symbol of false religion or a city opposed to God.

5. The Scarlet Beast
A powerful, blasphemous entity with seven heads and ten horns, symbolizing oppressive political powers or empires.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Discernment
Believers must be vigilant and discerning of spiritual deception and false teachings, as symbolized by the woman and the beast.

The Nature of Evil
The beast's blasphemous names and power remind us of the persistent nature of evil and its opposition to God's kingdom.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the apparent power of the beast, the vision ultimately reveals God's control over history and His ultimate victory.

The Call to Faithfulness
In a world filled with spiritual and moral corruption, Christians are called to remain faithful to Christ and His teachings.

Understanding Prophecy
Studying prophetic literature requires careful interpretation, recognizing symbolic language and its implications for both the present and future.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the woman and the beast in Revelation 17:3 challenge your understanding of spiritual deception in today's world?

2. In what ways can the wilderness setting of this vision be seen as a metaphor for spiritual testing or revelation in your own life?

3. How do the descriptions of the beast in Revelation 17:3 and Daniel 7 help you understand the nature of worldly powers opposed to God?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are not swayed by false teachings or corrupt systems, as symbolized by the woman on the beast?

5. How does the assurance of God's ultimate victory over evil, as depicted in Revelation, influence your daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 7
The vision of beasts with multiple heads and horns, representing kingdoms and rulers opposed to God.

Revelation 13
Describes a beast with similar characteristics, emphasizing the continuity of opposition to God throughout history.

Jeremiah 51
Babylon as a symbol of a corrupt and oppressive power, paralleling the woman on the beast.

Ezekiel 16
The imagery of a woman representing unfaithfulness and idolatry, similar to the woman in Revelation 17.