Revelation 17:3

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπήνεγκέν

G667

away

to bear off (literally or relatively)

με

G3165

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἔρημον

G2048

the wilderness

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πνεύματι

G4151

the spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

καὶ

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶδον

G1492

I saw

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#10

γυναῖκα

G1135

a woman

a woman; specially, a wife

#11

καθημένην

G2521

sit

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

#12

ἐπὶ

G1909

upon

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#13

θηρίον

G2342

beast

a dangerous animal

#14

κόκκινον

G2847

a scarlet coloured

crimson-colored

#15

γέμον

G1073

full of

to swell out, i.e., be full

#16

ὀνομάτων

G3686

names

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

#17

βλασφημίας

G988

of blasphemy

vilification (especially against god)

#18

ἔχον

G2192

having

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

#19

κεφαλὰς

G2776

heads

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

#20

ἑπτὰ

G2033

seven

#21

καὶ

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

κέρατα

G2768

horns

a horn (literally or figuratively)

#23

δέκα

G1176

ten

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?