Revelation 17:7

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

εἶπέν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

μοι

G3427

unto me

to me

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγγελος,

G32

the angel

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Διὰτί

G1302

Wherefore

through what cause ?, i.e., why?

ἐθαύμασας;

G2296

didst thou marvel

to wonder; by implication, to admire

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

σοι

G4671

thee

to thee

#10

ἐρῶ

G2046

will tell

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

#11

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

μυστήριον

G3466

the mystery

a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)

#13

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

γυναικός,

G1135

of the woman

a woman; specially, a wife

#15

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#16

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

θηρίου

G2342

of the beast

a dangerous animal

#18

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

βαστάζοντος

G941

that carrieth

to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)

#20

αὐτήν,

G846

her

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#21

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

ἔχοντος

G2192

hath

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

#23

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

ἑπτὰ

G2033

the seven

seven

#25

κεφαλὰς

G2776

heads

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

#26

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#27

τὰ

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#28

δέκα

G1176

ten

#29

κέρατα.

G2768

horns

a horn (literally or figuratively)

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 literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
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?