Revelation 17:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελος,
the angel
G32
ἄγγελος,
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
5 of 29
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
ἐρῶ
will tell
G2046
ἐρῶ
will tell
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
10 of 29
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μυστήριον
the mystery
G3466
μυστήριον
the mystery
Strong's:
G3466
Word #:
12 of 29
a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βαστάζοντος
that carrieth
G941
βαστάζοντος
that carrieth
Strong's:
G941
Word #:
19 of 29
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)
αὐτήν,
her
G846
αὐτήν,
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 29
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
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχοντος
hath
G2192
ἔχοντος
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
22 of 29
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὰ
which
G3588
τὰ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κεφαλὰς
heads
G2776
κεφαλὰς
heads
Strong's:
G2776
Word #:
25 of 29
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Mystery religions pervaded the Roman world, claiming secret knowledge available only to initiates. John's use of 'mystery' reclaims this term for divine revelation—true understanding comes through God's disclosure, not human initiation rites. The symbolism would resonate with readers familiar with Rome's religious-political fusion and imperial cult.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing that divine mysteries require God's interpretation humble your approach to difficult biblical passages?
- What does the angel's offer to explain symbolism teach about Scripture's perspicuity—clarity for those whom God enlightens?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The angel's promise to explain the mystery of the woman and beast indicates that apocalyptic symbols require divine interpretation. Human wisdom cannot decode these visions; God must reveal their meaning. The 'mystery' (Greek 'mystērion') refers not to incomprehensibility but to truth hidden until divinely disclosed. Reformed theology emphasizes that Scripture interprets Scripture—the angel will explain symbols using biblical imagery. The beast carrying the harlot represents political power supporting false religion, while the woman represents apostate religious systems. Understanding requires spiritual discernment, not mere intellectual analysis.