Revelation 17:9

Authorized King James Version

And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὧδε
G5602
And here
in this same spot, i.e., here or hither
#2
ἡ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
νοῦς
G3563
is the mind
the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning
#4
ἡ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἔχων
G2192
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#6
σοφίαν
G4678
wisdom
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
#7
ἡ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἑπτὰ
G2033
The seven
seven
#9
κεφαλαὶ
G2776
heads
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
#10
ὄρη
G3735
mountains
a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)
#11
εἰσίν
G1526
are
they are
#12
ἑπτὰ
G2033
The seven
seven
#13
ὅπου
G3699
what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot
#14
ἡ
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
γυνὴ
G1135
the woman
a woman; specially, a wife
#16
κάθηται
G2521
sitteth
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
#17
ἐπ'
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#18
αὐτῶν
G846
which
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

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of wisdom 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 wisdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection