Revelation
17:7-18The Unveiling of the Beast
American Journal of Biblical Theology
Copyright © 2008, J.W. Carter Scripture quotes from KJV
Revelation
17:7-18American Journal of Biblical Theology
Then the angel said to me: "Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns.
The remaining verses in chapter 17 describe an extended interpretation of the vision of the first six verses, an explanation that is consistent with the method and content of Zechariah 1:8, Revelation 7:9, the dragon of Revelation 12:3, the beast of Revelation 12 and 13, and other metaphoric descriptions of the beast. As we approach this interpretation it may be instructive to be reminded of the context and understanding of the woman and the beast from the scriptures that lead up to this point. These scriptures reveal that the beast represents satan himself, and the woman represents the sin of idolatry that satan uses to draw people to their destruction. The imagery that John uses is an adaptation of the seven-headed chaos monster, a character common to ancient pagan tradition and literature. With this framework of understanding, it is easier to follow the continuing metaphors that John uses.