Revelation 17:7 net — But the angel said to me,“Why are you astounded? I will interpret for you the mystery of the woman and of the beast wit…

NET Bible

"But the angel said to me,“Why are you astounded? I will interpret for you the mystery of the woman and of the beast with the seven heads and ten horns that carries her."

— Revelation 17:7, NET Bible

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Revelation 17:7 in Other Translations

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Revelation 17 — Context

4

Now the woman was dressed in purple and scarlet clothing, and adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup filled with detestable things and unclean things from her sexual immorality.

5

On her forehead was written a name, a mystery:“Babylon the Great, the Mother of prostitutes and of the detestable things of the earth.”

6

I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and the blood of those who testified to Jesus. I was greatly astounded when I saw her.

7

But the angel said to me,“Why are you astounded? I will interpret for you the mystery of the woman and of the beast with the seven heads and ten horns that carries her.

8

The beast you saw was, and is not, but is about to come up from the abyss and then go to destruction. The inhabitants of the earth– all those whose names have not been written in the book of life since the foundation of the world– will be astounded when they see that the beast was, and is not, but is to come.

9

(This requires a mind that has wisdom.) The seven heads are seven mountains the woman sits on. They are also seven kings:

10

five have fallen; one is, and the other has not yet come, but whenever he does come, he must remain for only a brief time.

Revelation 17:7 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Revelation 17:7 say?
Revelation 17:7 in the NET Bible reads: “But the angel said to me,“Why are you astounded? I will interpret for you the mystery of the woman and of the beast with the seven heads and ten horns that carries her.”
Where is Revelation 17:7 in the Bible?
Revelation 17:7 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Revelation, chapter 17, verse 7.
Who wrote Revelation?
Revelation is traditionally attributed to John (traditionally John the Apostle, exiled on Patmos). It was written c. AD 95.
What is the book of Revelation about?
Revelation is the unveiling of Jesus Christ — risen, reigning, returning. Through vivid, symbolic visions it shows the church's suffering, Christ's victory, the judgment of evil, and the new heavens and new earth where God dwells with his people forever. The Bible's grand finale.
What are the major themes of Revelation?
Revelation explores themes including Christ Victorious, Judgment, Worship, Endurance, New Creation. These themes shape the meaning and context of Revelation 17:7.
What translation should I read Revelation 17:7 in?
Revelation 17:7 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Revelation 17:7?
Revelation 17:7 reads (NET): “But the angel said to me,“Why are you astounded? I will interpret for you the mystery of the woman and of the beast with the seven heads and ten horns that carries her.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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