New Testament
Revelation 17:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then the angel carried me away in the spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names. The beast had seven heads and ten horns.
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So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
What Revelation 17:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the apostle John describes a vision he received from an angel. He is taken in the spirit to a desolate place, referred to as a wilderness. There, he sees a woman riding a scarlet beast. This beast is significant, as it is adorned with names that show contempt for God, indicating its evil nature. The beast has seven heads and ten horns, which symbolize power and authority. The imagery of the woman and the beast represents a corrupt alliance between false religion and political power, highlighting the dangers of idolatry and moral decay. The wilderness setting suggests a place of desolation and spiritual barrenness, contrasting with the life-giving presence of God. This vision serves as a warning about the seductive nature of false teachings and the consequences of turning away from true faith.
How to apply Revelation 17:3 to your life
This verse encourages believers to be vigilant against false teachings and corrupt influences in their lives. It reminds us to seek true faith and discernment, avoiding the allure of worldly power and idolatry that can lead us away from God.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 17:3 mean?
Revelation 17:3 describes a vision where John sees a woman riding a scarlet beast, symbolizing a corrupt alliance between false religion and political power. The beast, with its seven heads and ten horns, represents authority and evil, while the wilderness setting indicates spiritual desolation.
What is the significance of the scarlet beast in Revelation 17:3?
The scarlet beast in Revelation 17:3 symbolizes a powerful and corrupt system that opposes God. Its blasphemous names reflect its contempt for divine authority, and the seven heads and ten horns signify its extensive power and influence.
What does the woman represent in Revelation 17:3?
In Revelation 17:3, the woman represents false religion or corrupt practices that seduce people away from true faith. Her alliance with the scarlet beast illustrates the dangers of idolatry and moral decay in society.
Why is the setting a wilderness in Revelation 17:3?
The wilderness setting in Revelation 17:3 symbolizes desolation and spiritual barrenness. It contrasts with the life-giving presence of God, highlighting the emptiness of false teachings and corrupt influences.
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