Revelation 17:7-13
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
7 The angel said to me, “Why are you amazed? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, the beast with the seven heads and the ten horns. 8 [a](A)The beast that you saw existed once but now exists no longer. It will come up from the abyss and is headed for destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world shall be amazed when they see the beast, because it existed once but exists no longer, and yet it will come again. 9 Here is a clue[b] for one who has wisdom. The seven heads represent seven hills upon which the woman sits. They also represent seven kings:(B) 10 five have already fallen, one still lives, and the last has not yet come,[c] and when he comes he must remain only a short while. 11 The beast[d] that existed once but exists no longer is an eighth king, but really belongs to the seven and is headed for destruction. 12 The ten horns that you saw represent ten kings who have not yet been crowned;[e] they will receive royal authority along with the beast for one hour.(C) 13 They are of one mind and will give their power and authority to the beast.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 17:8 Allusion to the belief that the dead Nero would return to power (Rev 17:11); see note on Rev 13:3.
- 17:9 Here is a clue: literally, “Here a mind that has wisdom.” Seven hills: of Rome.
- 17:10 There is little agreement as to the identity of the Roman emperors alluded to here. The number seven (Rev 17:9) suggests that all the emperors are meant; see note on Rev 1:4.
- 17:11 The beast: Nero; see note on Rev 17:8.
- 17:12–13 Ten kings who have not yet been crowned: perhaps Parthian satraps who are to accompany the revived Nero (the beast) in his march on Rome to regain power; see note on Rev 13:3. In Rev 19:11–21, the Lamb and his companions will conquer them.
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