Definition: And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Revelation 17:16. It's a pretty intense image, but it speaks to a fundamental shift in the spiritual landscape of the world. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a major and dramatic shift in power and dominance. It’s saying that the things that are currently ruling and controlling the world – the things we often think of as "evil" or “power” – will be defeated and destroyed. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The ten horns…” : This refers to a system of leadership, typically organized religious institutions (like churches or denominations). These “horns” represent the authority and influence these groups wield. “…which thou sawest upon the beast…” : The "beast" is often interpreted as representing worldly power and the systems that have been in place for a long time – political leaders, powerful corporations, etc. The “horns” are specifically focused on this system of leadership. “These shall hate the whore…” : This is the key part. "Whore" is a really important word here. It means something that is unclean , immoral , and rebellious against God’s standards. A “whore” is someone who offers false promises, lies, and doesn't live according to God’s law. “…and shall make her desolate and naked…” : This describes the consequence of this hatred. The "whore" – the system of leadership – will be utterly destroyed. It’ll be filled with chaos, despair, and a lack of order. It will be desolate , meaning it's empty and lacking purpose, and naked - literally without any covering or protection, signifying vulnerability and exposure to God’s judgment. “…and shall eat her flesh…” : This is a very powerful image. It means the system of leadership will be consumed by its own wickedness and corruption. It won't just be damaged; it will be destroyed – literally taken apart. “…and burn her with fire.” : Finally, this signifies the complete destruction of the system. The evil will be eradicated through divine judgment and punishment. It's not just about suffering; it’s about being utterly and completely defeated. In a Nutshell: The verse describes a period of spiritual rebellion and chaos where those who currently hold power (represented by the "horns") are overcome by a force of righteous opposition, leading to their destruction through punishment and utter devastation. Important Note: This is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of the eventual triumph of God’s kingdom over evil in the end. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and should be considered one possible understanding of this passage. Would you like me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery (like the “beast” or "whore")? Connect it to other Bible verses about judgment or spiritual warfare?