Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Revelation 17:3. It’s a really rich and symbolic description of a coming period of great upheaval and judgment. Here's a simple explanation: What it means in plain language: “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.” Let’s unpack each part: "So he carried me away in the spirit..." – This is a metaphorical way of saying that God is taking us through a difficult time. It's not about a literal journey; it represents a spiritual transformation or a period of intense change. Think of it like being swept up into something bigger than ourselves. "...into the wilderness." - The “wilderness” symbolizes a time of testing, difficulty, and perhaps even isolation. It’s a place where we're stripped bare and challenged to grow. "And I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast..." – This is the key image. The "beast" is often interpreted as representing Satan or evil. It's described as being “scarlet coloured,” which suggests it’s vibrant and alluring, but also potentially dangerous and deceptive. The fact that she’s sitting on it means she’s in control of this period of upheaval. "...full of names of blasphemy..." – This is the core of the message. She's speaking out against God, challenging his authority, and spreading false teachings. This signifies a rebellion against divine truth and goodness. "Having seven heads and ten horns..." - This refers to the spiritual forces or leaders of evil that will come into prominence during this time. “Seven heads” represents different influences, and “ten horns” symbolizes the myriad ways evil tries to take over the world. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: This passage speaks about a time when evil will be unleashed upon the earth. God is bringing about a period of great conflict and judgment. It’s not about a single event; it's about a long-term trend of spiritual battle. Why is this important? Revelation 17:3 is often seen as a warning. It suggests that evil will persist, but God’s plan is to ultimately triumph over it with the coming of Christ. It encourages us to be vigilant and resist temptation and false teachings. Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific theme in the Bible (like judgment or hope)?