Definition: And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 17:7. It's a really important passage with a lot of symbolism! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: Essentially, it’s talking about a significant shift happening in the world – and it’s about a new kind of leader. Here’s what it means, broken down piece by piece: “And the angel said unto me…” : This sets up a conversation between an angel (a messenger) and someone who's asking questions. It suggests this is a significant message being revealed. “…Wherefore didst thou marvel?” : The angel is asking you to pause and consider something – perhaps you’re confused or intrigued by the message. “I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.” This is the core of the verse. Let's unpack this: "The woman": This refers to a person – specifically, a woman who represents the Church . Think of it as a symbol of believers throughout history. “The beast that carrieth her” : This is a powerful image. The "beast" isn't necessarily a literal beast – it’s a metaphor for a system or power that will rise up and dominate the world. It represents a leader or system that will spread influence and control. “Seven heads…” : This refers to seven different groups or leaders within this system. “Ten horns”…: These are symbolic of God’s kingdom, and it's about ten powerful figures who will reign over the earth. So, what does all this mean? The verse is saying that a new kind of power is coming to the world – a system that will be led by seven groups, each representing a different aspect of society (like finance, law, or war). And these seven groups are controlled by a single, powerful leader – the beast. Important Note: It’s often interpreted as a symbolic representation of the rise of Satan and his influence on humanity. The "beast" represents evil and temptation. In short, Revelation 17:7 is describing a period of great upheaval and the emergence of a powerful system that will challenge God's authority. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to specific biblical stories or themes? Discuss its relevance to modern times?