Rev 17:3. So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
What does the word “wilderness” mean in the Bible?
Rev 12:6. Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there 1,260 days. (This is the beginnings of the Protestant church in the Piedmont valleys and the Waldenses in the mountainous regions of Italy and France. The 1,260 day period is the 1,260 year prophecy from A.D. 538 to 1798 the time of Middle Dark Ages of papal rule where she persecuted her own members in the Roman Catholic Church. Over 50 million were burnt at the stake including children. Many escaped to England, Holland and North America).
Rev 12:14. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. (This again is the beginnings of the protestant church, the Huguenots in France, the Waldenses in Italy. Many of them escaped to England, Holland and North America).
Acts 7:37.38. This is what Moses said to the children of Israel, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren, him shall you hear.” This is he who was in the congregation/church in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us. (This is referring to Israel and their wanderings in the desert around the Sinai region for 40 years).
Acts 13:18. Now for a time of about forty years he put up with their ways in the wilderness. (This is referring to the 40 years Israelite wanderings in the desert).
1 Corintians 10:1-10. Moreover brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea. All were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. All ate the same spiritual food. All drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
Why? Because they in verse 6. Lusted after evil. Verse 7. Became idolaters. Verse 8. Committed sexual immorality. Verse 9. Tempted Christ. Verse 10. Complained.
Heb 3:8. Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness. Verse 9. Where your fathers tested me, tried me, and saw my works forty years verse 11. So I swore in my wrath, “They shall not enter my rest.”
Hebrews 3:16.17. Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? Now with whom was he angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? Verse 18. And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who did not obey? Verse 19. So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Conclusion
Wilderness is related to the two of the following:
First, in the book of Revelation wilderness is related to the church of true believers who protested against the papacy during the 1,260 years of the dark Middle Ages from 538 to 1798 A.D. The protestant church departed into the wilderness meaning they departed to North America, England, Holland, the mountains of Italy and France, to countries where one had neutral religious laws enforced in the land.
Secondly, the church in the wilderness is related to the Israelite believers who wandered 40 years in the desert after coming out of Egypt. However, the majority did not survive coming out of the wilderness because of their lusting after evilness, idolatry, sexual immorality, tempting Christ, complaining, hardening their hearts, unbelief and they did not obey God.
What does the word “sit” mean in symbolic language?
We shall do a short word study on the word “sit” from the book of Revelation to find the answer.
In the Greek the word for “sit” is kathaymai.
Rev 4:2-4. Immediately I was in the Spirit: and behold, a thrown set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he who sat there was like a jasper and a sardis stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Around the throne were 24 thrones, and on the thrones I saw 24 elders sitting, clothed in white robes and they had crowns of gold on their heads.
(He who sat on the throne is Christ, the Almighty God. He is the creator and the spiritual and political ruler of the universe. The 24 elders sitting on 24 thrones represent all those who were saved during earth´s history e.g. Matthew 27:51-53. Many of these elders were prophets who were resurrected, at the time of Christ´s crucifixion. Sitting is helping God to rule the universe. It involves worship and obeisance as in verse 10, the 24 elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever).
Rev 5:13. And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: Blessing and honor and glory and power be to him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and forever! (Sitting involves worship and acknowledgement that God is the head of the church and creator of the universe).
Rev 6:2. And I looked and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (Sitting on a white horse involves the work of preaching the gospel message to the whole world).
Rev 6:4. Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. (Sitting on this horse represents the power to take peace from the earth and force people to kill one another).
Rev 6:5. So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. (Sitting on this horse represents the power to administer judgment).
Rev 6:8. So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death – – -. (Sitting in this text represents the power over a fourth of the earth to kill with sword and hunger).
Rev 6:15.16. Rich men of the earth, kings, great men, commanders, mighty men, every slave and free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains and said to the mountains and rocks, “fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne- – -. (It is Christ who sits on this throne and he comes to administer judgment over the rich and mighty unbelievers on this earth at the Second Coming).
Rev 7:10. Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb. (Christ who sits on this throne has the power to save people on the earth).
Rev 9:17. And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow – – -. (Sitting on these horses are related to killing a third of mankind).
Rev 14:14. Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat one like the Son of Man. Having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. (This is Christ sitting on the cloud with a crown of victory and a sickle to harvest the earth of people – to separate the tares from the wheat).
Rev 17:1. (During the 7 last plagues). Come I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
(The harlot is the worldwide Protestant church sitting on many waters, which is a symbol of many peoples and nations plus kings. The harlot has the power to make these drunk with the wine of her false teachings).
Rev 17:3. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (We shall do a study on the scarlet beast later on, but this woman sitting on a scarlet beast symbolizes that she has the religious power to dictate her teachings with the scarlet beast, the seven heads and the ten horns).
Rev 17:9. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. Verse 10. They are also seven kings. (Mountains are a symbol of kingdoms and heads are a symbol of religious heads of Christian denominations).
Rev 17:15. The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues.
Rev 18:7. (Babylon). I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.
Rev 19:11. Now I saw heaven opened and behold, a white horse. And he who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. (This rider is Christ who is sitting on a white horse and has the power to judge and make war against the nations upon the earth called Armageddon).
Rev 19:17.18. (The beast and the false prophet are the “flesh” subject of this verse). Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and salve, both small and great.
Rev 19:19. And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the horse and against his army. (This is Armageddon where the armies of the earth make war against Christ sitting on a horse who has power to destroy them).
Rev 19:21. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of him who sat on the horse. (Christ who sat on the horse destroys the rest of unbelievers on earth with his mouth – He just speaks and people are destroyed).
Rev 20:11. Then I saw a great white thrown and him who sat on it, verse 12, judged the dead from books and the book of life. (This is Christ who has the authority to judge the dead who have refused to believe in God as their savior).
Rev 21:5. Then he who sat on the thrown said, “Behold, I make all things new,” (referring to a new heaven and a new earth in Rev 21:1. God has the power to create).
Conclusion
The word “sitting” is related to the following: Worship and obeisance. Helping God to judge. Worship and Christ is God. Christ is head of the church. Preaching the gospel. Conquering. Take peace from the world. People shall kill one another if they reject the gospel. Judgement. Hunger and death. Salvation. Killing. Harvest at the end of the world. Harlot sitting on many waters e.g. nations, peoples, and kings. The word is also related to making kings drunk with the harlot’s false teachings. The woman sitting on a scarlet beast. The worldwide Christian fallen church sitting on Satan and false teachings influenced by the seven heads and ten horns. Names of blasphemy. Harlot sits as a queen. Christ judges and makes war. Kings. Captains and mighty men who sit on horses and have the power to judge and kill. War and killing, judgement and punishment and creator God.
When the harlot, who represents the world wide fallen Christian churches, sits on the beast and many waters, she is symbolizing that she has the power over nations and can enforce her false teachings on them, which are not from the Bible, on the pain of death, war and persecutions. This prophecy is yet in the future.
“And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”
What does the scarlet beast mean here in this text, when we have a few beasts in the book of Revelation?
Rev 17:7. But the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has seven heads and the ten horns.
Rev 17:8. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was and is not, and yet is.”
Rev 9:1. Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. Luk 10:18. And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven.”
Rev 9:2. And he opened the bottomless pit and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit.
Rev 9:11. And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon. (In the Hebrew Abaddon means ruin or destruction. In the Greek Apollyon means destroyer).
Rev 11:7. When they finish their testimony the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them and kill them. (The context is during the French Revolution AD 1798. The Bible, the Old Testament and the New Testament were destroyed along with Christian martyrs. The beast is Satan working through the revolutionaries in France).
Rev 17:8. The beast that you saw, was and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition – – -.
Rev 20:1. Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. Verse 2. He laid hold of the dragon that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. Verse 3. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. (Was: Satan before the 1,000 years. Is not: Satan during the 1,000 years. And is: Satan after the 1,000 years).
Rev 17:8. The beast (Satan) you saw was (before the 1,000 years) and is not, (during the 1,000 years on desolate earth), and will ascend out of the bottomless pit (Satan after the 1,000 years).
The beast in Rev 13:1 and the beast in Rev 17:3.8. are related with one another because both have seven heads, ten horns and names of blasphemy.
Rev 17:11. The beast (Satan) that was and is not is himself also the eighth, and is of the seventh, and is going to perdition.
Rev 17:3. I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads. (Satan is this beast because a solution is proposed in verses 7 and 8, about, “this was,” and “is not” and “will ascend out of the bottomless pit”).
Rev 13:1.2. This beast is related to the beast in Rev 17:3 because it has seven heads, ten horns, and on his heads blasphemous names. The dragon gave this beast power, his thrown and great authority.
Conclusion
The scarlet beast represents Satan. Satan comes out of the bottomless pit. Satan worked through the papacy and the leaders of the French revolution to destroy the Bible and all true Christians in France. Satan is bound for 1,000 years on this earth after Christs´ second coming. The beast in Rev 13:3.8. and the Dragon in Rev 12:3., are related to one another through the seven heads and the ten horns. Satan himself is the beast in Rev 17:3.8. Satan is related to the beast in Rev 13:1. and the beast in Rev 13:11. Satan is the Dragon in Rev 12:3.9.
What does a beast mean in prophecy?
Dan 1-3. In the first year of Balshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bead. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts. Daniel spoke, saying, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beast came up from the sea, each different from the other.”
Who are these four beasts?
Dan 7:17. Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which arise out of the earth. (Actually the four kings are four kingdoms as expressed in Dan 7:23. The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms.)
These four kingdoms are in parallel to the four kingdoms in the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar saw in Dan 2:32-34. The image´s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.
Dan 2:36-44. This is the dream. Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king. “You O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you kingdom, power, strength, and glory; and wherever the children of men dwell or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, he has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all – you are this head of gold. But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. And a fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything, and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. Whereas as you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter´s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. Verse 44. And in those days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand forever.”
In this text we have found that King Nebuchadnezzar of the kingdom of Babylon represents the head of gold. The kingdom of Babylonian Empire reigned from 605 B.C. to 539 B.C. The next kingdom to follow which was inferior to Babylon was Medio-Persia Empire. This kingdom is symbolized in the breast of silver on the statue. They reigned from 539 B.C. to 331 B.C. The third kingdom of bronze on the statue became the Grecian Empire with Alexander the Great leading out with his military victories all over the then known world. The Grecian kingdom reigned from 331 B.C. to 168 B.C. The fourth kingdom to follow on the statue was the legs made of iron. This kingdom symbolized the Roman Empire reigning from 168 B.C. to AD 476. The last kingdom on earth is the divided nations of Europe and all over the earth symbolized with iron and clay on the statute. Then God will set up a kingdom which will destroy all these political and military kingdoms on earth. Gods’ kingdom will last for ever.
O.K! Now we have got this far, we have to make a parallel of these kingdoms through the time of history, with the statue in Dan 2: and with the four beast in Dan 7:
Babylonian empire 605 B.C. to 539 B.C. is the head of gold on the statue and is parallel to the lion with eagle’s wings in Dan 7:4.
Medo-Persian empire 539 B.C. to 331 B.C. is the chest and arms of silver on the statue and is parallel to the bear raised up on one side in Dan 7:5.
Grecian empire 331 B.C. to 168 B.C. is the thighs of bronze on the statue and is parallel to the leopard with four heads and four wings in Dan 7:6.
Roman empire 168 B.C. to AD 476 is the legs of iron on the statue and is parallel to the fourth terrible beast with ten horns in Dan 7:7.
Conclusion
All these beasts represent world empires who have had dominion over the then known world´s politics, economy, finances, military and religion. This what makes the beast different from the heads and horns of a beast. They are super empires having control over all the then known world, whereas a head has only political and religious influence. The horn has only political and military influence over the land which they govern. One cannot say that the beast is the same as the horn or the head as some theologians imply. One has to be very consistent when applying symbols in prophetic interpretation of the Bible and not to change these symbols around to suit ones own theoretical application.
What does the word “blasphemy” mean in the Bible?
In the Greek the word blasphemy is “blasphamia.” In the Hebrew the word is “naqab” or “naats” meaning to pierce.
SDA Bible Dictionary[1]. A term generally denoting abusive or defamatory language with respect to God or man.
Oxford Dictionary[2]. Talk impiously, utter profanity, revile.
Webster’s Dictionary[3]. To speak impiously of God and things regarded sacred. Contemptuous or irreverent speech about God or sacred things.
Lev 24:11. And the Israelite woman´s son (father was an Egyptian) blasphemed the name of the Lord and cursed; verse 16. (The Lord spoke to Moses) And whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death.
Matthew9:3. The scribes said within themselves, “This man blasphemes.” (Context is where Jesus heals a paralytic in verse 2 and says to the paralytic, “Son be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you.” Verse 6 The Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins.) Why is Jesus criticized for being a blasphemer? Because in Mark 2:7 it says “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” What Jesus is saying here in the text that he is God and has the prerogative to forgive sins just like God.
Mark 3:28.29. I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of man, and whatever blasphemes they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation. (This blasphemy is continual sin against the Holy Spirit).
Luke 12:10. And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. (The context is about confessing Jesus Christ before men and angels in verses 8.9.)
John 10:36. You are blaspheming because I (Jesus) said, “I am the Son of God?”
Acts 13:44.45. On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. (The context is Acts 13:13.41. where Paul preached Christ at the synagogue at Antioch in Pesidia. In verse 38. Paul preached the forgiveness of sins through Christ alone and justification).
Acts 18:6. When they (the Jews in Corinth) opposed him and blasphemed, he (Paul) shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles). (This is after Paul preached about Jesus Christ to the Jews on a Sabbath in their synagogue. The Jews refused Christ and the testimony of Paul).
Romans 2:24. For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you. (“You” are the Jews living in Rome). Context: Rom 2:17-24. Paul is talking about the Jews keeping the law of God: The Ten Commandments. He says they boast of keeping the law but practice otherwise like they steal. Verse 21. Commit adultery. Verse 22. You abhor idols, yet you rob temples. Verse 23. You make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?
1 Timothy 1:20. Of whom are Hymenaus and Alexander, who I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. (Context: verse 19. Having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck).
1 Timothy 6:1. Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and his doctrine may not be blasphemed. (Blaspheme is related to honor the masters for the sake of preserving Gods doctrine).
Titus 2:4.5. Admonish the young to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
James 2:7. Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called. Verse 6. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts. (Noble name is Jesus Christ).
Rev 13:6. (Beast from the sea and a wounded head). Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, his tabernacle. And those who dwell in heaven. Verse 5. (Related to blasphemies and authority to continue for 42 months=1260 prophetical years. The papacy had substituted the sanctuary in heaven with the forgiveness of sins from Christ, to forgiveness from the pope and priests in their church).
Rev 16:9. And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God of who has power over these plagues, and they did not repent and give him glory. (Related to the seven last plagues delivered to all unbelievers on earth). Verse 11. They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores and did not repent of their deeds. Verse 21. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of hail – – -.
2 Samuel 12:14. (Natan visits King David about the sin against Batseba). However because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme – – -. (Blaspheme is related to Gods enemies having an excuse to sin because of David’s sin).
Psalm 74:10. O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme your name forever? (Context: verse 3. The enemy has damaged everything in the sanctuary. Verse 4. The enemies roar in the midst of your meeting place. Verse 7. They have set fire to your sanctuary. They have defiled the dwelling place of your name to the ground. Verse 8. They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land).
Isaiah 52:3. And my name is blasphemed continually every day. (Context: Verse 4. My people went down at first into Egypt to dwell there. Then the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. Verse 5. Now therefore, what have I here, says the Lord, that my people are taken away for nothing. Those who rule over them make wail, says the Lord. (Context: The Assyrians and Babylonians have taken Gods people away. The Israelites cannot represent God anymore as a nation. This is related to blaspheme).
Acts 19:37. (The city clerk in Ephesus is trying to quiet the multitude after Demetrius the maker of images to the goddess Diana accuses Paul of preaching against their false goddess). Verse 37. For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of the temples nor blasphemers of your goddess.
1 Timothy 1:13. (Paul´s witness). Although I was formerly a blasphemer and persecutor and an insolent man, but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in belief. (Paul blasphemed Jesus Christ when he persecuted Christ´s followers).
2 Timothy 3:2. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. (Blasphemy is related to these words from verse 3 to 5 lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Having a form of godliness but denying its power).
Acts 6:11-14. (Stephen was accused of blasphemy by the synagogue of Freedmen). Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” Verse 13. This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. Verse 14. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us. (This holy place refers to the temple in Jerusalem).
Luke 22:65. And many other things they blasphemously spoke against him. (Jesus was mocked and beaten by the Sanhedrin mob).
2 Kings 19:3. Hezikiah says, “This day is a day of trouble and rebuke and blasphemy. (Context: The king of Assyria Sennacherib made threats to the people of Jerusalem through his servant Rabshakeh. Fx: Verse 25. The Lord said to me, “Go up against this land, and destroy it.” Which is a total lie. Verse 30. Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord saying, “The Lord will surely deliver us; this city shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria).
Matthew 12:31. Therefore, I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. (Context: Sin is related to blasphemy. This is not one sin, but a continual refusal to accept the calling from the Holy Spirit to repent).
Matthew 15:19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, false witness, blasphemies. (Context: These words are related to one another).
Matthew 26:65. Then the High Priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy!” (Context: Verse 63. The High Priest asked Jesus under oath, “Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Verse 64. Jesus said to him, “It is as you said, nevertheless, I say to you, her after you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” What Jesus is saying here is that he is God and the Messiah. This was blasphemy in the High Priests ears).
Mark 2:4-7. (Jesus forgives and heals a paralytic). The scribes said in their hearts verse 7. “Why does this man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Context: It is blasphemy in the scribes thinking to forgive a paralytic of his sins when this prerogative belongs to God alone).
Mark 7:22. Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. (Context: These words are all related to one another and they are all sin).
John 10:33. The Jews answered him saying, “For a good work we do not stone you, but for blasphemy, and because you, being man, make yourself God.”
Colossians 3:8. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
Rev 2:9. I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Rev 13:1. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads blasphemous names.
Rev 13:5. (The head, which was mortally wounded, was healed). And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for 42 months. (42 times 30 prophetic days = 1260 day/years in prophecy. Fx. AD 538-1798, The Dark Middle Ages. This is when the papacy and priests said they have the authority from the apostolic succession to forgive members of their sins (which are from false papers). The infallibility of the pope who says “We (the pope) hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty.”[4]
Rev 13,6. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, his tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.
Rev 17:3. So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Conclusion
The word blaspheme is related to the following: Speak impiously of God. Against the Holy Spirit. Curse the name of God. Power to forgive sins. Breaking the law. Rejecting faith and a good conscience. Honor a slaves master and Gods doctrine of godliness. Word of God. Denying the name of Jesus Christ. Claiming to be the Son of God. Substituting the tabernacle of God and those who dwell in heaven. The beast from the sea who ruled for 1,260 years during the Middle Ages. Opposing the Bible, the gospel and God. Jews say they keep the commandments of God put practice the opposite in their lives. Rejecting faith and a good conscience. Christians say they are believers but practice otherwise in their lives. Negative words against Moses and God. Sin is related to blasphemy. Persecuting Christ and his followers. Words and a form of godliness but denying its power. Contradicting Gods words. Denying Christ. Refusing to keep the law of God. Refusing to keep the Ten Commandments. Excuse not to believe in God. Lies in God’s name. Making oneself God. False Christian believers. The power to forgive sins is belongs to God only. Say they are believers but are not.
Rev 17:3 I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
What do heads mean in the prophetic writings of the Bible?
Rev 17:9. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.
Rev 17:10. These (seven heads) are also seven kings.
Rev 17:11 The beast (Satan) is himself also the eighth and of the seven head.
Rev 13:1. The seven heads coming out of the sea beast are similar in power and authority to the seven heads on scarlet beast which is Satan in Rev 17:3.
Dan 7:6. And after this I looked, and there was another like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads and dominion was given to it. (The leopard beast is a symbol of the Grecian empire 331-168 B.C. and the four heads represent the four generals who took over from Alexander the Great. These kingdoms although they were military powers, also had a Hellenistic mythological influence on the world.).
Dan 7:19.20. Then I wished to know the truth of the fourth beast, verse 20. And the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows. (The fourth beast represents the Roman Empire. The ten horns represent the political kingdoms of Europe springing from the head of the Roman Empire. Horns grow from the head. Head comes before horns in the text and is the center of intelligence and spiritual matters, whereas the horns signify political and military strength).
Rev 4:4. Around the throne were 24 thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes and they had crowns of gold on their heads. (These are the spiritual advisors and representatives redeemed from the earth. Matthew 27:51-53).
Rev 9:7. The shape of the locusts were like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like faces of men. (This verse implies military cavalry with crowns of “Stefenoi” a symbol of victory).
Rev 9:17. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions.
Rev 9:19.20. For their tails are like serpents having heads; and with them they do harm. But the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues did not repent of the works of their hands –.
Rev 12:1. A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. (Twelve stars are twelve angels of the twelve churches, which are scattered abroad. Rev 1:20. James 1:1. ).
Rev 12:3. Behold a great fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads.
The fiery red dragon represents Satan in Rev 12:9 and he has authority over the political powers in Europe and on the earth. Satan has also authority over the seven spiritual heads of the worldwide church. The figure “seven” denotes completeness and seven entities in the book of Revelation. The seven heads represent the heads of all the fallen churches worldwide. It so happens that there is a list of the seven largest churches worldwide. When looking on the internet under Google type, “List of Christian denominations by number of members,” and then look under Wikipedia; there is a list of the seven largest churches in the world: or www.Kids.kiddle.co/list_of_christian_denominations_by_number_of_members
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Church of the east, 0.6 million.
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Restoration and Non-Trinitarianism, 42-48 million.
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Anglicanism, 85 million.
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Oriental Orthodoxy, 86 million.
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Eastern Orthodoxy, 225-300 million.
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Protestantism, 800 million.
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Roman Catholicism, 1.2 Billion.
Heads of these fallen churches can mean one person or a group, who are the leaders of these churches.
Rev 13:3. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. (The beast here is the Roman Catholic Church, and one of his heads is the papacy signifying religious and political power).
Rev 14:14. I looked and behold a white cloud, and on the cloud sat one like the Son of Man having on his head a golden crown and in his hand a sharp sickle. (This is Christ having authority to harvest the world of believers).
Rev 17:3. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (The woman is the harlot representing the fallen churches worldwide and the seven heads are the representative heads of these fallen churches worldwide).
Rev 17:9. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. (Mountains are a symbol of political or religious kingdoms i.e. Dan 2:44.45., which these seven heads of the worldwide churches have).
Psalm 18:43. You have made me the head of the nations. A people I have not known shall serve me. (King David was the spiritual and political leader of the Israelite kingdom).
Psalm 27:6. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me. (King David talking about his power over his enemies).
Psalm 60:7. Gilead is mine and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for my head, Judah is my lawgiver. (King David is saying that Ephraim is a helmet, a protection for his power).
Psalm 68:21. But God will wound the head of his enemies. (Leaders and power of his enemies).
Isaiah 7:8. For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. The head of Samaria and the head of Samaria is Remliah´s son. (Head refers to political and spiritual leaders).
Isaiah 59:17. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head. (Head is related to salvation as a means of protection).
Micah 2:13. Their king will pass before them with the Lord at their head. (Spiritual leader).
Micah 3:1. Hear now O heads of Israel and you rulers of the house of Israel. (Spiritual and political rulers of Israel).
Mark 12:10. The stone which the builders rejected, has become the head cornerstone. (This is referring to Christ as the head of all spiritual believers).
Acts 18:6. Your blood be upon your own heads. (Paul speaking to the Jews who rejected his gospel message. They will receive their punishment from the decision they made from their heads).
1 Corinthians 11:3. The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. (This text is referring to spiritual heads).
Ephesians 1:22. And gave him to be head over all things to the church. (Christ is the head of the Church on earth).
Ephesians 4:15. May grow up in all things into him who is the head – Christ. (Context is the body of Christ verse 12, which is the church and Christ is the head).
Ephesians 5:23. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the Church – – -. (Christ is the spiritual head of the Church).
Colossians 1:18. And he is the head of the body, the church. (Spiritual head of the Church).
Colossians 2:10. And you are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Christ is the head of all powers in the heavens and on earth).
Conclusion
The word “head” is related to the following: Seven heads are seven mountains. Seven heads are seven kings/kingdoms. The scarlet beast in Rev 17: (Satan) is the eighth and of the seventh head. The seven heads on the sea beast in Rev 13:1-3, are the same as the seven heads on the scarlet beast in Rev 17: The four heads from the leopard beast in Dan 7: representing the kingdom of Greece have a combined political and a mythological influence. The head is where the intelligence is situated, along with moral and spiritual decisions are determined. Spiritual advisors. Crowns on heads symbolizes military victory. Serpent heads do harm.
The woman in Rev 12: (The pure church) has a garland of twelve stars on her head symbolizing twelve angels of the twelve churches in the diaspora. The dragon in Rev 12: represents Satan who has authority over the seven heads representing the heads of the worldwide fallen church. The mortally wounded head on the sea beast in Rev 13:1-3 represents the papacy as a political and religious power in the Roman Catholic Church. A golden crown on the head of Christ represents the authority to harvest the world of believers. Christ is the head of the church.
The figure “seven” denotes completeness, and seven entities like the seven churches and the seven plagues in the book of Revelation.
The seven heads on the scarlet beast in Rev 17: represents all the fallen Christian churches worldwide. When looking on the internet under Google type, “List of Christian denominations by number of members,” and then look under Wikipedia; there is a list of the seven largest churches in the world: or www.Kids.kiddle.co/list_of_christian_denominations_by_number_of_members
- Church of the east, 0.6 million.
- Restoration and Non-Trinitarianism, 42-48 million.
- Anglicanism, 85 million.
- Oriental Orthodoxy, 86 million.
- Eastern Orthodoxy, 225-300 million.
- Protestantism, 800 million.
- Roman Catholicism, 1.2 Billion.
Heads of these fallen churches can mean one person or a group, who are the leaders of these churches.
The seven heads in Rev 17: are seven mountains representing political and religious kingdoms combined. Fx Dan 2:44.45. King David was the political and spiritual head of the Israelite kingdom. Head signifies power and protection. Head is related to salvation. Spiritual and political rulers. Christ is the head of all spiritual believers. Spiritual decisions. Christ is the head of the pure church on earth. Christ is the head of the body of the church. Christ is the head of all powers in the heavens and on the earth.
Summary of heads
Head in prophecy can mean a king who is the spiritual and political head of a kingdom on earth. Satan has power and authority over the seven heads of the worldwide fallen church. Head is related to the papacy. The seven heads are related to the sea beast in Rev 13: and the scarlet beast in Rev 17. These seven heads representing the fallen church worldwide, are influenced by Satan, and they influence the political nations on earth to make war against Christ at Armageddon. Spiritual heads and advisors. Christ has authority to harvest. Mountains. Head can also mean the head of a church or a church denomination worldwide. Head is related to salvation, power and protection. Christ is the head of every man. Christ is the head of the pure church on earth.
Rev 17:3. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy having seven heads and ten horns.
What do horns in prophecy mean?
Dan 7:7. (The fourth beast). It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. (In prophetic understanding the fourth is represents the Roman empire and the Roman Catholic church combined. The ten horns represents the ten early tribes of Europe: Visigoths, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Franks, Suevi, Alamanni, Anglo Saxons, Heruli, Lombards, Bergundians).
Dan 7:8. I was considering the horns and there was another horn, a little one, coming up from them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words. (Horn is related to a man power who has eyes and speaks pompous words that is the papacy and the three horns are three of the early tribes of Europe which fell: Heruli, Vandals and Ostrogoths).
Dan 7:20. And the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows. (This horn “the papacy,” is related to religious, military and political power which came up after three horns that is three tribes of the ten early tribes of Europe fell).
Dan 7:21. I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints and prevailing against them. (This horn is related to a religious and military power, and the papacy made war against the saints during the Middle Ages).
Dan 7:24. The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; he shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings. (Ten horns are ten kings or ten kingdoms of the early tribes of Europe, and the little horn is different because it is a political and religious power, and is the papacy).
Dan 7;25. He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and he shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hands for a time and times and half a time. (This little horn represents the papacy during the Dark Middle Ages when it persecuted the saints and changed the Sabbath holy day law from Saturday to Sunday).
Dan 8:3. Then I lifted my eyes and saw, and there, standing beside the river, was a ram which had two horns, and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. (The two horns represent the Medo-Persian political and military powers).
Dan 8:5. Suddenly a male goat came from the west, across the surface of the whole earth, without touching the ground; and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. (The goat represents Greece and the notable horn represents Alexander the Great).
Dan 8:6-12. Then he came to the ram that had two horns (Medo-Persian), which I had seen standing beside the river, and ran at him with furious power. Verse 7. And I saw him confronting the ram; he was moved with rage against him, attacked the ram, and broke his two horns. There was no power in the ram to withstand him, – – -. Verse 8. Therefore the male goat grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn (Alexander the Great) was broken, and in place of it four notable ones (Horns) came up toward the four winds of heaven. Verse 9. And out of one of them (that is the four winds of heaven) came a little horn (The papacy) which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east and toward the glorious land. Verse 10. The little horn (The papacy) cast some of the stars to the ground and trampled on them. Verse 11. He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of host. By him the Daily Sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. Verse 12. He cast truth down to the ground.
Dan 8:20-22. The ram which you saw, having the two horns-they are the kings of Media and Persia. Verse 21. And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece. The large horn that is between its eyes is the first king. (Alexander the Great). Verse 22. As for the broken horn and the four (Horns) that stood up in its place, four kingdoms shall rise out of that nation, but not with its power. (The four horn kingdoms that followed Alexander the Great are Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus and Ptolemy).
Dan 8:23-25. (The little horn represents the papacy, a spiritual and political power in the Roman Catholic Church in this text). And in the latter time of their (the four kingdoms of Greece) kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall rise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, and shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. Through his cunning deceit to prosper under his rule, and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means.
Luke 1:69. (Zacharias prophecy about Jesus Christ). And has raised up a horn of salvation for us. (Meaning a power of salvation).
Rev 5:6. And I looked and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. (Seven horns are seven spirits of God).
Rev 9:13. Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God. (The four horns on the golden altar before God is the altar of incense. These horns were sprinkled with blood on the Day of Atonement and thereafter the Holy Place was cleansed. Leviticus 16:18-20).
Rev 12:3. And another sign appeared in heaven behold a great fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. (Ten horns imply political and military powers).
Rev 13:1. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns and on his horns ten crowns – – -. (Ten horns imply political powers).
Rev 13:11. Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth and had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. (Two horns imply political and military powers).
Rev 17:3. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (The ten horns represent ten kings from the earth, who have power to reign as kings for one hour).
Rev 17:7. I will tell you the mystery of the woman and the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.
Rev 17:12. The ten horns which you saw, are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. Verse 13. These (ten horn kings) are of one mind and they will give their power and authority to the beast. Verse 14. These will make war with the Lamb – – -. (These ten horns originate from the ten early tribes of Europe, and will make war with the Lamb in the future: Christ at Armageddon).
Rev 17:16. And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. (The ten horns or kings of the earth will make war with the harlot, being the fallen church of all denominations all over the earth).
Jerm 48:25. The horn of Moab is cut off and his arm broken. (Military strength).
Psalm 75:10. All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted. Psalm 132:17. There (in Zion) I will make the horn of David grow. (Strength).
Amos 6:13. Have we not taken horns for ourselves by our own strength?
Habakuk 3:4. He (God) had rays (horns in Hebrew) flashing from his hand, and there was his power hidden.
Zachariah 1:18. Then I raised my eyes and looked and there were four horns. Verse 19. What are these? Verse 20. These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem. (These horns are Babylon and Assyrians military power).
Micah 4:13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion; for I will make your horn iron – – – you shall beat in pieces many peoples. (Horn implies military strength and power).
Psalm 18:2. The Lord is the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Horn is related to salvation).
Psalm 89:17. For you (God) are the glory of their strength, and in your favor our horn is exalted. (Horn is related to strength).
Conclusion
Horn is related to the following: The ten early tribes of Europe. The little horn represents the papacy. The little horn plucked up three horns (representing three tribes of early Europe: Heruli, Vandals and Ostrogoths), it had eyes of a man and a mouth speaking pompous words. The little horn made war against the saints during the Middle Ages. The ten horns are ten kings. The little horn is different from the ten kings, because it is both religious and political. The little horn (the papacy) shall change times and laws Fx the Sabbath to Sunday in Gods ten commandments. The little horn shall reign 1,260 prophetical years (538-1798 A.D.) The goat with the notable horn is Alexander the Great of Greece. The goat´s large horn (Alexander the Great) was broken and four horns (Cassander, Seleucus, Ptolemy and Lysimachus) stood in its place. The little horn (papacy) exalted himself as high as the Prince of Host and took away the daily sacrifice and the sanctuary truth was cast to the ground. The four kings of the goat are four kingdoms. The two horns on the ram in Dan 8: represent Medo-Persia.
The horn is a power of strength and salvation. Seven horns are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. The four horns on the golden altar before God. The fiery red dragon in Rev 12: represents Satan who has authority over ten horns relating to political powers in Europe. The beast (Roman Catholic Church system) in Rev 13: has authority over the ten horns with crowns signifying the church has the power to guide the European powers on earth. The beast with two horns like a lamb represents the two Christ like political powers in the USA, having political and military strength but speaks like the Dragon (Satan).
The ten horns in Rev 17: are ten kings, who have authority to reign with the scarlet beast (Satan), and make war with the Lamb (Christ at Armageddon). The harlot sat on a beast (Satan) with ten horns representing the political powers, which originated with early Europe. These ten horns (in Rev 17) are ten kings who receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast who is Satan. These ten kings will hate the harlot (the fallen church worldwide) and make her desolate and naked.
The horn of Moab is cut off (military power). The horn of David shall grow (strength and power). The Lord is the horn of my salvation and my stronghold.
Summary: The horn in prophecy is a symbol of political and military power guided by kings and kingdoms. The exception to this rule is the little horn, which is different; it is both a political and a religious power. The ten horns are part of the sea beast in Rev 13: and the scarlet beast in Rev 17:
The ten horns representing the ten early tribes of Europe, form some kind of union with the papacy, protestants in the USA, the fallen Christian worldwide Church and the political kingdoms on earth, to fight against Christ at the war of Armageddon. This prophecy is yet to be fulfilled in the future.
There is a rule for interpreting the ten horns in Bible prophecy.
The ten horns in Rev 12: refer to the political kings under Satan’s rule e.g. King Herod.
The ten horns in Dan 7: refer to the ten tribes of Europe during its beginnings.
The ten horns in Rev 17: refer to the kings of the whole world. Rev 16:14.
Why is there a difference?
“Bible prophecy tends to select for mention those religious and political entities which exist where God´s people live, because prophecy frequently concerns itself with the persecution of God´s people and because God´s people possess Scripture and can benefit from the inspired instruction. In the end time, the gospel goes to all the world, God´s people are found in every nation, and Bible prophecy speaks of all the world´s nations.”[5]
The ten horns in Rev 12: refer to King Herod living in Palestine, because the majority of God´s people with the Old Testament Bible, were living in Palestine during that time.
The ten horns in Dan 7: refer to the nations of Europe during its beginnings, because the majority of God´s people with the Holy Bible where living in Europe.
The ten horns in Rev 17: refer to the kings of the whole world. Rev 16:14, because the gospel of Jesus Christ was preached to the whole world, and the majority of God´s people with the Holy Bible, now live in the whole world.
[1] Don F. Neufeld, ed., Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary, Vol. 8 (Washington D.C.: Review & Herald, 1979), 155.
[2] J. Coulson, C.T. Carr, Lucy Hutchinson, Dorothy Eagle, Eds., The Oxford Illustrated Dictionary (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1975), 80.
[3] Bernard S. Cayne, Ed., The New Lexicon Webster´s Dictionary of the English Language (New York: Lexicon Pub. Inc., 1989), 102.
[4] Don F. Neufeld, Julia Neuffer, Eds., Seventh-day Adventist Bible Students´ Source Book, Vol. 9 (Washington D.C.: Review & Herald, 1962), 684.
[5] C. Mervyn Maxwell, God Cares, Vol. 2 (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press, 1985), 478.