THE MEANING OF THE WOMAN AND OF THE BEAST

7 Then the angel said to me, “Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast, with the seven heads and the ten horns, that carries her. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up from the abysss and go to destruction.t Those who live on the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the worldu will be astonished when they see the beast that was, and is not, and is to come.v 9 This calls for a mind that has wisdom.I,w

“The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated. They are also seven kings: 10 Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he comes, he must remain for only a little while. 11 The beast that was and is not, is itself an eighth king, but it belongs to the seven and is going to destruction. 12 The ten horns you saw are ten kingsx who have not yet received a kingdom, but they will receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.y 13 These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings.z Those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.”aa