Albert Barnes on Revelation 17:9
Notes on the New Testament. Browse this work.
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Revelation17:9
And here is the mind which hath wisdom. Here is that which requires wisdom to interpret it; or, here is a case in which the mind that shows itself able to explain it will evince true sagacity. So in Rev 13:18. Rev 13:18. Prof. Stuart renders this, "Here is a meaning which compriseth wisdom." It is undoubtedly implied that the symbol might be understood--whether in the time of John, or afterwards, he does not say; but it was a matter which could not be determined by ordinary minds, or without an earnest application of the understanding.
The seven heads are seven mountains. Referring undoubtedly to Rome-- the seven-hilled city--Septicollis Roma. Rev 12:3,
On which the woman sitteth. The city represented as a woman, in accordance with a common usage in the Scriptures. Isa 1:8.
(h) "seven heads" Rev 13:1
Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament, Revelation 17:9. Public domain.
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