REVELATION OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE - Chapter 17 - Verse 9

Verse 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 Re 13:18. See Barnes on "Re 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. See Barnes on "Re 12:3,

On which the woman sitteth. The city represented as a woman, in accordance with a common usage in the Scriptures. See Barnes on "Isa 1:8".

{h} "seven heads" Re 13:1