Revelation 17:9
Context17:9 (This requires 1 a mind that has wisdom.) The seven heads are seven mountains 2 the woman sits on. They are also seven kings:
Revelation 17:17
Context17:17 For God has put into their minds 3 to carry out his purpose 4 by making 5 a decision 6 to give their royal power 7 to the beast until the words of God are fulfilled. 8
1 tn Grk “Here is the mind that has wisdom.”
2 tn It is important to note that the height of “mountains” versus “hills” or other topographical terms is somewhat relative. In terms of Palestinian topography, Mount Tabor (traditionally regarded as the mount of transfiguration) is some 1,800 ft (550 m) above sea level, while the Mount of Olives is only some 100 ft (30 m) higher than Jerusalem.
3 tn Grk “hearts.”
4 tn Or “his intent.”
5 tn The infinitive ποιῆσαι (poihsai) was translated here as giving the logical means by which God’s purpose was carried out.
6 tn On this term BDAG 203 s.v. γνώμη 4 states, “declaration, decision, resolution…of God Rv 17:17.”
7 tn For this translation see BDAG 168 s.v. βασιλεία 1.a, “kingship, royal power, royal rule.”
8 tn Or “completed.”