⁹ “This calls for a mind with wisdom.^(A) The seven heads^(B) are seven hills on which the woman sits. ¹⁰ They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for only a little while. ¹¹ The beast who once was, and now is not,^(C) is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction.

¹² “The ten horns^(D) you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour^(E) will receive authority as kings along with the beast. ¹³ They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast.^{(F) 14} They will wage war^(G) against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over^(H) them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings^(I)—and with him will be his called, chosen^(J) and faithful followers.”

¹⁵ Then the angel said to me, “The waters^(K) you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.^{(L) 16} The beast and the ten horns^(M) you saw will hate the prostitute.^(N) They will bring her to ruin^(O) and leave her naked;^(P) they will eat her flesh^(Q) and burn her with fire.^{(R) 17} For God has put it into their hearts^(S) to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority,^(T) until God’s words are fulfilled.^{(U) 18} The woman you saw is the great city^(V) that rules over the kings of the earth.”