Verse 3 A scarlet-colored beast. The description of this beast is very similar to that of the one mentioned Revelation 13:1-7. The seven heads here named are afterwards explained as the seven mountains on which the woman sitteth, (Revelation 17:9;) and the woman is, in Revelation 17:8, said to represent a great city. Now, as it has been one of the most characteristic distinctions of Rome, in all ages, that it was built upon seven hills, commentators have generally been agreed that Rome is intended by this symbol. Some, however, suppose that Pagan Rome, and others that Papal Rome, is meant. Protestant writers generally give it the latter interpretation.