Definition: And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Revelation 17:12. It's a pretty complex verse, so we’ll go through it step-by-step in simple terms. Here’s what it means: “And the ten horns which thou sawest” : This refers to the Old Testament saints – specifically, the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. They were considered kings and leaders of the Jewish community. “are ten kings…” : This is a metaphorical way of saying these saints are now powerful and influential in their own right. It’s not about literal kingdoms, but more about spiritual authority and leadership. “…which have received no kingdom as yet;” : This means they haven't yet achieved the full power and authority that kings typically possess – a kingdom ruled by God. They are still striving for it. “but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.” : This is the really important part! Here, "the beast" refers to the Antichrist – a figure who will oppose God and lead humanity into judgment. But, here's what happens: These ten kings (the apostles) are now given significant power and authority for just one hour . This isn’t a permanent kingdom; it’s a temporary period of dominance. So, putting it all together: Revelation 17:12 is saying that the twelve apostles, who were leaders in their time, have been granted a special level of influence and power – almost like kings – for just one hour. However, this power isn’t a lasting kingdom; it's a temporary demonstration of God’s favor and will to combat evil. What does this mean for us today? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the future. It suggests that even though we are believers, there will be times when we witness powerful influence and authority – perhaps in our lives, communities, or society – that isn’t truly God’s. It's a call to remain vigilant against evil and to continue striving for righteousness. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many different interpretations. It's often debated among theologians and biblical scholars. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery used (like the horns and the beast)? Talk about the overall message of Revelation 17?