Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 26, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 26.

1157. Red Dragon; Scarlet-colored Beast.—The dragon of Revelation 12 is red; the beast of Rev. 17 is scarlet-colored. Each has seven heads and ten horns. All the world wonders after each. Rev. 13:4; 17:8. Are they the same?

O. G. C.

The word “red” in Rev. 12:3 comes from the Greek purrhos, from pur, meaning “fire.” The red color of the dragon was therefore firelike, flame-colored, sun-color, evidently relating to the most ancient Babylonian sun-worship, of which the dragon was a symbol. The red is a natural inherent color. “Scarlet,” of Rev. 17:3, 4, and elsewhere in the New Testament, comes from the Greek kokkinos, from kokkos, a kernel of seed. The color comes from the insect used for the scarlet dye, it having the shape of a seed. The scarlet or crimson is an artificial color. The dragon represents Satan, working thru worldly powers represented by the heads. The beast of Rev. 13:1–10 represents these persecuting powers, the visible, governmental agents of Satan. Chapter 18 shows that the special power which Satan uses to influence government is the great apostate church from the beginning. And in chapter 17 both symbols are used, the governmental powers being guided by the harlot Babylon, the spouse and daughter of the king of Babylon, Lucifer, or Satan. Isa. 14:4, 12. Back of all corruption and persecution is Satan, working thru apostasy to corrupt earthly powers, to destroy and persecute to death the children of God.

1158. Cain’s Wife. Gen. 4:15–17.—Who was Cain’s wife? Did Cain go immediately after he killed Abel? What mark did God put upon Cain? Who is Cain’s posterity?

R. W. P.

The Bible does not speak to answer mere curiosity; if it did, it would have multiplied into a thousand volumes. In reply to the above questions: (1) Cain’s wife was Mrs. Cain. Who she was before marriage is another question not asked. (2) He may have gone immediately. Nod simply means wandering, and Cain became a vagabond, a wanderer. The record of years is given in verse 16. (3) We do not know; the Lord has not told us. The Revised Version reads, “The Lord appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding him should smite him.” (4) Cain’s posterity are recorded in Genesis 4. As lineal descendants of Cain they perished at the flood. Cain’s spiritual progeny are numerous. Read 1 John 3:12; Heb. 11:4.