Revelation 17:11

Translation
King James Version
And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And G2532 the beast G2342 that G3739 was G2258, and G2532 is G2076 not G3756, even G2532 he G846 is G2076 the eighth G3590, and G2532 is G2076 of G1537 the seven G2033, and G2532 goeth G5217 into G1519 perdition G684.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The beast which once was and now is not is an eighth king; it comes from the seven and is on its way to destruction.
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Berean Standard Bible
The beast that was, and now is not, is an eighth king, who belongs to the other seven and is going into destruction.
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American Standard Version
And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goeth into perdition.
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World English Bible Messianic
The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And the beast that was, and is not, is euen the eight, and is one of the seuen, and shall goe into destruction.
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Young's Literal Translation
and the beast that was, and is not, he also is eighth, and out of the seven he is, and to destruction he doth go away.
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See also
Revelation 17:8
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In the KJVVerse 30,987 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Revelation 17:11 provides a pivotal description of the beast, a central symbolic figure in the book's apocalyptic vision. It reveals the beast's mysterious, recurring nature—having existed, then seemingly vanished, only to reappear as an "eighth" entity that nonetheless derives its essence from the preceding "seven." Crucially, the verse definitively declares its ultimate and irreversible destiny: it "goeth into perdition," signifying its complete and final destruction at the hand of God.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Revelation 17 opens with John's vision of a great harlot, "Mystery, Babylon the Great," seated on a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns. This chapter serves as an extended explanation of the beast and the harlot's identity and judgment, following the pronouncements of judgment in earlier chapters. Verses Revelation 17:9-10 explain the seven heads as both "seven mountains" (often interpreted as Rome) and "seven kings." The sequence of kings—"five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come"—sets the stage for verse 11, which introduces a new, yet intimately connected, "eighth" entity. This verse clarifies the beast's unique, deceptive nature and its certain doom, serving as a crucial interpretive key within the broader narrative of divine judgment against all anti-God powers.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The imagery of the beast and its heads would have resonated deeply with John's original audience, who were experiencing persecution under the Roman Empire. The "seven kings" likely alluded to a succession of Roman emperors, with the "eighth" potentially referring to a resurrected or supremely powerful imperial figure, perhaps even Nero redivivus (the belief that Nero would return). The beast represents not just a specific empire but any oppressive, idolatrous world system that sets itself against God and persecutes His people. The concept of "perdition" (utter destruction) was understood in both Jewish and Greco-Roman thought as a final, inescapable end, often associated with divine wrath or ultimate failure. This context underscores the immediate relevance of the prophecy to the suffering church while also pointing to enduring spiritual principles.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation. It highlights the deceptive and persistent nature of evil, as the beast "was, and is not," yet reappears. It emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and control over history, demonstrating that even the most formidable and seemingly invincible earthly powers are subject to His divine plan and ultimate judgment. The declaration that the beast "goeth into perdition" underscores the theme of divine justice and the inevitable defeat of all rebellion against God, offering profound assurance to believers facing persecution. This certainty of judgment is a recurring motif, contrasting with the ultimate victory and reign of Christ and His saints, as seen in passages like Revelation 19:11-21 and Revelation 20:10.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Beast (Greek, thēríon', G2342): This term refers to a dangerous or wild animal. In Revelation, it is consistently used symbolically to represent a powerful, oppressive, and anti-God political or spiritual entity that rises to persecute God's people and defy His authority. Its wild nature signifies its destructive and untamed character, operating outside divine order.
  • Was (Greek, ēn', G2258): This is the imperfect tense of the verb "to be," indicating a past continuous state or existence. Its use here, "the beast that was," points to a historical reality of this oppressive power's influence, suggesting a continuity or recurrence of its nature throughout history. It implies that the beast is not entirely new but has a historical precedent.
  • Perdition (Greek, apṓleia', G684): This word signifies ruin, loss, or utter destruction. It denotes a complete and final undoing, not merely a temporary setback or defeat. In the context of the beast, it emphasizes its definitive, irreversible, and eternal fate, a state of ultimate non-existence or spiritual annihilation, contrasting sharply with the eternal life promised to the faithful.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And the beast that was, and is not": This phrase introduces the enigmatic and paradoxical nature of the beast. "Was" indicates its past existence and influence, implying a historical continuity of anti-God power. "Is not" suggests a period of apparent non-existence or diminished power, creating a sense of mystery and deception. This could refer to a temporary cessation of its overt activity or a change in its form, making it seem less threatening before its final manifestation.
  • "even he is the eighth, and is of the seven": This clause further defines the beast's unique identity. It is an "eighth" entity, suggesting a culmination or a final, intensified manifestation that transcends the previous "seven" kings or empires. Yet, it "is of the seven," meaning it derives its character, power, or spirit from the preceding seven. This indicates a continuity of the same rebellious spirit, making the eighth a concentrated and ultimate expression of all that came before, rather than an entirely new power.
  • "and goeth into perdition": This concluding declaration pronounces the beast's certain and ultimate doom. Despite its formidable power and deceptive nature, its end is not merely defeat but complete and irreversible destruction. This phrase serves as a powerful reassurance to believers that all forces opposed to God, no matter how strong they appear, are destined for utter ruin, underscoring God's ultimate sovereignty and justice.

Literary Devices

Revelation 17:11 is rich in Symbolism, a hallmark of apocalyptic literature. The "beast," "seven," and "eighth" are not literal entities but represent complex theological and historical realities. The beast symbolizes oppressive, anti-God world powers, while the numbers likely denote completeness or a sequence of historical empires or rulers. The phrase "was, and is not" employs Paradox, creating a sense of mystery and highlighting the deceptive nature of the beast's power—it appears to vanish, only to re-emerge, suggesting a recurring, resilient evil. This paradox also serves to heighten the dramatic tension before the revelation of its ultimate fate. The declaration that the beast "goeth into perdition" functions as Prophecy and Foreshadowing, definitively stating its future and inevitable destruction, thereby offering a powerful message of hope and assurance to the persecuted church regarding God's ultimate triumph.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Revelation 17:11 underscores the profound theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over history and all human powers, no matter how formidable or deceptive they appear. The beast, representing the culmination of anti-God rebellion, is revealed to have a defined beginning, a mysterious period of seeming absence, and a certain end decreed by God. This highlights that evil, though permitted to operate for a time, ultimately serves God's purposes and is subject to His righteous judgment. The beast's destiny of "perdition" is a stark reminder that all systems and ideologies that defy God are inherently unstable and destined for ruin, affirming the ultimate triumph of divine justice and the eternal nature of God's kingdom.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Revelation 17:11 offers both a sobering warning and profound encouragement for believers today. The description of the beast as "that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven" reminds us that the spirit of rebellion against God manifests in various forms throughout history, often reappearing in new, deceptive guises. This calls for spiritual discernment, urging us to recognize and resist oppressive systems and ideologies that promote idolatry, injustice, and persecution, regardless of their outward appearance. More importantly, the definitive statement that the beast "goeth into perdition" provides immense hope and assurance. It reminds us that no matter how powerful or entrenched evil seems in our world, its ultimate defeat is certain and divinely ordained. This truth empowers us to stand firm in faith, to persevere through trials, and to live with courageous hope, knowing that God is sovereign and His kingdom will ultimately prevail. Our ultimate allegiance must always be to Christ, not to any earthly power or system, for only He holds the keys to ultimate victory and eternal life.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the certainty of the beast's perdition strengthen your faith in God's ultimate victory over evil in the world today?
  • In what ways might the "was, and is not, and is" nature of the beast challenge us to discern and resist deceptive powers or ideologies in our contemporary society?
  • How does this verse encourage us to remain faithful to Christ and His kingdom, even when oppressive systems or spiritual deceptions seem powerful or overwhelming?

FAQ

What does "the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven" mean?

Answer: This phrase describes the mysterious and recurring nature of the beast, which symbolizes oppressive, anti-God world powers or systems. "That was" indicates its historical existence and influence, suggesting that this spirit of rebellion has manifested throughout history. "And is not" suggests a period of apparent dormancy or a change in its overt form, making it seem less threatening or even absent. However, the crucial part is "even he is the eighth, and is of the seven." This means that the beast reappears as a culminating, final manifestation (the "eighth") that embodies or derives its power and character from the preceding "seven" historical powers or kings (as explained in Revelation 17:9-10). It's not an entirely new entity but a final, intensified expression of the same rebellious spirit against God, reaching its ultimate form before its destruction.

What is the significance of the beast "going into perdition"?

Answer: The phrase "goeth into perdition" signifies the beast's ultimate, irreversible, and complete destruction. "Perdition" (Greek: apṓleia) means ruin, loss, or utter annihilation. This is a definitive declaration of its final doom, emphasizing that despite its temporary power, deception, and persecution of God's people, its end is certain and catastrophic. This statement serves as a powerful theological truth: all forces that oppose God, no matter how formidable, are subject to His righteous judgment and will ultimately be defeated and destroyed. It provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, reinforcing the sovereignty of God and the inevitable triumph of His kingdom over all evil, as ultimately demonstrated in passages like Revelation 20:10.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Revelation 17:11, with its pronouncement of the beast's inevitable "perdition," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumphant victory of Jesus Christ over all powers of darkness, sin, and death. While the beast represents the culmination of human rebellion and satanic opposition, its certain destruction points to the definitive and eternal reign of the Lamb of God. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has already disarmed and triumphed over principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (Colossians 2:15). The beast's going into perdition is the eschatological outworking of Christ's initial victory on the cross, where He conquered the one who held the power of death (Hebrews 2:14). Ultimately, it is Christ, the Rider on the white horse, who will return in glory to cast the beast and the false prophet into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:11-21). Thus, Revelation 17:11 is not merely a prophecy of destruction but a testament to the absolute and final supremacy of Christ's kingdom, assuring believers that their ultimate hope rests not in the defeat of earthly evils by human means, but in the sovereign and victorious reign of their crucified and resurrected Lord.

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Commentary on Revelation 17 verses 7–13

Here we have the mystery of this vision explained. The apostle wonders at the sight of this woman: the angel undertakes to open this vision to him, it being the key of the former visions; and he tells the apostle what was meant by the beast on which the woman sat; but it is so explained as still to need further explanation. 1. This beast was, and is not, and yet is; that is, it was a seat of idolatry and persecution; and is not, that is, not in the ancient form, which was pagan; and yet it is, it is truly the seat of idolatry and tyranny, though of another sort and form. It ascends out of the bottomless pit (idolatry and cruelty are the issue and product of hell), and it shall return thither and go into perdition. 2. This beast has seven heads, which have a double signification. (1.) Seven mountains - the seven hills on which Rome stands; and (2.) Seven kings - seven sorts of government. Rome was governed by kings, consuls, tribunes, decemviri, dictators, emperors who were pagan, and emperors who were Christian. Five of these were extinct when this prophecy was written; one was then in being, that is, the pagan emperor; and the other, that is, the Christian emperor, was yet to come, Rev 17:10. This beast, the papacy, makes an eighth governor, and sets up idolatry again. 3. This beast had ten horns; which are said to be ten kings which have as yet received no kingdoms; as yet, that is, as some, shall not rise up till the Roman empire be broken in pieces; or, as others, shall not rise up till near the end of antichrist's reign, and so shall reign but as it were one hour with her, but shall for that time be very unanimous and very zealous in that interest, and entirely devoted to it, divesting themselves of their prerogatives and revenues (things so dear to princes), out of an unaccountable fondness for the papacy.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–13. Public domain.
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Victorinus of PettauAD 304
Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John
"And the beast which thou sawest is of the seven." Since before those kings Nero reigned.

"And he is the eighth." He says only when this beast shall come, reckon it the eighth place, since in that is the completion. He added:-

"And shall go into perdition." For that ten kings received royal power when he shall move from the east, he says. He shall be sent from the city of Rome with his armies. And Daniel sets forth the ten horns and the ten diadems. And that these are eradicated from the former ones,-that is, that three of the principal leaders are killed by Antichrist: that the other seven give him honour and wisdom and power, of whom he says:-

"These shall hate the whore, to wit, the city, and shall burn her flesh with fire." Now that one of the heads was, as it were, slain to death, and that the stroke of his death was directed, he speaks of Nero. For it is plain that when the cavalry sent by the senate was pursuing him, he himself cut his throat. Him therefore, when raised up, God will send as a worthy king, but worthy in such a way as the Jews merited. And since he is to have another name, He shall also appoint another name, that so the Jews may receive him as if he were the Christ. Says Daniel: "He shall not know the lust of women, although before he was most impure, and he shall know no God of his fathers: for he will not be able to seduce the people of the circumcision, unless he is a judge of the law." Finally, also, he will recall the saints, not to the worship of idols, but to undertake circumcision, and, if he is able, to seduce any; for he shall so conduct himself as to be called Christ by them. But that he rises again from hell, we have said above in the word of Isaiah: "Water shall nourish him, and hell hath increased him; "who, however, must come with name unchanged, and doings unchanged, as says the Spirit.
Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 17:11
Lest we should think him of a different kind, it adds that the one whom it calls the eighth is from the seven and goes to perdition. In this way it shows that he is of the same evil genus, and by going beyond the number seven, it indicates that he is even a worse hypocrite. As the Lord was speaking of one unclean spirit and mentions seven, he suddenly adds, “And he brings with him seven other spirits more evil than himself.” So in this passage, beginning with seven it indicates the other seven in one of the same genus, that is, in the eighth. Therefore, it says that he is from the seven and goes to perdition, in order to show that he merits the same punishment due to his singular genus.
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 17:11
The “beast” is the antichrist. He is the “eighth” because he arises after the seven kingdoms for the deception and devastation of the earth. He is “from the seven” because he arises from one of these. For he will not come forth from a nation other than those mentioned before, but as a king of the Romans for the defeat and destruction of those who believed in him. And after this he will go into the destruction of Gehenna.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, etc. The Antichrist, who is to rule at the end of the world, because of the unity of the same body of the wicked, of which he is the head, belongs to the number of the kingdoms of the world; but because of the singular power of his wickedness, he is also contained in the order of his own proper place.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
And he says that "the beast which was, and is not." And it "is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goes to destruction." And he appointed the Devil first and last and a fellow counselor of the seven. For how would this one not also be a ruler who made even the seven utterly wicked?
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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