Revelation 17:11

And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

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}.

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.

The beast that was, and now is not, is an eighth king, who belongs to the other seven and is going into destruction.

And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goeth into perdition.

Commentary

Commentary on Revelation 17:11

The book of Revelation, often described as an unveiling or apocalypse, uses rich symbolism to communicate profound truths about God's ultimate victory over evil. Revelation 17 specifically focuses on the judgment of the great harlot, "Mystery, Babylon the Great," and the beast she rides. Verse 11 provides a crucial detail about the nature and destiny of this beast, a central figure in end-time prophecy.

Context of Revelation 17:11

Revelation 17 describes a vision John received of a woman, identified as a great harlot, sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast with seven heads and ten horns. This beast is a symbolic representation of a powerful, oppressive, and anti-God world system or empire. The seven heads are explained as seven mountains (often interpreted as Rome) and also as seven kings. Verses 9-10 state that "five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space." Verse 11 then introduces an "eighth" entity, intricately linked to the preceding seven, yet distinct in its finality. This verse clarifies the beast's mysterious nature and its ultimate doom, tying into the broader narrative of God's sovereignty and judgment over all rebellious powers.

Key Themes and Messages

The Beast's Mysterious Nature: The phrase "the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven" speaks to a deceptive and perhaps resurrected form of oppressive power. It suggests a continuity of spirit or influence from previous world powers, culminating in a final, powerful manifestation. This "eighth" is not entirely new but emerges from or embodies the essence of the "seven," indicating a final, intensified form of rebellion against God.
Ultimate Perdition: The most definitive statement in this verse is that the beast "goeth into perdition." This declares its irreversible destruction and doom. Despite its apparent power and temporary reign, its end is certain and catastrophic. This theme reassures believers of God's ultimate control and the inevitable defeat of all evil forces.
God's Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse underscores God's absolute authority over history and human powers. Even the most formidable and deceptive forces, symbolized by the beast, are subject to His divine plan and will ultimately face His righteous judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "perdition" is apoleia (ἀπώλεια), which means destruction, ruin, or utter loss. It is a strong term signifying a complete and final undoing, not merely a temporary setback. This emphasizes the definitive and eternal fate of the beast, contrasting sharply with the eternal life offered to believers. The concept of "perdition" is also used in other New Testament passages, for example, describing the fate of those who reject God or the "son of perdition" in 2 Thessalonians 2:3.

Practical Application

Revelation 17:11 offers profound encouragement and a sober warning. For believers, it provides assurance that even the most formidable and deceptive powers of evil, though they may seem to vanish and then reappear in new forms, are ultimately destined for destruction. This knowledge fosters hope and resilience in the face of worldly oppression and spiritual deception. It reminds us that God is sovereign and that His plan for justice and redemption will prevail. For the world, it serves as a warning against aligning with systems or ideologies that defy God, as their end is certain ruin. Our focus should be on following Christ, who has already secured the ultimate victory over all darkness, as described in Revelation 19 and 20.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 17:8

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.