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.

The beast {G2342} that {G3739} thou sawest {G1492} was {G2258}, and {G2532} is {G2076} not {G3756}; and {G2532} shall {G3195} ascend {G305} out of {G1537} the bottomless pit {G12}, and {G2532} go {G5217} into {G1519} perdition {G684}: and {G2532} they that dwell {G2730} on {G1909} the earth {G1093} shall wonder {G2296}, whose {G3739} names {G3686} were {G1125} not {G3756} written {G1125} in {G1909} the book {G975} of life {G2222} from {G575} the foundation {G2602} of the world {G2889}, when they behold {G991} the beast {G2342} that was {G3748}{G2258}, and {G2532} is {G2076} not {G3756}, and yet {G2539} is {G2076}.

The beast you saw once was, now is not, and will come up from the Abyss; but it is on its way to destruction. The people living on earth whose names have not been written in the Book of Life since the founding of the world will be astounded to see the beast that once was, now is not, but is to appear.

The beast that you saw—it was, and now is no more, but is about to come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. And those who dwell on the earth whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet will be.

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition. And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, they whose name hath not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast, how that he was, and is not, and shall come.

Commentary

Revelation 17:8 provides a cryptic yet profound description of the "beast," a central figure in John's apocalyptic vision, particularly as it relates to the judgment of "Babylon the Great." This verse is key to understanding the nature, origin, and ultimate destiny of this powerful opposing force in the end times.

Context

This verse is part of an angel's explanation to John regarding the vision of the harlot (representing "Babylon the Great," often interpreted as a corrupt religious or political system) riding a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 17:3). The description of the beast's peculiar existence — "was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition" — is crucial for identifying its character and the awe it inspires among the unredeemed.

Key Themes

  • The Enigmatic Nature of the Beast: The phrase "was, and is not; and yet is" (or "shall ascend," indicating a future re-emergence) is a deliberate and chilling inversion of God's eternal self-description as "which is, and which was, and which is to come" (Revelation 1:4). This suggests the beast is a counterfeit, a deceptive imitation of divine power. It implies a past existence (perhaps as a historical empire or figure), a temporary absence or apparent defeat, and a future, miraculous resurgence that will astonish the world.
  • Supernatural Origin and Destined End: The beast's ascent "out of the bottomless pit" (Greek: abyssos) signifies its demonic and non-human origin, highlighting that its power is derived from the spiritual realm of evil, not merely from earthly political machinations. Despite its formidable power, its ultimate destination is "perdition" (Greek: apoleia), meaning destruction or eternal ruin. This emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty and the assured defeat of all evil, as also seen in Revelation 19:20, where the beast is cast into the lake of fire.
  • Global Deception and Divine Sovereignty: The "wonder" of "they that dwell on the earth" (the unredeemed) signifies their astonishment and allegiance to the beast. This amazement is directly linked to the fact that their "names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world." This stark contrast underscores God's sovereign knowledge and selection of His people before creation, and the spiritual blindness of those who reject Him. The Book of Life is a recurring motif in Revelation, symbolizing God's eternal register of the redeemed, providing assurance for believers.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Bottomless pit" (abyssos): This Greek term refers to a deep, immeasurable chasm or abyss, often associated with the realm of demons or a prison for evil spirits. Its use here reinforces the beast's infernal origin.
  • "Perdition" (apoleia): This word denotes utter destruction, ruin, or loss. It speaks to the beast's final and complete undoing, an eternal judgment rather than mere annihilation.
  • "Was, and is not, and yet is": This phrase is a powerful rhetorical device, deliberately mirroring and perverting the divine name of God ("who is, and who was, and who is to come"). It highlights the beast's role as a supreme deceiver and an anti-God figure.

Practical Application

  • Spiritual Discernment: This verse serves as a powerful warning against being captivated or deceived by impressive, seemingly miraculous phenomena, especially those that defy natural explanation or claim divine authority but ultimately oppose God's truth. Believers are called to test spirits and discern the true source of power (1 John 4:1).
  • Assurance for Believers: For those whose names are "written in the book of life from the foundation of the world," this verse offers profound comfort and security. Amidst global deception and chaos, their salvation is eternally secure in God's sovereign plan. This truth should anchor faith and provide peace.
  • Confidence in God's Victory: Despite the beast's terrifying power and widespread influence, its ultimate destiny is "perdition." This assures believers that God's plan will prevail, and all forces of evil will be definitively defeated. It encourages steadfastness and hope, knowing that the Lamb will ultimately triumph (Revelation 17:14).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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 17:11 (11 votes)

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

  • Revelation 11:7 (11 votes)

    And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

  • Revelation 9:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

  • Revelation 9:2 (5 votes)

    And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

  • Revelation 3:10 (5 votes)

    Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

  • Revelation 19:15 (5 votes)

    And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

  • Revelation 19:21 (5 votes)

    And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.