Keraia
Revelation 17

Revelation 17:10

The Mystery Explained · Revelation 17:6–13
Read Revelation 17

Translations

Modern
There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. But when he does come, he must remain for only a little while.
Traditional
And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
Literal
…and there are seven kings. The five fell, the one is, the other did not yet come; and when he shall have come, it is necessary for him to remain a little while.
Latin
Quinque ceciderunt, unus est, et alius nondum venit: et cum venerit, oportet illum breve tempus manere.

Original

Greek
English
There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. But when he does come, he must remain for only a little while.

Notes

Revelation 17:10–11

  • Five have fallen: If these kings represent Roman emperors, and we start counting from the change from a republic to an empire with Augustus, who ruled from 29 BC to AD 14, then the fifth would be Nero, who ruled from AD 54 to 68, the sixth would be Vespasian, and the seventh would be Titus. The eighth king would be Domitian.

  • that was, and now is not: Early commentators argued that Domitian embodied Nero’s spirit (see study note on Revelation 17:8). 

  • the other seven: This seemingly unbeatable ruler was also destined for destruction.

Revelation 17:8–11

This vision's destruction contrasts with the future of God's people in the new heaven and earth (see Revelation 21:1–4).

Revelation 17:1–19:10

The main drama in this section shows the powers that stand against God and cause the persecution and suffering of God’s people. Rome’s power attracted and impressed many people (Revelation 17:6). John clearly describes Rome's sins and shares God's judgment (Revelation 17:3–18) before he describes Rome’s fall (18:1–24) and heaven’s response to that fall (19:1–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Roman Emperors Symbolic Numbers Visions

Glossary

Antichrist Apocalyptic Babylon as a Symbol Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Revelation Horn Lucifer Mystery Perdition Place of the Dead Prostitute, Prostitution

Topics

Horn: Symbolical Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Kings The Apocalypse