Translations
Original
Notes
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.
This vision's destruction contrasts with the future of God's people in the new heaven and earth (see Revelation 21:1–4).
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).
Roman Emperors Symbolic Numbers The Little Horn The Seventy Sets of Seven 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