King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:10 Mean?

Revelation 17:10 in the King James Version says “And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must conti...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 17:10 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth .

10

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.

11

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

12

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Read Revelation 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of babylon the harlot - false religion, political-religious alliance judged employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 17:10 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ,1 of 22

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βασιλεῖς2 of 22

“kings”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

ἑπτά3 of 22

“seven”

G2033

seven

εἰσιν4 of 22

“there are”

G1526

they are

οἱ5 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πέντε6 of 22

“five”

G4002

"five"

ἔπεσαν7 of 22

“are fallen”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

καὶ,8 of 22

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ9 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εἷς10 of 22

“one”

G1520

one

ἔστιν11 of 22

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ12 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄλλος13 of 22

“and the other”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

οὔπω14 of 22

“not yet”

G3768

not yet

ἔλθῃ15 of 22

“come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ,16 of 22

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅταν17 of 22

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἔλθῃ18 of 22

“come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ὀλίγον19 of 22

“a short space”

G3641

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

αὐτὸν20 of 22

“he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δεῖ21 of 22

“must”

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

μεῖναι22 of 22

“continue”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 17:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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