King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:11 Mean?

Revelation 17:11 in the King James Version says “And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 17:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

Read Revelation 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.... 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 17:11 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 · 21 words
καὶ1 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

τὸ2 of 21
G3588

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

θηρίον3 of 21

“the beast”

G2342

a dangerous animal

ὃ4 of 21

“that”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἦν5 of 21

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

καὶ6 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

οὐκ7 of 21

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐστιν8 of 21

“is”

G2076

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

καὶ9 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

αὐτὸς10 of 21

“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

ὄγδοός11 of 21

“the eighth”

G3590

the eighth

ἐστιν12 of 21

“is”

G2076

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

καὶ13 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

ἐκ14 of 21

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν15 of 21
G3588

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

ἑπτά16 of 21

“the seven”

G2033

seven

ἐστιν17 of 21

“is”

G2076

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

καὶ18 of 21

“And”

G2532

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

εἰς19 of 21

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἀπώλειαν20 of 21

“perdition”

G684

ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal)

ὑπάγει21 of 21

“goeth”

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

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 17:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 17:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 17:8

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