Revelation of John 17:8-11
Summary for Rev 17:8-11: 17:8-11 a The destruction within this vision contrasts with the destiny of the people of God in the new heaven and earth (see 21:1-4 b). 17:8 c The beast ... was once alive but isn’t now ... will soon come up: When Domitian became emperor (AD 81–96), he was as evil as Nero (both were fierce persecutors of the church), and many thought he was the embodiment of Nero’s spirit, if not Nero himself (perhaps similar to the way that John the Baptist was considered to embody Elijah’s spirit; see Mal 4:5 d; Matt 11:14 e; Luke 1:17 f; John 1:21 g).• you saw: The past tense indicates that the angel’s interpretation took place after John’s vision.
• was once alive but isn’t now: This contrasts with God, “who is, who always was, and who is still to come” (Rev 1:4 h, 8 i).
• the bottomless pit: See study note on 9:1-12.
• In contrast to God’s people, the people of this world are not written in the Book of Life (see 20:11-15 j). They will be amazed by the apparent resurrection of the beast (see study note on 17:10-11; see also 13:13-17 k).
17:9 l The seven heads of the beast represent the seven hills on which Rome was built (see study note on 16:10-11).
• the woman: see 17:3-6 m.
Summary for Rev 17:10-11: 17:10-11 n Five kings have already fallen: If these kings represent Roman emperors, and the starting point for numbering them is the switch from a republic to an empire with Augustus (29 BC–AD 14), then the fifth in line would be Nero (AD 54–68), the sixth would be Vespasian, and the seventh would be Titus. The eighth king would then be Domitian.
• that was, but is no longer: Early commentators argued that Domitian was an embodiment of Nero’s spirit (see study note on 17:8).
• like the other seven: This apparently invincible ruler was also headed for destruction.
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