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 17:10KJV
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Revelation 17:10 (KJV)

What does Revelation 17:10 mean?

Revelation 17:10 describes a sequence of seven kings, saying that five have already fallen, one is currently reigning, and one is still to come but will only remain for a short time. The verse uses this imagery to show a progression of rulers or kingdoms, with an emphasis on their limited and changing nature.

In the book of Revelation, the apostle John is being shown visions by an angel while exiled on the island of Patmos. Here, the angel explains part of a mysterious vision involving a woman and a beast, using the image of seven kings to symbolize powerful rulers or empires. The verse highlights that history is moving through different stages, and even the most powerful authorities are temporary and subject to change.

The Greek behind Revelation 17:10

  • βασιλεῖς (basileis) — "kings": This word often refers to rulers or authorities, and in this context, it can mean either individual kings or entire kingdoms/empires. The choice of this word points to the symbolic nature of the vision, where "kings" might stand for broader systems of power.
  • πεπτωκότες (peptōkotes) — "are fallen": The Greek word here means to fall or collapse, often used for defeat or ruin. This emphasizes that the first five kings or kingdoms have already lost their power.
  • ἔρχεται (erchetai) — "is to come": This word means "to come" or "to arrive," highlighting that the final king or kingdom is still in the future at the time of John's vision.
  • μικρὸν (mikron) — "a short space": This word means "small" or "short," and here it refers to the limited duration of the last king's rule, stressing that even the final stage will not last long.

Why Revelation 17:10 matters

  • Revelation 17:10 helps clarify that the vision is not just about one moment in history but covers a sequence of rulers or powers, showing a bigger picture of change and impermanence.
  • The verse connects to the surrounding passage, where mysterious symbols are explained, helping readers understand that the book often uses images to represent real-world events or powers.
  • By describing the last king's time as brief, the verse hints at a coming end to oppressive rule, which is a key theme in Revelation's message of hope and ultimate justice.

Where else these words appear

“yet” Greek G3768 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • John 7:6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
  • John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

“five” Greek G4002 · used in 33 verses

  • Matthew 14:17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
  • Luke 1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  • John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

“space” Greek G3641 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • Ephesians 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;(as I wrote afore in few words,

“seven” Greek G2033 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
  • Luke 20:29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children.
  • Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.