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

REVELATION 17:11KJV
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Revelation 17:11 (KJV)

What does Revelation 17:11 mean?

Revelation 17:11 describes a mysterious "beast" that once existed, no longer exists, but will return as an eighth ruler who comes from among the seven previous ones and is destined for destruction. The verse uses symbolic language to show a cycle of power that ends in ruin.

In the book of Revelation, John is being shown visions by an angel about the end times and the forces opposed to God. Here, the "beast" represents a powerful, evil force or empire that has appeared before, disappears for a time, and then re-emerges. The mention of "the eighth" and "of the seven" suggests a connection or continuation with previous rulers or kingdoms, but this final appearance leads directly to "perdition," meaning utter ruin or judgment.

The Greek behind Revelation 17:11

  • "beast" (θηρίον, thērion): This word means a wild animal or beast and is used in Revelation to symbolize a destructive, hostile power rather than a literal creature.
  • "perdition" (ἀπώλειαν, apōleian): This Greek word means destruction or utter ruin. Its use here emphasizes that the beast's final destiny is not victory but complete downfall.
  • "eighth" (ὄγδοος, ogdoos) and "of the seven" (ἐκ τῶν ἑπτά, ek tōn hepta): The Greek makes clear that the eighth is both a new figure and yet somehow comes from the group of seven, highlighting a sense of continuity and repetition in evil power.

Why Revelation 17:11 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that the evil power symbolized by the beast is not just a one-time figure but part of a recurring pattern, yet its end is certain.
  • The language connects the beast to previous rulers or empires, showing that the final enemy is both familiar and new, which shapes how readers understand the unfolding vision.
  • By stating the beast "goeth into perdition," the verse assures readers that no matter how powerful evil may seem, its ultimate fate is destruction.

Where else these words appear

“eighth” Greek G3590 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 1:59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
  • Acts 7:8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.
  • 2 Peter 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

“perdition” Greek G684 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
  • Romans 9:22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
  • 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

“beast” Greek G2342 · used in 38 verses

  • Mark 1:13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
  • Revelation 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
  • Revelation 16:10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

“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.