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.

REVELATION 17:8KJV
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Revelation 17:8 (KJV)

What does Revelation 17:8 mean?

Revelation 17:8 describes a mysterious beast that once existed, no longer exists, but will rise again from the "bottomless pit" and eventually be destroyed. People on earth whose names are not written in the book of life will be amazed when they see this beast return, recognizing its strange history of being, not being, and then reappearing.

In this scene, an angel is explaining a vision to John, the author of Revelation, about a symbolic creature representing evil powers. The verse highlights the beast’s puzzling cycle—past existence, disappearance, and future return—and the reaction of those who are not aligned with God. The mention of the "book of life" points to a deeper spiritual divide between those who belong to God and those who do not.

The Greek behind Revelation 17:8

  • "beast" (θηρίον, thērion): This word refers to a wild, dangerous animal and is used symbolically here for a powerful, destructive force or ruler.
  • "bottomless pit" (ἀβύσσου, abyssou): The Greek term means a deep, boundless place—often pictured as a prison for evil. The beast's origin from here signals its connection to chaos and evil.
  • "perdition" (ἀπώλειαν, apōleian): This word means destruction or ruin, clarifying that the beast’s final destiny is not victory but complete loss.
  • "wonder" (θαυμάσονται, thaumásontai): The Greek carries the sense of being astonished or deeply impressed, showing that the beast’s return will cause great shock among those not written in the book of life.

Why Revelation 17:8 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that the beast’s power is temporary and ultimately doomed, despite its dramatic return.
  • The focus on the "book of life" emphasizes that spiritual identity, not just knowledge or amazement, separates those who are secure from those who are vulnerable to deception.
  • The verse connects to the larger message of Revelation about the rise and fall of evil powers and the ultimate triumph of God’s purposes.

Where else these words appear

“yet” Greek G2539 · used in 6 verses

  • Philippians 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
  • Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
  • Hebrews 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

“pit” Greek G12 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 8:31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
  • Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
  • Revelation 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

“foundation” Greek G2602 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
  • Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

“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.