Seven kings (βασιλεις επτα). This is another change in the symbolism. The identification of these seven kings is one of the puzzle…

And there are seven kings. That is, seven in all, as they are listed in this verse and the next. An eighth is mentioned in Revela…

And there are seven kings...—A better translation is: They are seven kings: five (not “are fallen,” but fell…

If the seven heads symbolically represent the full source of evil power and blasphemy, why, then, does John talk about five fallen heads or kings, …

And there are seven kings
The Arabic version renders it, 'who are seven kings'; and it should be rendered, as it is …

The beast on which the woman sat was, and is not, and yet is. It was a seat of idolatry and persecution, and is not; not in the ancient form, which…