Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
The beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes to destruction.
Verse Takeaways
1
Rome's Final Chapter
Several commentators (Barnes, Gill, Henry) interpret the beast's heads as successive forms of Roman government (Kings, Consuls, etc.). In this view, the 'eighth' power is the Papacy, which arose after the fall of the old empire. It is considered 'of the seven' because it continued Rome's legacy of power and influence, representing its final form before its ultimate 'perdition' or destruction. This has been a classic Protestant interpretation.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
Revelation
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
6
18th Century
Presbyterian
And the beast that was, and is not. That is, the one power that was formerly mighty; that died away so that it might be said to be extinct…
Is himself also an eighth and is of the seven (κα αυτος ογδοος κα εκ των επτα). This is the angel's interpretation and it looks li…
19th Century
Anglican
And the beast . . .—Better, And the wild beast which was, and is not, even he himself is the eighth, and is of the seven, and …
Your support helps us maintain this resource for everyone
This verse presents all interpreters with a real difficulty. One interpretation refers the language to the Nero redivivus myth ()— namely, that a r…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth , &c.] That was in embryo in John's time, and yet was not …
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…
Get curated content & updates
