What does Revelation 17:10 mean?

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 17:10

Explanation

Revelation 17:10 is a portion of a vision described by the Apostle John in the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. This specific verse is part of a larger allegory involving a great prostitute who sits upon a beast with seven heads and ten horns. An angel explains the meaning of the vision to John, stating that the seven heads are seven mountains and also represent seven kings.

The verse implies that of these seven kings, “five are fallen,” which is often interpreted to mean that five of the kings have already come and gone. “One is,” suggests that one of the kings is currently ruling at the time of the vision. “And the other is not yet come” suggests that there is a king still to come after the current one. The last portion, “and when he cometh, he must continue a short space,” implies that the future king’s reign will be brief.

This verse is highly symbolic and has been interpreted in various ways, depending on the reader’s views on eschatology, or the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written in the first century AD, at a time when Christians were undergoing persecution. Many scholars believe it was written by the Apostle John, while he was in exile on the Island of Patmos. Revelation is largely a prophetic book, filled with symbolic imagery regarding the end times and the return of Christ.

The historical context of the time includes the ruling Roman Empire, which had a succession of emperors. Some interpret the verse metaphorically, referring to actual historical rulers of the time, with the seven kings representing seven Roman emperors. Others see these kings as symbolic representations of world kingdoms across history or as a prophetic outline of future leaders leading up to the end of history.

Theological Insights

Various theological interpretations exist for Revelation 17:10. Preterists believe that the prophecy was fulfilled in the first century AD, often associating the fallen kings with past Roman emperors. Historicists view the verse in the context of a long line of historical rulers or empires, viewing each “king” as symbolic of a period or dominant empire throughout history.

Futurists expect these kings to be future world leaders that will appear before the end times. They often interpret it as a sequence of events still to come. Idealists see it as a timeless depiction of the struggle between good and evil, without a specific historical fulfillment.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Revelation 17:10 could be seen as a reminder that all earthly power structures are temporary. Regardless of any human rulers or systems, ultimately they will come and go. It may encourage individuals to focus less on the temporal power struggles of the world and more on the eternal and spiritual truths.

For Christians, this verse points to the transient nature of human leadership in contrast with the enduring sovereignty of God. It can serve as a call to trust in God’s ultimate plan, regardless of uncertain or troubling times brought about by the rise and fall of political powers.

Cross-References

• Revelation 13:1 – Similarly describes a beast with seven heads and ten horns.
• Daniel 7:24 – Discusses the idea of ten kings arising from one kingdom.
• Revelation 17:9 – Provides context to verse 10 discussing seven mountains linked to the kings.

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Revelation 17:10 include:

• “βασιλεῖς” (basileis), translated as “kings,” often symbolizing those with authority or rule.
• “πέπτωκαν” (peptōkan), translated as “are fallen,” a perfect active indicative form which denotes a completed action with continuing results up to the present.
• “μέλλει ἔρχεσθαι” (mellei erchesthai), translates to “not yet come,” indicating a future arrival or appearance.

These words emphasize actions related to leadership, ruling, and transitions of power, underlining their significance within the context of the prophecy.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons might be made to other religious texts and myths that feature prophecy or a series of rulers, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh or the prophetic works within the Norse Poetic Edda.

In various cultures, there is the notion of cyclicality in history – the rise and fall of empires and their rulers. This can be compared to the Hindu concept of the Yugas, eras that cycle through a cosmological timeline, or the dynastic cycles in Chinese history.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, Revelation 17:10 is seen as a non-scientific text that involves supernatural imagery and prophetic language not commonly addressed within the ambit of empirical sciences. The book of Revelation is often interpreted metaphorically or symbolically rather than scientifically.

Scientists might engage with the text not in the literal sense but as a sociological or psychological mirror, reflecting how humans understand and cope with political change, the concept of time and history, and the fear of the unknown.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer diverse perspectives on Revelation 17:10:

• Some commentaries by preterist scholars place the events of Revelation during the fall of the Roman Empire, identifying the kings as specific Roman emperors.
• Historicist commentators might link the kings to different historical periods or empires such as Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, progressing to an end-time kingdom.
• Futurist exegesis often looks toward a series of future literal or symbolic world leaders connected with the coming of an end-times figure, related to Christian eschatology.
• Idealist views might interpret the seven kings as perpetual symbols of political or spiritual powers that rise and fall throughout history, without attaching them to specific historical figures.

These commentaries remain speculative and are often influenced by the broader eschatological framework within which the commentator operates.