Revelation 17:10 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The seven heads are also seven kings: five have fallen, one now reigns, and one is yet to come and will last only briefly.
What Does Revelation 17:10 Mean?
The angel adds another layer: the seven heads stand for seven kings. Five of them have already fallen, one is reigning at the present moment, and a seventh has not yet arrived. When that last one does come, his rule will endure only a short space. A whole succession of rulers is compressed into a single sentence.
The point is the brevity of every earthly reign set against the eternity of God. Kings rise, hold the moment, and fall in turn, and even the one yet to come is granted only a little while. Power that boasts of permanence is shown to be a passing thing. For the faithful this is quiet comfort: no tyrant lasts, no regime that troubles the saints is given more than its short span, and over all the rising and falling stands the kingdom that does not end.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation 17:10
What does Revelation 17:10 mean?
The seven heads are also seven kings: five have fallen, one now reigns, and one is yet to come and will last only briefly.