New Testament
Revelation 17:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
There are seven kings: five have fallen, one is present, and the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain for a short time.
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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.
What Revelation 17:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 17:10, the verse discusses a sequence of seven kings, indicating a timeline of leadership or authority. Five of these kings have already fallen, suggesting they are no longer in power. The sixth king is currently reigning, while the seventh king is yet to arrive. This seventh king will have a brief period of rule. The imagery of kings symbolizes various empires or rulers throughout history, reflecting the transient nature of power and authority. The mention of the kings serves to highlight the ongoing struggle between good and evil, as well as the ultimate sovereignty of God over human history. This passage encourages readers to understand the significance of these rulers in the context of God's plan and the eventual establishment of His kingdom. It also serves as a reminder that earthly powers are temporary and that believers should focus on the eternal kingdom of God.
How to apply Revelation 17:10 to your life
This verse reminds us that earthly authorities are temporary and subject to change. As we navigate our lives, we should focus on God's eternal kingdom rather than getting too attached to worldly powers. Trust in God's ultimate plan and remain steadfast in faith, knowing that He is in control.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
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Keep studying Revelation 17:10
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 17:10 mean?
Revelation 17:10 describes a sequence of seven kings, indicating that five have fallen, one is currently ruling, and one is yet to come. This verse symbolizes the temporary nature of earthly power and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.
What is the significance of the seven kings in Revelation 17:10?
The seven kings in Revelation 17:10 represent different empires or rulers throughout history, illustrating the transient nature of authority. This highlights God's ultimate control over human history and the eventual establishment of His kingdom.
Who are the kings mentioned in Revelation 17:10?
The kings in Revelation 17:10 are often interpreted as historical rulers or empires that have influenced the world. The verse emphasizes that five have fallen, one is currently in power, and one will come briefly, reflecting the changing nature of leadership.
What does 'he must remain for a short time' mean in Revelation 17:10?
The phrase 'he must remain for a short time' refers to the seventh king, indicating that his reign will be brief. This suggests that even the most powerful rulers will eventually pass, reinforcing the idea of the temporary nature of earthly authority.
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