Revelation 17:10

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ,

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βασιλεῖς

G935

kings

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

ἑπτά

G2033

seven

εἰσιν

G1526

there are

they are

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πέντε

G4002

five

"five"

ἔπεσαν

G4098

are fallen

to fall (literally or figuratively)

καὶ,

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

εἷς

G1520

one

#11

ἔστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#12

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

ἄλλος

G243

and the other

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

#14

οὔπω

G3768

not yet

#15

ἔλθῃ

G2064

come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#16

καὶ,

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

ὅταν

G3752

when

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

#18

ἔλθῃ

G2064

come

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#19

ὀλίγον

G3641

a short space

puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat

#20

αὐτὸν

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#21

δεῖ

G1163

must

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

#22

μεῖναι

G3306

continue

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?