Revelation 17:8
The beast that you saw--it was, and now is no more, but is about to come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. And those who dwell on the earth whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet will be.
The beast that you saw—it was, and now is no more, but is about to come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction.
This phrase refers to a symbolic entity known as "the beast," which is often interpreted as a representation of a powerful, evil force or empire. The description "it was, and now is no more" suggests a past existence and a temporary absence, indicating a historical power that once was dominant but has since fallen. The "Abyss" is a term used in biblical literature to describe a place of confinement for evil spirits, suggesting that the beast's re-emergence is a supernatural event. The phrase "go to its destruction" indicates a predetermined end, aligning with biblical prophecies of ultimate judgment and defeat of evil forces, as seen in Daniel 7 and Revelation 19.

And those who dwell on the earth whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet will be.
This part of the verse highlights the reaction of the earth's inhabitants who are not part of the redeemed, as their names are not in the "Book of Life." This book is a metaphorical record of those who are saved, mentioned in other scriptures such as Philippians 4:3 and Revelation 3:5. The phrase "from the foundation of the world" suggests the eternal nature of God's plan and foreknowledge. The marveling of those who dwell on the earth indicates a sense of awe or confusion at the beast's reappearance, reflecting a lack of spiritual insight or understanding. The repetition of "was, and is not, and yet will be" emphasizes the cyclical and deceptive nature of evil powers, echoing themes of false resurrection and imitation of Christ's eternal nature.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Beast
Represents a powerful, evil entity or empire that opposes God. It "was, and is not, and is about to rise," indicating a cyclical or resurrected nature of evil power.

2. The Abyss
A place of confinement for evil spirits, often associated with chaos and the underworld in biblical literature.

3. The Book of Life
A heavenly record of those who belong to God, whose names are written from the foundation of the world, signifying eternal security and divine election.

4. Those Who Dwell on the Earth
Refers to people who are not aligned with God, often used in Revelation to describe those who follow worldly systems and reject divine truth.

5. Destruction
The ultimate fate of the beast, indicating God's final victory over evil.
Teaching Points
The Nature of Evil
Evil may seem to disappear but often re-emerges in different forms. Believers must remain vigilant and discerning.

The Assurance of Salvation
Those whose names are written in the Book of Life have eternal security. This should encourage believers to live confidently in their faith.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the rise of evil, God is in control, and the ultimate destruction of the beast is assured. Trust in God's plan and timing.

The Call to Witness
Understanding the fate of those not in the Book of Life should motivate believers to share the Gospel with urgency.

Spiritual Discernment
Believers are called to discern the times and recognize the spiritual realities behind worldly events.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of the beast in Revelation 17:8 challenge or affirm your understanding of evil in the world today?

2. In what ways can the assurance of having your name in the Book of Life impact your daily life and decisions?

3. How can the cyclical nature of evil's rise and fall encourage you to remain steadfast in your faith?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually discerning the events and influences around you?

5. How does the ultimate destruction of the beast inspire you to share the Gospel with those who do not know Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 7
The vision of the four beasts, which parallels the imagery of Revelation, showing the rise and fall of empires opposed to God.

2 Thessalonians 2
Discusses the "man of lawlessness" who will be revealed, similar to the beast's rise from the abyss.

Exodus 32
The concept of the "book" where names are written, relating to the Book of Life mentioned in Revelation.

Philippians 4
Paul speaks of fellow workers whose names are in the Book of Life, emphasizing the assurance of salvation.
A Picture of Moral ErrorD. Thomas Revelation 17:7-13
A Picture of Moral ErrorD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 17:7-14
The Army of the LambA. Roberts, M. A.Revelation 17:7-14
The Great Moral CampaignD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 17:7-14
The Overcoming LambC. H. Wetherbe.Revelation 17:7-14
The Royal ChristC. Conway, B. A.Revelation 17:7-14
War and ConquestW. S. Edwards.Revelation 17:7-14
People
John
Places
Babylon, Patmos
Topics
Abyss, Although, Amazement, Ascend, Astonished, Beast, Behold, Beholding, Book, Bottomless, Creation, Deep, Destined, Destruction, Dwell, Dwellers, Dwelling, Filled, Foundation, Founding, Full, Inhabitants, Marvel, Names, Perdition, Pit, Present, Re-ascend, Recorded, Sawest, Scroll, Seeing, Wild, Wonder, Written, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 17:8

     5295   destruction
     9105   last things
     9414   heaven, community of redeemed
     9420   book of life
     9512   hell, experience
     9520   Abyss, the

Revelation 17:1-18

     4125   Satan, agents of

Revelation 17:3-8

     4654   horn

Revelation 17:5-8

     6694   mystery

Revelation 17:7-9

     5935   riddles

Revelation 17:7-13

     4627   creatures

Revelation 17:7-14

     4609   beast, the
     9115   antichrist, the

Library
The Present Distress of Nations.
"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them with fear, and for looking after those things which are coming to pass on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25, 26). As we have already remarked more than once, prophecy invariably has a double fulfillment at least, and so we believe it is with the one just quoted. Directly, it has reference
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

The vineyard Labourers.
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things,
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The First Great Group of Parables.
(Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision B. Parable of the Sower. ^A Matt. XIII. 3-23; ^B Mark IV. 3-25; ^C Luke VIII. 5-18. ^a Behold, ^c 5 The sower went forth to sow his seed [Orientals live in cities and towns. Isolated farmhouses are practically unknown. A farmer may therefore live several miles from his field, in which case he literally "goes forth" to it]: ^b 4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed { ^a seeds } fell by the way side, ^c and it was trodden under foot, and the birds of
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Conclusion
"Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6). In our Foreword to the Second Edition we acknowledge the need for preserving the balance of Truth. Two things are beyond dispute: God is Sovereign, man is responsible. In this book we have sought to expound the former; in our other works we have frequently pressed the latter. That there is real danger of over-emphasising the one and ignoring the other, we readily admit; yea, history furnishes numerous examples of cases of each. To emphasise
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Links
Revelation 17:8 NIV
Revelation 17:8 NLT
Revelation 17:8 ESV
Revelation 17:8 NASB
Revelation 17:8 KJV

Revelation 17:8 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Revelation 17:7
Top of Page
Top of Page