Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Seven kings (basileiv epta). This is another change in the symbolism. The identification of these seven kings is one of the puzzles of the book.
The five are fallen (oi pente epesan). Second aorist active indicative of piptw with the -an ending. Common for the downfall of kings (Ezekiel 29:5; Ezekiel 30:6; Isaiah 21:9, etc.). See 2 Samuel 3:38.
The one is (o eiv estin). The one when this vision is dated.
The other is not yet come (o allov oupw hlqen). Prophetic second aorist active of erxomai. Charles takes this as the date of this "source" or part of the Apocalypse. But John could himself have used this language in the time of Domitian even if he was the one who had not yet come. The difficulty about counting these emperors is that Galba, Otho, Vitellius reigned so briefly that they hardly merit being included.
When he cometh (otan elqh). Indefinite temporal clause for the future, with otan and the second aorist active subjunctive of erxomai, "whenever he comes."
He must continue a little while (oligon auton dei meinai). Swete takes this to be Titus, who died September 13, 81, after a short reign.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
1 John 3:2
Revelation 13:3
Revelation 17:7
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