What does Revelation 17:11 mean?

The angel's explanation of John's symbolic vision (Revelation 17:1–6) continues by focusing on the beast. Varied interpretations of Revelation tend to converge here and identify this specific creature as the Antichrist. The beast had a past but not a present: it "was," but it "is not." However, it will emerge from the seventh form of government and take its place as the eighth form of government. It will be destroyed, though. The most likely interpretation of this passage is as a reference to the seventh form of Roman government, in this case the Revived Roman Empire which comes into existence at the beginning of the tribulation. Ten kings will govern this political structure, but the beast from the sea (Revelation 13:1), will succeed these kings and become the dictatorial head of the Revived Roman Empire.

This takeover will introduce the eighth form of Roman government. The eighth form of Roman government will end when the beast—the head of the Revived Roman Empire—is cast into the lake of fire at the hands of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:20 says, "And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur."