καὶ

Alphabet Analysis

The word

1. word🔊 καὶ

   kai

   and
2. sentence🔊 καὶ τὸ θηρίον ὃ ἦν καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν καὶ αὐτὸς ὄγδοός ἐστιν καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἑπτά ἐστιν καὶ εἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει

   kai to thê-RI-on ho ÊN kai ouk ES-tin kai au-TOS OG-do-OS es-TIN kai ek tÔN hep-TA es-TIN kai eis a-PÔ-lei-an hy-PA-gei

   and the beast which was and not is and he himself eighth is and from the seven is and to destruction goes

Exegesis

The verse begins with the conjunction kai {καὶ | kaí} linking this statement to the surrounding vision, with the articular noun phrase to thērion {τὸ θηρίον | tò thḗ-ri-on} functioning as the subject.

This subject is immediately qualified by the relative clause ho ēn kai ouk estin {ὃ ἦν καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν | hó ên kaí ouk é-stin}, which combines an imperfect “was” with a present negated “is not,” creating a stark contrast that marks a change of state and echoes the visionary formula used elsewhere in the chapter.

The conjunction kai continues the sequence: kai autos ogdoos estin {καὶ αὐτὸς ὄγδοός ἐστιν | kaí autós óg-do-os é-stin} uses autos for intensification, emphasizing “itself” as the one that “is an eighth,” with the predicate adjective ogdoos used substantivally, implying an “eighth” in a series of entities already in view.

The following clause kai ek tōn hepta estin {καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἑπτά ἐστιν | kaí ek tôn hep-tá é-stin} employs ek with the genitive to express origin or derivation, showing that this “eighth” arises out of or belongs to the group of seven.

The final coordinated clause kai eis apōleian hypagei {καὶ εἰς ἀπώλειαν ὑπάγει | kaí eis apṓ-lei-an hypá-gei} uses eis with the accusative to express movement toward a goal, with the present hypagei conveying a certain, underway progression toward “destruction.” The series of kai-linked clauses builds a compact profile: identity (the beast), paradoxical existence (was and is not), numerical relation (eighth yet from the seven), and destined outcome (going into destruction). English renderings maintain this clausal chaining and preserve the present aspect of hypagei by using “is going” and “is headed,” which communicate an assured but not yet completed fate.