ISB ~ Revelation 17 v8

was, and is not, and is to ascend:The description of the beast is a parody of the Lord’s name in 1:4, 8, and 4:8. Some interpret this as an allusion to the Nero redivivus legend, a popular belief in the first century that Nero, despite reports of his death, had secretly escaped to Parthia and would return with an army to reclaim the Roman Empire. Ultimately, it seems to refer to the “coming” of the Antichrist at the end of time (2Thess 2:8-10), the lawless one whom Paul calls “the son of perdition” (2 Thess 2:3).

bottomless pit:The abyss. See note on Rev 9:1.

perdition:The beast is destined for the lake of eternal fire (19:20).

book of life:A heavenly registry of the saints. See note on Rev 20:12.