{Is himself also an eighth and is of the seven} (kai autos
ogdoos kai ek t(936e) hepta). This is the angel's interpretation and
it looks like a reference to Domitian as the eighth, who is
regarded as one of the seven because he was considered a second
Nero (Nero _redivivus_). For ek t(936e) hepta see  Ac 21:8 . John
may have used ek t(936e) instead of heis ek t(936e) to avoid absolute
identity between Domitian and Nero (Beckwith). {And he goeth unto
perdition} (kai eis ap(936c)eian hupagei). As in verse  8 .
"Domitian was assassinated (September 18, 96), after a terrible
struggle with his murderers. The tyrant's end was a symbol of the
end to which the Beast which he personated was hastening"
(Swete). Cf.  19:11-21 .