Revelation 13:7

KJV

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it was given {G1325} unto him {G846} to make {G4160} war {G4171} with {G3326} the saints {G40}, and {G2532} to overcome {G3528} them {G846}: and {G2532} power {G1849} was given {G1325} him {G846} over {G1909} all {G3956} kindreds {G5443}, and {G2532} tongues {G1100}, and {G2532} nations {G1484}.

Complete Jewish Bible

it was allowed to make war on God’s holy people and to defeat them; and it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.

American Standard Version

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and there was given to him authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 13:7 unveils the formidable, divinely permitted power of the first beast, an entity that embodies oppressive political and spiritual authority. This verse details the beast's two-fold mission: to wage war against God's people, the saints, and to seemingly overcome them, alongside its granted dominion over every people group, language, and nation. It underscores a period of intense tribulation and global influence, yet subtly affirms God's ultimate sovereignty by emphasizing that the beast's power is not inherent but "given" to it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 13 introduces two pivotal figures in eschatological prophecy: the first beast, rising from the sea, and the second beast, emerging from the earth. Verse 7 specifically elaborates on the authority and actions of the first beast, which is initially described in [Revelation 13:1-2](/revelation/13-1-2 "Revelation 13:1-2 - The Beast from the Sea") as having characteristics of a leopard, bear, and lion, and receiving its power, throne, and great authority from the dragon, identified as Satan in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Great Dragon, Satan"). The preceding verses detail the world's worship of the beast and the dragon, the beast's blasphemous speech against God, and its forty-two-month period of authority ([Revelation 13:5-6](/revelation/13-5-6 "Revelation 13:5-6 - The Beast's Blasphemous Authority")). Thus, [Revelation 13:7](/revelation/13-7 "Revelation 13:7 - The Beast's War Against the Saints") serves as a climax to the description of the beast's power, illustrating the direct impact of its authority on the saints and its global reach, setting the stage for the call to endurance in [Revelation 13:10](/revelation/13-10 "Revelation 13:10 - Call for Endurance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's vision in Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution for early Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian (c. AD 81-96). The imagery of the "beast" would have resonated deeply with a Jewish and Christian audience familiar with Old Testament prophetic literature, particularly Daniel's visions of successive empires ([Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts")). Rome, with its imperial cult demanding worship of the emperor, presented a direct challenge to Christian monotheism and loyalty to Christ alone. The "war with the saints" reflects the real-life experience of martyrdom and suffering faced by believers who refused to compromise their faith. The beast's universal authority "over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations" would have evoked the vast, seemingly invincible reach of the Roman Empire, which indeed encompassed diverse peoples and languages across its territories, making its demands for allegiance a global phenomenon in the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the **persecution and suffering of the saints**, a recurring motif throughout the book, emphasizing that faithfulness to Christ will often incur the wrath of worldly powers. Secondly, it underscores the **universal reach of evil's influence**, depicting a global system that seeks to dominate and deceive all humanity, mirroring the universal scope of the gospel but in a perverted, oppressive form. Thirdly, and crucially, the repeated phrase "it was given unto him" emphasizes the theme of **divine sovereignty**, asserting that even the most formidable expressions of evil operate only within the bounds of God's permissive will. This provides a theological framework for understanding that despite the apparent triumph of the beast, its power is limited, temporary, and ultimately subject to God's overarching plan, as seen in passages like [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms") where the Most High rules in the kingdom of men.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This word, appearing twice in the verse, signifies that the beast's power is not inherent or self-derived, but rather bestowed upon it. The passive voice of the verb (ἐδόθη, _edothē_) strongly implies a divine agent as the ultimate source of this permission, even if the immediate giver is the dragon (Satan) as described in [Revelation 13:2](/revelation/13-2 "Revelation 13:2 - The Dragon Gives Power to the Beast"). This highlights God's ultimate sovereignty, even over the forces of evil; nothing occurs outside of His permissive will or overarching plan.
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** This term denotes authority, privilege, or delegated influence. It's not merely raw strength (δύναμις, _dynamis_), but legitimate (though in this context, illegitimate in its application) right or jurisdiction. The beast is granted not just the ability to act, but the *right* to exercise dominion, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of its global control. This authority is presented as a temporary, yet formidable, delegation.
* **overcome (Greek, _nikáō'_):** Meaning "to subdue, conquer, or prevail," this word describes the beast's apparent success against the saints. In the context of Revelation, "overcoming" often refers to spiritual victory (e.g., [Revelation 2:7](/revelation/2-7 "Revelation 2:7 - To Him Who Overcomes")), but here, when applied to the beast's actions against the saints, it typically refers to physical defeat, persecution, and martyrdom. The saints may be physically overcome, but their spiritual victory and ultimate triumph in Christ remain assured ([Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - They Overcame by the Blood of the Lamb")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them:"** This clause reveals the primary, direct action of the beast against God's people. The passive "it was given" underscores divine permission, not divine endorsement. The "war" (πόλεμος, _polemos_) is not merely ideological conflict but active, hostile engagement, leading to persecution and martyrdom. To "overcome them" (νικῆσαι αὐτούς, _nikēsai autous_) signifies a temporary physical victory for the beast, where the saints suffer and may even be killed, but it does not imply a spiritual defeat or loss of their faith or salvation. Their ultimate victory is secured in Christ.
* **"and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations."** This second clause describes the vast, universal scope of the beast's authority. The repetition of "power was given him" reinforces the concept of delegated authority. "Kindreds" (φυλὰς, _phylas_) refers to tribes or ethnic groups, "tongues" (γλώσσας, _glōssas_) to languages, and "nations" (ἔθνη, _ethnē_) to peoples or Gentiles. This comprehensive list emphasizes the global, all-encompassing nature of the beast's dominion, indicating that its influence and control will extend to every corner of the earth, affecting every segment of humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 13:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "the beast" serving as a multifaceted symbol for oppressive, anti-God political and spiritual powers throughout history, culminating in a final, global manifestation. The "war with the saints" symbolizes the relentless persecution and martyrdom faced by believers for their faith. The phrase "it was given unto him" utilizes the **divine passive**, a grammatical construction where the agent of an action is God, even if not explicitly named. This subtly yet powerfully asserts God's ultimate **sovereignty** and control, even over the seemingly autonomous forces of evil. Furthermore, the comprehensive list "all kindreds, and tongues, and nations" functions as **totalizing language** or **hyperbole**, emphasizing the vast, universal reach of the beast's authority and influence, portraying it as a global system of control and deception that aims for complete dominion over humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 13:7 is a stark reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the nature of evil in the world, yet it is framed within the unwavering truth of God's ultimate sovereignty. The beast's ability to "make war with the saints" and "overcome them" highlights the intense tribulation and persecution that God's people may face, particularly in the last days. This "overcoming" is understood not as a spiritual defeat, but as physical suffering or martyrdom, which, paradoxically, becomes the means by which the saints ultimately "overcome" the beast through their faithful testimony and sacrifice. The global reach of the beast's power underscores the pervasive nature of sin and rebellion against God, manifesting in systems that demand allegiance contrary to divine truth. However, the repeated phrase "it was given unto him" serves as a profound theological anchor, assuring believers that even at the height of evil's apparent triumph, its power is limited, temporary, and entirely subject to the permissive will of a sovereign God. This truth provides comfort and calls for endurance, knowing that evil's reign is finite and its ultimate defeat is certain.

* [Daniel 7:21](/daniel/7-21 "Daniel 7:21 - The Little Horn Makes War with the Saints")
* [Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb")
* [Revelation 15:2](/revelation/15-2 "Revelation 15:2 - Those Who Overcome the Beast")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 13:7 presents a sobering picture of the challenges believers may face, yet it simultaneously offers profound truths for reflection and practical application in our lives today. It calls us to a deeper understanding of spiritual realities and the nature of the world's opposition to Christ. Firstly, the verse compels us to cultivate **unwavering faithfulness** in the face of adversity. The "overcoming" of the saints by the beast speaks to physical suffering and martyrdom, not a spiritual defeat. Our ultimate victory is secured in Christ, and our call is to endure, even unto death, trusting in His ultimate triumph. Secondly, the global authority of the beast emphasizes the critical need for **discernment**. We must be vigilant in identifying and resisting worldly systems, ideologies, and cultural currents that subtly or overtly demand allegiance that compromises our loyalty to Christ. This requires a robust biblical worldview and a Spirit-led ability to distinguish truth from deception. Finally, the repeated phrase "it was given unto him" provides immense **hope and comfort**. It reminds us that even the most formidable evil operates under God's sovereign hand. His permission is not endorsement, and His control means that evil's reign is temporary and its ultimate defeat is assured. This truth empowers us to live courageously, knowing that our God is on the throne, and His purposes will ultimately prevail, transforming the kingdoms of this world into the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the understanding that the beast's power is "given" to it impact your view of God's sovereignty in the face of evil and suffering in the world?**
* **In what ways might the "war with the saints" manifest in contemporary society, and how can believers prepare to remain faithful amidst such challenges?**
* **Given the beast's global authority, what specific areas of your life or culture might require greater discernment to ensure your allegiance remains solely with Christ?**
* **How does the ultimate victory of the saints, despite being "overcome" physically, encourage your perseverance in faith?**

### FAQ

**What does "overcome them" mean in the context of the saints?**

Answer: In Revelation 13:7, when the beast is said "to overcome them" (the saints), it primarily refers to a physical, not spiritual, defeat. This means the beast is given permission to persecute, imprison, and even martyr believers. It does not imply that the saints lose their faith, their salvation, or their spiritual standing before God. In fact, Revelation consistently portrays those who are martyred for Christ as ultimately victorious and reigning with Him ([Revelation 20:4](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4 - Reigning with Christ")). Their faithfulness unto death is a testament to their true victory in Christ, even as they suffer physically. This paradox is a key theme in the book: apparent defeat in the world leads to ultimate triumph in God's kingdom.

**If God is sovereign, why would He "give" power to such an evil entity to persecute His saints?**

Answer: The phrase "it was given unto him" emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty, even over the forces of evil. This does not mean God approves of or desires evil, but rather that He permits it to operate within the bounds of His overarching divine plan. This permission serves several purposes within God's mysterious wisdom: it tests and refines the faith of believers ([1 Peter 1:6-7](/1_peter/1-6-7 "1 Peter 1:6-7 - The Testing of Your Faith")), it exposes the true nature of evil and its rebellion against God, and it ultimately highlights God's justice and power when He finally defeats and judges all evil. The temporary reign of evil serves to magnify God's glory and the triumph of Christ's kingdom, demonstrating that nothing, not even the most formidable evil, can thwart His ultimate purposes ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")).

**Does the beast's power "over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations" imply a literal one-world government?**

Answer: The phrase "over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations" signifies the global, universal scope of the beast's influence and authority. While interpretations vary, many scholars understand this to mean a widespread, pervasive system of control that impacts every people group and nation on earth, rather than necessarily a single, literal political one-world government in the modern sense. It speaks to a comprehensive spiritual and political dominion that demands allegiance from all humanity, mirroring the universal reach of the gospel. This global influence could manifest through various means, including economic control, ideological conformity, and widespread deception, affecting every segment of society and every corner of the world ([Revelation 13:16-17](/revelation/13-16-17 "Revelation 13:16-17 - The Mark of the Beast")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 13:7 vividly portrays the formidable power and global reach of the beast and its persecution of the saints, its ultimate theological significance is profoundly Christ-centered. The apparent "overcoming" of the saints by the beast is juxtaposed against the ultimate and decisive victory of Jesus Christ. He is the true "overcomer," who has already triumphed over Satan, sin, and death through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers")). The Lamb of God, though seemingly "slain" ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb Standing as if Slain")), is the one worthy to open the scroll, possessing all power and authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The "war with the saints" echoes Christ's own suffering and persecution at the hands of worldly powers, identifying believers with their suffering Lord ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in His Sufferings")). Moreover, the saints' ultimate victory, even through martyrdom, is a participation in Christ's triumph, for they overcome "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death" ([Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb")). Thus, the beast's temporary, permitted power is ultimately subsumed by the eternal, sovereign reign of Christ, who will ultimately cast down all opposing powers and establish His kingdom over "all kindreds, and tongues, and nations" forever ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 7:21

I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;

Revelation 11:7

And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

Revelation 12:17

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Daniel 8:24

And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

Daniel 8:25

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

Daniel 12:1

¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.