TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
KJV (with Strong's)
These G3778 shall make war G4170 with G3326 the Lamb G721, and G2532 the Lamb G721 shall overcome G3528 them G846: for G3754 he is G2076 Lord G2962 of lords G2962, and G2532 King G935 of kings G935: and G2532 they that are with G3326 him G846 are called G2822, and G2532 chosen G1588, and G2532 faithful G4103.
Complete Jewish Bible
They will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are called, chosen and faithful will overcome along with him.”
Berean Standard Bible
They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”
American Standard Version
These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they also shall overcome that are with him, called and chosen and faithful.
World English Bible Messianic
These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and those who are with him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
These shall fight with the Lambe, and the Lambe shall ouercome them: for he is Lord of Lordes, and King of Kings: and they that are on his side, called, and chosen, and faithfull.
Young's Literal Translation
these with the Lamb shall make war, and the Lamb shall overcome them, because Lord of lords he is, and King of kings, and those with him are called, and choice, and stedfast.'
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In the KJVVerse 30,990 of 31,102
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Commentary on Revelation 17 verses 14–18
14 ¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
Here we have some account of the downfall of Babylon, to be more fully described in the following chapter.
I. Here is a war begun between the beast and his followers, and the Lamb and his followers. The beast and his army, to an eye of sense, appear much stronger than the Lamb and his army: one would think an army with a lamb at the head of them could not stand before the great red dragon. But,
II. Here is a victory gained by the Lamb: The Lamb shall overcome. Christ must reign till all enemies be put under his feet; he will be sure to meet with many enemies, and much opposition, but he will also be sure to gain the victory.
III. Here is the ground or reason of the victory assigned; and this is taken, 1. From the character of the Lamb: He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He has, both by nature and by office, supreme dominion and power over all things; all the powers of earth and hell are subject to his check and control. 2. From the character of his followers: They are called, and chosen, and faithful. They are called out by commission to this warfare; they are chosen and fitted for it, and they will be faithful in it. Such an army, under such a commander, will at length carry all the world before them.
IV. The victory is justly aggrandized. 1. By the vast multitude who paid obedience and subjection to the beast and to the whore. She sat upon (that is, presided over) many waters; and these waters were so many multitudes of people, and nations, of all languages; yea, she reigned not only over kingdoms, but over the kings, and they were her tributaries and vassals, Rev 17:15, Rev 17:18. 2. By the powerful influence which God hereby showed he had over the minds of great men. Their hearts were in his hand, and he turned them as he pleased; for, (1.) It was of God, and to fulfil his will, that these kings agreed to give their kingdom unto the beast; they were judicially blinded and hardened to do so. And, (2.) It was of God that afterwards their hearts were turned against the whore, to hate her, and to make her desolate and naked, and to eat her flesh, and burn her with fire; they shall at length see their folly, and how they have been bewitched and enslaved by the papacy, and, out of a just resentment, shall not only fall off from Rome, but shall be made the instruments of God's providence in her destruction.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–18. Public domain.
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TertullianAD 220
On Baptism
We have indeed, likewise, a second font, (itself withal one with the former, ) of blood, to wit; concerning which the Lord said, "I have to be baptized with a baptism," when He had been baptized already. For He had come "by means of water and blood," just as John has written; that He might be baptized by the water, glorified by the blood; to make us, in like manner, called by water, chosen by blood. These two baptisms He sent out from the wound in His pierced side, in order that they who believed in His blood might be bathed with the water; they who had been bathed in the water might likewise drink the blood. This is the baptism which both stands in lieu of the fontal bathing when that has not been received, and restores it when lost.
Victorinus of PettauAD 304
Commentary on the Apocalypse of the Blessed John
"And the beast which thou sawest is of the seven." Since before those kings Nero reigned.
"And he is the eighth." He says only when this beast shall come, reckon it the eighth place, since in that is the completion. He added:-
"And shall go into perdition." For that ten kings received royal power when he shall move from the east, he says. He shall be sent from the city of Rome with his armies. And Daniel sets forth the ten horns and the ten diadems. And that these are eradicated from the former ones,-that is, that three of the principal leaders are killed by Antichrist: that the other seven give him honour and wisdom and power, of whom he says:-
"These shall hate the whore, to wit, the city, and shall burn her flesh with fire." Now that one of the heads was, as it were, slain to death, and that the stroke of his death was directed, he speaks of Nero. For it is plain that when the cavalry sent by the senate was pursuing him, he himself cut his throat. Him therefore, when raised up, God will send as a worthy king, but worthy in such a way as the Jews merited. And since he is to have another name, He shall also appoint another name, that so the Jews may receive him as if he were the Christ. Says Daniel: "He shall not know the lust of women, although before he was most impure, and he shall know no God of his fathers: for he will not be able to seduce the people of the circumcision, unless he is a judge of the law." Finally, also, he will recall the saints, not to the worship of idols, but to undertake circumcision, and, if he is able, to seduce any; for he shall so conduct himself as to be called Christ by them. But that he rises again from hell, we have said above in the word of Isaiah: "Water shall nourish him, and hell hath increased him; "who, however, must come with name unchanged, and doings unchanged, as says the Spirit.
Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 17:13-14
It now says clearly that that power that they had received with the beast they will hand over to the beast, that is, to that head that seemed to have died and to have come to life again. For by a common consent and will they will give to him every worship of their desire and effort and exhibit their servitude.… Although it is describing the power of this adversarial body, it now rightly foretells the victory of the Lamb. And to indicate that he will triumph in his followers, it adds, “And those with him, the elect, the faithful and the called.” And with good reason does it mention the elect first, for the Lord said, “Many are called, but few are chosen.”
Andreas of CaesareaAD 614
COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 17:13-14
Indeed! For “no one can serve two masters.” And so those who conspire together with an evil agreement and ally themselves with the antichrist will oppose themselves to Christ. However, the Lamb of God who was slain for us will conquer them. For he was not deprived of his kingdom and lordship over all things when he became man, so that he might acquire even his elect as participants in his own rule.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
And those who are with him are called, chosen, and faithful. He rightly prefixed chosen, for many are called, but few are chosen.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
These will make war with the Lamb, etc. So that human weakness would not fear the cruelty of the ancient enemy, he describes the beast with seven heads armed with the horns of secular power, defeated by Christ's triumph, and added, indicating that he triumphs in his own:
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
He says these "will make war with the Lamb." For before they are completely overthrown by the Antichrist, these will persecute the church about which the book speaks. But Christ will prevail; for though they are evil, he will deliver them over to the worse Antichrist unto death. And in another way Christ will conquer: he will grant his servants endurance unto death for the faith striving toward him.
For he says they "are called and chosen and faithful", those, that is, who are servants of Christ.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 17:14 is a powerful declaration of the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ, referred to as "the Lamb," over all opposing earthly and demonic powers. It asserts His supreme sovereignty as "Lord of lords and King of kings," highlighting that despite the formidable alliance of worldly powers against Him, His victory is absolute and inevitable. This verse also identifies His followers as those who are divinely "called, chosen, and faithful," emphasizing their secure position and steadfast loyalty in the cosmic conflict that culminates in the Lamb's ultimate reign.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 17:14 employs several powerful literary devices. Symbolism is central, particularly with "the Lamb," which paradoxically represents both the sacrificial meekness of Christ and His conquering power. This creates a profound irony: the seemingly weak Lamb is the one who ultimately overcomes the mighty beast and kings. The title "Lord of lords, and King of kings" is a form of hyperbole or superlative, emphasizing Christ's absolute and unrivaled authority by elevating Him above all other rulers, echoing ancient Near Eastern imperial titles but applying them to the divine. The phrase "make war with the Lamb" followed by "the Lamb shall overcome them" creates a stark juxtaposition that highlights the futility of rebellion against divine power and underscores the certainty of Christ's victory. The concluding description of Christ's followers as "called, and chosen, and faithful" utilizes a tricolon, a series of three parallel words or phrases, which adds emphasis and completeness to their identity, highlighting both divine initiative and human response.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 17:14 stands as a foundational declaration of Christ's ultimate eschatological triumph, reinforcing the biblical theme of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and history. It assures believers that no earthly power, however formidable or unified, can ultimately thwart God's divine plan or overcome His anointed King. The verse not only prophesies a future victory but also underscores the present reality of Christ's dominion, offering profound comfort and a call to steadfast allegiance. The identity of those "with him" as "called, chosen, and faithful" highlights the dual aspect of divine election and human perseverance, emphasizing that true discipleship involves both God's gracious initiative and a responsive, enduring loyalty to Christ, even in the face of intense opposition. This truth empowers believers to live confidently, knowing their ultimate allegiance is to the true King of kings.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 17:14 offers profound comfort and a clear call to action for believers in every age. In a world that often appears chaotic, hostile to Christian values, and dominated by forces seemingly opposed to God's kingdom, this verse provides an unshakeable anchor of hope. It reminds us that no matter how powerful or organized the opposition to Christ may seem—whether it be political systems, cultural ideologies, or spiritual adversaries—their ultimate defeat is not merely a possibility but a divine certainty. The Lamb, who once suffered, now reigns supreme and will decisively overcome all His enemies. This truth should instill in us a deep sense of peace and confidence, freeing us from fear and empowering us to live boldly for Christ. Furthermore, the description of those "with him" as "called, chosen, and faithful" serves as a powerful reminder of our identity and responsibility. It challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we truly living as those who are called by God, chosen for His purposes, and demonstrating steadfast faithfulness to Christ in our daily choices, our witness, and our perseverance amidst trials? Our faithfulness is not a means to earn salvation, but the authentic and necessary characteristic of those who belong to the victorious Lamb and share in His eternal reign.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "these" that make war with the Lamb?
Answer: "These" refer to the ten kings who are allied with the beast, as described in Revelation 17:12-13. In the broader context of Revelation, this represents the culmination of all earthly and demonic powers that oppose God and His Christ. This coalition embodies the final, desperate rebellion of humanity and spiritual forces against the Lamb's rightful sovereignty, ultimately leading to their decisive defeat.
Why is Jesus referred to as "the Lamb" in this verse, especially when He is described as a conquering figure?
Answer: The title "the Lamb" (Greek, arníon) is used throughout the Book of Revelation to refer to Jesus Christ, appearing 29 times. It is a profound symbol that combines His sacrificial work (recalling the Passover lamb and the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" in John 1:29) with His divine power and authority. The irony is intentional: the one who was meek and slain is now the mighty conqueror. This paradox highlights that Christ's victory is achieved not through conventional worldly power but through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, which ultimately disarmed all opposing powers (Colossians 2:15). Thus, the Lamb is both the redeemer and the reigning King.
What is the significance of being "called, and chosen, and faithful"?
Answer: This tri-fold description defines the true followers of the Lamb. "Called" (Greek, klētós) refers to God's gracious invitation to salvation, extended to all who hear the gospel. "Chosen" (Greek, eklektós) points to God's sovereign election, indicating that those who respond are divinely selected for His purposes, a theme seen in passages like Matthew 22:14 and Ephesians 1:4. "Faithful" (Greek, pistós) describes the necessary and enduring response of believers—their steadfast loyalty, trust, and obedience to Christ. It signifies that those who are truly called and chosen will demonstrate persistent faithfulness, even in the face of persecution, confirming their genuine relationship with the victorious Lamb.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 17:14 is a powerful declaration of Christ's ultimate supremacy, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a reigning Messiah who would establish an eternal kingdom. The title "Lord of lords, and King of kings" echoes ancient prophecies of divine sovereignty, such as those found in Daniel 2:44 which speaks of a kingdom that will never be destroyed. Jesus, as the Lamb, embodies the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, being the ultimate Passover Lamb whose blood secures victory not through earthly conquest but through redemptive suffering. His overcoming of the beast and kings is a culmination of His victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, already achieved at the cross and resurrection (Colossians 2:15). The "war" described here is the final manifestation of the cosmic conflict that began in Eden, now decisively concluded by the One to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given. Those who are "called, and chosen, and faithful" are the Church, His body, who participate in His victory by virtue of their union with Him, standing firm in the faith until the glorious revelation of their King of kings.