Revelation 17:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} God {G2316} hath put {G1325} in {G1519} their {G846} hearts {G2588} to fulfil {G4160} his {G846} will {G1106}, and {G2532} to agree {G4160}{G3391}{G1106}, and {G2532} give {G1325} their {G846} kingdom {G932} unto the beast {G2342}, until {G891} the words {G4487} of God {G2316} shall be fulfilled {G5055}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For God put it in their hearts to do what will fulfill his purpose, that is, to be of one mind and give their kingdom to the beast until God’s words have accomplished their intent.

Berean Standard Bible

For God has put it into their hearts to carry out His purpose by uniting to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.

American Standard Version

For God did put in their hearts to do his mind, and to come to one mind, and to give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 17:17 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over human history, particularly in the unfolding of end-time events. It reveals that even the seemingly autonomous and malevolent actions of the ten kings, who willingly unite with and empower the beast, are not outside of divine control but are, in fact, orchestrated by God Himself. This orchestration serves to ensure the precise fulfillment of His predetermined will and prophetic declarations, culminating in the ultimate triumph of His divine plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the highly symbolic and climactic visions of [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Judgment of Babylon and the Beast"). Immediately preceding it, the apostle John describes the "great whore" (Babylon the Great) seated upon a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns, an entity that embodies both political power and spiritual rebellion against God ([Revelation 17:3-7](/revelation/17-3-7 "Revelation 17:3-7 - The Woman and the Beast")). The ten horns are explicitly identified as ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom but will receive authority alongside the beast for a limited time ([Revelation 17:12](/revelation/17-12 "Revelation 17:12 - The Ten Kings")). The preceding verse, [Revelation 17:16](/revelation/17-16 "Revelation 17:16 - The Kings Turn on the Harlot"), details how these very kings, along with the beast, will turn against the harlot, making her desolate and naked, devouring her flesh, and burning her with fire. [Revelation 17:17](/revelation/17-17 "Revelation 17:17 - God's Sovereign Will") then provides the theological explanation for this astonishing turn of events: their actions, though seemingly driven by their own malice, are fundamentally a fulfillment of God's deeper purpose. This divine orchestration sets the stage for the beast's temporary reign and the subsequent, inevitable judgment of Babylon, as further elaborated in the following chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Revelation was written by John during a period of intense persecution of Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian, around the late first century AD. The apocalyptic genre, characterized by rich symbolism, visions, and a focus on divine intervention in history, served to offer hope and reassurance to a suffering church. The imagery of "Babylon" often alluded to Rome, the dominant oppressive power of the time, and the "beast" represented the anti-God imperial authority. The concept of earthly rulers and empires being subject to a higher, divine will was not new; it resonated with Old Testament prophetic traditions where God used nations, even pagan ones, as instruments of His judgment or to fulfill His purposes (e.g., Assyria and Babylon against Israel). The audience would have understood that even the most formidable human powers were ultimately under the sovereign hand of God, and their rise and fall were part of His grand historical design.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 17:17](/revelation/17-17 "Revelation 17:17 - God's Sovereignty in End Times") is a linchpin for several profound theological themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative.
* **God's Sovereign Control:** The primary message is God's absolute and unassailable sovereignty over all creation and history. Even the malevolent intentions and actions of wicked rulers and their alliance with the beast are not random or beyond His purview. Instead, they are divinely superintended to serve His ultimate plan. This echoes the truth found in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"), which states, "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The phrase "until the words of God shall be fulfilled" underscores the certainty, inevitability, and precision of biblical prophecy. God's declared plan for history, encompassing the rise and fall of kingdoms, the temporary triumph of evil, and the ultimate victory of Christ, will unfold exactly as He has decreed. This certainty provides immense comfort, affirming that God's word "shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")). The kings' actions, though seemingly against God, paradoxically serve as instruments for bringing about His ultimate purposes.
* **Divine Orchestration of Evil:** This verse highlights a challenging but crucial theological concept: God can utilize even the wicked intentions and actions of humanity to accomplish His righteous will. The kings agree to empower the beast, but this agreement is "put in their hearts" by God Himself, not to condone their evil or remove their moral culpability, but to ensure His prophetic timetable is met. This theme is also evident when God used Assyria, an oppressive empire, as the "rod of his anger" to punish Israel, despite Assyria's own wicked intentions ([Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria, God's Instrument")). It demonstrates that God's purposes are so vast and powerful that even opposition ultimately contributes to their fulfillment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **put (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** G1325 (dídōmi) means "to give" or "to put," with a very wide application. In this context, it signifies a divine imparting or enabling, indicating that God actively influences or allows the inclination within their hearts. It's not merely a passive allowance but an active, providential working that sets the stage for their decisions.
* **hearts (Greek, _kardía'_):** G2588 (kardía) refers to the "heart," which biblically represents the center of one's being—the seat of thoughts, feelings, will, and moral character. When God "puts" something in their hearts, it means He influences their innermost motivations, desires, and decisions, directing their will toward a specific outcome, even if they are unaware of His ultimate purpose.
* **will (Greek, _gnṓmē'_):** G1106 (gnṓmē) signifies "cognition," "opinion," or "resolve," encompassing counsel, consent, or purpose. Here, it refers to God's predetermined plan or resolve. The kings' actions, though appearing to be their own "will" or purpose (to give their kingdom to the beast), are ultimately aligned with and serve God's overarching "will" or divine purpose.
* **fulfilled (Greek, _teléō'_):** G5055 (teléō) means "to end," "complete," "execute," or "accomplish." Applied to "the words of God," it emphasizes the absolute certainty and finality of divine prophecy. It indicates that God's declarations are not merely predictions but are decrees that will be brought to their complete and perfect conclusion, leaving no part unfulfilled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For God hath put in their hearts":** This foundational clause reveals the divine agency behind the subsequent actions of the kings. It asserts that God is not a passive observer but actively influences the inclinations and decisions of even those who oppose Him. This "putting in their hearts" is a profound act of divine providence, shaping their will in a way that serves His ultimate purposes, without negating their own moral responsibility.
* **"to fulfil his will":** This phrase clarifies the purpose of God's influence. The kings' actions are not random or merely self-serving but are divinely directed to accomplish God's predetermined plan. This "will" refers to God's sovereign decree regarding the end-time events, including the temporary rise of the beast and the subsequent judgment of Babylon.
* **"and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast":** This describes the specific actions of the ten kings. They come to a unified "agreement" (literally "one mind" or "one purpose") to transfer their sovereign authority and power ("their kingdom") to the beast. This act of voluntary submission and empowerment is precisely what God has orchestrated in their hearts, leading to the beast's temporary ascendancy.
* **"until the words of God shall be fulfilled":** This crucial temporal clause sets a definitive boundary on the beast's reign and the kings' alliance. It signifies that this period of evil ascendancy is not open-ended but has a divinely appointed duration. It will persist only "until" every single one of God's prophetic declarations concerning these events reaches its complete and certain fulfillment, underscoring the inevitability of God's ultimate victory and the finite nature of evil's power.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 17:17 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful theological message. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with "God" representing the ultimate divine authority, "hearts" symbolizing the seat of human will and intention, "kingdom" denoting political power and sovereignty, and "the beast" standing as the ultimate embodiment of anti-God power and rebellion. The phrase "the words of God" symbolically represents divine prophecy and decree, which are immutable and certain. There is also profound **Irony** present: the kings, in their apparent autonomy and malevolent intent to empower the beast, are unknowingly acting as instruments of God's will. Their rebellion paradoxically serves His divine plan, highlighting God's ability to turn even evil intentions toward His righteous ends. This demonstrates **Divine Sovereignty** as a central theme, where God's control extends even to the choices of wicked rulers. Finally, the use of the temporal marker "until" functions as a form of **Prophetic Foreshadowing**, indicating a divinely appointed duration for the beast's power and a certain, climactic end when God's ultimate purposes will be fully realized.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 17:17 offers a profound theological anchor, assuring believers that despite the apparent chaos and the rise of formidable evil powers in the world, God remains absolutely sovereign over all history. It asserts that even the most rebellious acts of humanity and the darkest forces of evil are not outside His providential control but are, in fact, woven into the fabric of His predetermined plan. This verse challenges any notion of a God who is merely reacting to events or struggling against opposing forces; instead, it portrays a God whose will is ultimately irresistible and whose prophetic word will be fulfilled with absolute certainty. This truth provides immense comfort, reminding us that the temporary triumph of evil is merely a stage in God's larger drama, leading inevitably to His ultimate victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The Lord Directs the King's Heart")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often feels unpredictable, chaotic, and increasingly hostile to faith, Revelation 17:17 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering control. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate circumstances and perceived triumphs of evil, recognizing that every event, even the most disturbing, is ultimately under the sovereign hand of God and is moving towards the fulfillment of His divine purposes. This truth should cultivate deep trust and steadfast faith within us, knowing that God is not surprised by global events, political alignments, or the rise of oppressive powers. Instead, He uses them, even the wicked intentions of men, to bring about His ultimate plan. This perspective liberates us from anxiety and despair, empowering us to live with confident hope, knowing that Christ's victory is assured and that His kingdom will ultimately prevail. Our call is not to fear the beast, but to faithfully endure, proclaim the gospel, and participate in God's redemptive work, trusting His perfect timing and His unfailing word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's sovereignty over even evil intentions (as seen in Revelation 17:17) impact your sense of security and peace amidst global turmoil?**
* **What practical ways can you live out your trust in God's ultimate control, rather than succumbing to fear or anxiety about future events?**
* **If God's "words shall be fulfilled" with absolute certainty, how should this assurance influence your prayers, your witness, and your perseverance in faith?**

### FAQ
**Does Revelation 17:17 imply that God causes evil or forces people to sin?**

Answer: No, Revelation 17:17 does not imply that God causes evil or compels individuals to sin against their will. The phrase "God hath put in their hearts" (Greek: _dedōken eis tas kardias autōn_) indicates a profound act of divine providence, where God influences or allows the inclinations within their hearts to align with His ultimate purpose. It signifies that even the choices of wicked rulers, though made freely and with malevolent intent, are ultimately superintended by God to serve His larger plan. The kings are still morally culpable for their decision to "agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast," as their actions stem from their own desires and rebellion. However, God, in His infinite wisdom and power, is able to orchestrate these actions to fulfill His prophetic word. This is a complex theological concept often referred to as divine concurrence or meticulous providence, where God works through the free choices of His creatures without negating their responsibility or endorsing their sin. It highlights God's absolute control over history, ensuring that even the opposition of evil forces ultimately contributes to the triumph of His righteous will, as seen in the broader biblical narrative where God uses even the Assyrians as the "rod of his anger" ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria, God's Instrument")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 17:17, though describing the dark alliance between the kings and the beast, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the absolute and undeniable triumph of the Lamb of God over all opposing powers. The temporary reign of the beast, empowered by the kings' unified will, is explicitly stated to last "until the words of God shall be fulfilled." This temporal limitation points directly to the glorious intervention of Jesus Christ, who is the faithful and true witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. The very purpose for which God allows this evil alliance to form is to set the stage for Christ's decisive victory, demonstrating that no earthly or demonic power can thwart His redemptive plan. The beast and the kings, in their rebellion, are merely unwitting pawns in a divine drama that culminates in the Lamb's ultimate reign. The "words of God" that must be fulfilled are ultimately centered on Christ's return, His defeat of all enemies, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This is powerfully depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return and Victory"), where Christ, on a white horse, defeats the beast and its armies. The declaration in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become Christ's")—"The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever"—is the ultimate fulfillment that Revelation 17:17 foreshadows. Thus, even the darkest prophecies of Revelation serve to magnify the sovereign power and glorious triumph of Jesus Christ, assuring believers that His kingdom is eternal and His victory is certain.

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

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:12

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Revelation 10:7

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

2 Corinthians 8:16

¶ But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

Ezra 7:27

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put [such a thing] as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem:

Jeremiah 32:40

And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

Proverbs 21:1

¶ The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.