Revelation 13:7

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Revelation 13 introduces two beasts: the first beast rising from the sea and a second beast from the earth. Verse 7 specifically describes the actions and authority granted to the first beast. This beast is depicted as a powerful, oppressive political or spiritual entity, receiving its authority and power from the dragon, identified as Satan. The preceding verses detail the beast's blasphemous nature and its worship by the world, setting the stage for its destructive actions against God's people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persecution of the Saints: The verse explicitly states that the beast is "given...to make war with the saints, and to overcome them." This highlights a central theme in end-times prophecy: the intense tribulation and persecution faced by believers. While it appears the beast "overcomes" them, this is often understood as physical martyrdom rather than a spiritual defeat, as their ultimate victory is assured in Christ (Revelation 20:4).
  • Universal Authority: The beast's power extends "over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." This signifies a global reach and influence, indicating a widespread system of control and deception that will impact every part of the world. This mirrors the universal scope of the gospel, but in a perverted, oppressive form, aiming for total dominion.
  • Divine Permission: The repeated phrase "it was given unto him" emphasizes that the beast's power is not inherent but is permitted by God. Even in the height of evil's apparent triumph, God remains sovereign, allowing these events to unfold as part of His ultimate plan (Daniel 4:17). This provides comfort that evil's reign is temporary and ultimately subject to divine control.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "given" (edothe) is in the passive voice, strongly implying a divine agent behind the granting of power. It signifies that the beast's authority, though horrific in its application, is not absolute or self-derived, but rather a temporary, permitted power. This reinforces the theme of God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, even over the darkest forces of evil, and that nothing happens outside of His allowance, even if not His direct will.

Related Scriptures

  • For similar prophecies of persecution against God's people, compare with Daniel 7:21, where a little horn makes war with the saints.
  • The call for endurance and faith amidst this persecution is echoed in Revelation 13:10, which immediately follows this verse.
  • The ultimate victory of the saints, despite temporary defeat, is a recurring theme, as seen in Revelation 15:2, where those who have overcome the beast stand victorious.

Practical Application and Reflection

Revelation 13:7 serves as a stark warning about the nature of evil and the challenges believers may face, particularly in the end times. It reminds us that:

  • Faithfulness is Paramount: Even when faced with overwhelming opposition and apparent defeat, believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith and testimony. The "overcoming" by the beast refers to physical suffering or martyrdom, not spiritual capitulation or loss of salvation.
  • Discernment is Crucial: The global reach of the beast's power underscores the need for believers to be discerning about worldly systems and ideologies that demand allegiance contrary to Christ. We must be vigilant against deception and false authority.
  • Hope in God's Sovereignty: Despite the grim picture, the phrase "it was given unto him" offers profound comfort. The beast's power is limited and temporary, ultimately under the control of God. This truth encourages believers to endure, knowing that God's plan will ultimately prevail and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 7:21 (12 votes)

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

  • Revelation 11:7 (11 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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.