Revelation 13:7
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Even though the beast is given authority to conquer the saints, this "victory" is only superficial, never touching their true fidelity to God. The exhaustive list of nations highlights the vastness of the beast's earthly power, yet it's a power granted, not inherent, and ultimately contrasted with the redeemed from every tongue and nation.
Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage describes the terrifying success of the beast, a symbol of oppressive power, as it wages war against God's people. The text emphasizes that this ability to conquer and exert authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation is not ultimately the beast's own doing, but rather something permitted by God. This follows the vision of the beast rising from the sea, showing its global reach and formidable power, which will lead into further descriptions of its dominion and the worship it demands.
The verse states the beast was 'given' authority. What does this mean for its power and our understanding of God's sovereignty?
It's crucial to grasp that the beast's ability to wage war and conquer is not inherent. It's explicitly stated that this power was given to it. This highlights a key theological point: even the most terrifying forces of opposition operate within boundaries set by God.
The beast is given authority over 'every tribe and people and language and nation.' How can this immense power be both universal and not absolute?
The description of the beast's authority is meant to evoke a sense of its vast, global reach. It's given dominion over all nations, tribes, languages, and peoples. This paints a picture of a power that seeks to dominate every segment of humanity.
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The beast 'overcomes' the saints, yet their ultimate victory is assured. How is this possible?
The 'overcoming' mentioned in Revelation 13:7 refers to a temporal, physical victory, not an eternal one. The beast can indeed inflict suffering, persecution, and even death upon believers.
Understand the original words
hagios · Greek Noun (plural)
The holy, set-apart people of God; those consecrated to Him through faith in Christ and empowered by His Spirit to live righteously.
exousia · Greek Noun
The power, right, or mandate granted to someone or something to exercise control, rule, or influence over a specific domain or group.
This passage speaks to the ongoing struggle between God's people and oppressive forces throughout history. The imagery of conquest and universal authority reflects not just specific historical moments of persecution, but the ever-present reality of opposition that tests the faith of believers across all times and cultures.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation of Jewish Exiles
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports Jewish nobility and skilled workers, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a period of immense hardship and spiritual testing for the Jewish people.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, scattering the remaining Jewish population. This event represents a devastating blow to Jewish national and religious life, forcing them to confront their relationship with God in a foreign land.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Second Temple. This catastrophic event deeply impacts Jewish identity and faith, leading to a desperate search for meaning and resilience amidst overwhelming loss.
c. 1st - 4th Century AD
Early Christian Persecutions
Christians face intermittent but often severe persecution from the Roman Empire due to their refusal to worship Roman gods and the emperor. This period tests the faith and endurance of early believers.
c. 313 AD
Edict of Milan
The Roman Emperors Constantine and Licinius issue the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance throughout the empire. While ending official state persecution, it also ushers in new challenges for the church as it navigates political influence and internal doctrinal disputes.
c. 1000 AD - 1600 AD— this verse
Medieval Persecutions
Various powers, particularly within the Roman Catholic sphere, wage war against groups deemed heretical, such as the Albigenses and Waldenses. These movements often emphasized a return to simpler biblical teachings and faced brutal suppression.
c. 16th - 17th Century AD
Reformation Era Conflicts
Religious wars and persecutions erupt across Europe as the Protestant Reformation challenges established religious and political structures. Both Catholics and Protestants inflict suffering on those with differing beliefs.
This passage parallels Revelation 13:7 by describing a horn making war against the saints and prevailing, highlighting a recurring theme of persecution against God's people by oppressive powers.
Revelation 11:7This verse also speaks of a beast making war against God's witnesses and overcoming them, further emphasizing the conflict between divine servants and opposing forces described in Revelation 13:7.
Revelation 2:10This passage offers encouragement to the church facing persecution, reminding them to be faithful unto death and promising a crown of life, which speaks to the ultimate outcome for the saints mentioned in Revelation 13:7 who are allowed to be overcome but not defeated in spirit.
Revelation 7:9This verse describes a great multitude from every nation, tribe, language, and people worshipping God, providing a powerful contrast to the beast's dominion over all nations in Revelation 13:7 and showing God's ultimate sovereignty and redemptive plan.
ellicottRevelation 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."
(7) And it was given . . . —Better, He makes war with the saints, and conquers them. This, too, is said to be “given him.” The conquest is not a conquest of their fidelity; it is rather that the beast so far succeeds that they must suffer or submit. The saints seem to be single handed; for there was given him authority over every tr…
pulpitRevelation 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."
Verse 7. - And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. This clause is omitted in A, C, P, and some others. So in Daniel 7:21, "The same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High." And in Revelation…
Even though the beast is given authority to conquer the saints, this "victory" is only superficial, never touching their true fidelity to God. The exhaustive list of nations highlights the vastness of the beast's earthly power, yet it's a power granted, not inherent, and ultimately contrasted with the redeemed from every tongue and nation.
This passage describes the terrifying success of the beast, a symbol of oppressive power, as it wages war against God's people. The text emphasizes that this ability to conquer and exert authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation is not ultimately the beast's own doing, but rather something permitted by God. This follows the vision of the beast rising from the sea, showing its global reach and formidable power, which will lead into further descriptions of its dominion and the worship it demands.
This passage describes the terrifying success of the beast, a symbol of oppressive power, as it wages war against God's people. The text emphasizes that this ability to conquer and exert authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation is not ultimately the beast's own doing, but rather something permitted by God. This follows the vision of the beast rising from the sea, showing its global reach and formidable power, which will lead into further descriptions of its dominion and the worship it demands.
"Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation," — Even though the beast is given authority to conquer the saints, this "victory" is only superficial, never touching their true fidelity to God. The exhaustive list of nations highlights the vastness o…
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Last reviewed October 2026
