New Testament

Revelation 13:7

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 13:7, the text describes a powerful figure, often interpreted as the Antichrist, who is granted the ability to wage war against the followers of God, referred to as the saints.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

He was allowed to wage war against the saints and to defeat them. He was also given authority over every tribe, language, and nation.

KJVKing James Version

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 Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 13:7, the text describes a powerful figure, often interpreted as the Antichrist, who is granted the ability to wage war against the followers of God, referred to as the saints. This figure is not only allowed to defeat them but also given authority over all people, regardless of their background or language. This passage highlights the intense spiritual conflict that believers may face, emphasizing that the enemy has significant power in the world. The mention of 'tribe, language, and nation' indicates that this authority is universal, affecting all of humanity. The verse serves as a reminder of the challenges that believers will encounter in their faith journey, as they may face persecution and opposition from powerful forces. However, it also underscores the importance of remaining steadfast in faith, as ultimate victory belongs to God, despite the temporary struggles believers may endure.

Key themes

spiritual warfare

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 13:7 to your life

This verse encourages believers to remain strong in their faith, even when facing opposition or persecution. It serves as a reminder that while evil may seem powerful, God ultimately has control. Trusting in God's sovereignty can provide comfort and strength during difficult times.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 13:7 mean?

Revelation 13:7 describes a powerful figure, often seen as the Antichrist, who is allowed to wage war against God's followers, known as the saints. This verse highlights the intense spiritual conflict believers may face, emphasizing the authority this figure has over all people.

What is the significance of 'saints' in Revelation 13:7?

In Revelation 13:7, 'saints' refers to the followers of God who may face persecution and opposition from powerful forces. The verse illustrates the challenges they encounter in their faith journey.

What does 'authority over every tribe, language, and nation' mean in Revelation 13:7?

The phrase 'authority over every tribe, language, and nation' in Revelation 13:7 indicates that the power of the figure described is universal, affecting all of humanity regardless of their background. It underscores the widespread nature of the conflict between good and evil.

How does Revelation 13:7 relate to spiritual warfare?

Revelation 13:7 relates to spiritual warfare by illustrating the battle between good and evil, where the Antichrist is given power to oppose the saints. This verse serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles believers face in their faith.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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