Revelation 13:7 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.

Bible > Revelation > Chapter 13 > Verse 7

◄ Revelation 13:7 ►

New International Version
It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.

New Living Translation
And the beast was allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And he was given authority to rule over every tribe and people and language and nation.

English Standard Version
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,

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
And there was given to it to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. And authority was given to it over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

New American Standard Bible
It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority was given to him over every tribe, people, language, and nation.

NASB 1995
It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him.

NASB 1977
And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And it was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him.

Amplified Bible
He was also permitted to wage war against the saints (God’s people) and to overcome them, and authority and power over every tribe and people and language and nation.

Christian Standard Bible
And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And he was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. He was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
It was allowed to fight against God's people and defeat them. It was also given authority over the people of every tribe, nation, language, and race.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It was allowed to wage war against God's holy people and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.

Good News Translation
It was allowed to fight against God's people and to defeat them, and it was given authority over every tribe, nation, language, and race.

International Standard Version
It was allowed to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
The beast was permitted to go to war against the saints and conquer them. He was given ruling authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation,

New Heart English Bible
It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and languages, and nations.

Weymouth New Testament
And permission was given him to make war upon God's people and conquer them; and power was given him over every tribe, people, language and nation.

World English Bible
It was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and there was given to it to make war with the holy ones, and to overcome them, and there was given to it authority over every tribe, and tongue, and nation.

Berean Literal Bible
And there was given to it to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. And authority was given to it over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.

Young's Literal Translation
and there was given to it to make war with the saints, and to overcome them, and there was given to it authority over every tribe, and tongue, and nation.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was given him to make war with the holy, and to conquer them: and power was given him over every tribe, and tongue, and nation.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. And power was given him over every tribe, and people, and tongue, and nation.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given to him over every tribe and people and language and nation.

New American Bible
It was also allowed to wage war against the holy ones and conquer them, and it was granted authority over every tribe, people, tongue, and nation.

New Revised Standard Version
Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. It was given authority over every tribe and people and language and nation,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And power was given to him over every tribe and kindred and tongue, and nation, and it was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And it was granted to make war with The Holy Ones and to conquer them, and it was given authority over all generations, peoples, languages and nations.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And it was given him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and authority was given him over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.

Godbey New Testament
And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to conquer them: and authority was given unto him over every tribe, and people, and tongue, and nation.

Haweis New Testament
And it was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and authority was given to him over every tribe, and tongue, and nation.

Mace New Testament
he was permitted to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all the tribes, and provinces, and nations.

Weymouth New Testament
And permission was given him to make war upon God's people and conquer them; and power was given him over every tribe, people, language and nation.

Worrell New Testament
And it was given him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and there was given him authority over every tribe, and people, and tongue, and nation.

Worsley New Testament
And he was permitted to make war upon the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over every tribe, and tongue, and nation.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Beast from the Sea
…6And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven. 7Then 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. 8And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Daniel 7:21-22
As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them, / until the Ancient of Days arrived and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for them to possess the kingdom.

Daniel 7:25
He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.

Daniel 8:24
His power will be great, but it will not be his own. He will cause terrible destruction and succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men along with the holy people.

Daniel 11:36
Then the king will do as he pleases and will exalt and magnify himself above every god, and he will speak monstrous things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been decreed must be accomplished.

Matthew 24:9
Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

John 16:2
They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.

John 15:18-20
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. / He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-10
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival. / The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, / and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them.

Revelation 11:7
When the two witnesses have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them.

Revelation 12:17
And the dragon was enraged at the woman and went to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea.

Revelation 17:6
I could see that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and witnesses for Jesus. And I was utterly amazed at the sight of her.

Revelation 17:14
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.”

Revelation 19:19
Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army.

Revelation 20:4
Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Treasury of Scripture

And it was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

to make.

Revelation 11:7
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
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 7:21,25
I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; …

and power.

Revelation 10:11
And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Revelation 11:18
And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

Revelation 17:15
And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

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Revelation 13

1. A beast rises out of the sea with seven heads and ten horns, to whom the dragon gives his power.
11. Another beast comes out of the earth,
14. causes an image to be made of the former beast,
15. and that men should worship it,
16. and receive his mark.

Berean Study Bible

Then the beast
The term "beast" in Revelation is often interpreted as a symbol of oppressive political power or a specific end-times figure, such as the Antichrist. The Greek word used here is "θηρίον" (thērion), which can mean a wild animal or beast. In the context of Revelation, it represents a force or entity that is in direct opposition to God and His people. Historically, this has been seen as a representation of the Roman Empire or any government that persecutes Christians. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face and the ultimate victory of Christ over evil.

was permitted
The phrase "was permitted" indicates that the beast's power is not autonomous but allowed by God. The Greek word "ἐδόθη" (edothē) implies a divine allowance or granting of authority. This highlights the sovereignty of God even in the midst of tribulation. It reassures believers that nothing happens outside of God's control and that He has a purpose even in allowing the beast to act. This can be a source of comfort, knowing that trials are temporary and serve a greater divine plan.

to wage war against the saints
The "saints" refer to the holy ones, the believers who are set apart for God. The Greek word "ἅγιοι" (hagioi) is used throughout the New Testament to describe those who follow Christ. The phrase "to wage war" suggests a spiritual and physical battle against the faithful. Historically, Christians have faced persecution, and this verse acknowledges the reality of suffering for one's faith. It serves as a call to perseverance and faithfulness, encouraging believers to stand firm in the face of adversity.

and to conquer them
The idea of the beast conquering the saints can be troubling, but it is important to understand this in the context of temporary, earthly defeat rather than eternal loss. The Greek word "νικᾶν" (nikan) means to overcome or prevail. While the beast may appear to have victory in the physical realm, the ultimate victory belongs to Christ and His followers. This is a reminder that earthly trials are not the final word and that spiritual triumph is assured for those who remain faithful.

and it was given authority
Again, the phrase "it was given" emphasizes that the beast's power is not inherent but allowed by God. The Greek "ἐξουσία" (exousia) refers to authority or power. This authority is temporary and serves God's ultimate purpose. It reassures believers that God is in control and that the apparent power of evil is limited and subject to divine sovereignty.

over every tribe and people and tongue and nation
This phrase underscores the global scope of the beast's influence. The repetition of "tribe," "people," "tongue," and "nation" highlights the universality of the beast's reach, affecting all humanity. The Greek terms "φυλή" (phylē), "λαός" (laos), "γλῶσσα" (glōssa), and "ἔθνος" (ethnos) reflect the diversity of the world's population. This serves as a warning of the widespread nature of the beast's deception and persecution. However, it also foreshadows the ultimate gathering of a diverse multitude in worship of God, as seen later in Revelation. It encourages believers to remain steadfast, knowing that God's kingdom will encompass all nations and peoples in the end.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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 tribe, and people, and tongues, and nations. Nor does his success end here; the next verse shows us how completely earth is at his feet.

Pulpit Commentary

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 11:7, "The beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them [the two witnesses], and shall overcome them, and kill them." Overcome; that is, apparently; so far as is seen by the world. In the same way the world overcame Christ; but by his death came victory. So in Revelation 2:10 the Church at Smyrna is encouraged by the words, "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." And power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations; over every tribe, and people, and tongue, and nation. Λαόν "people," is inserted in every manuscript except a few cursives. The fourfold enumeration, applied to the earth, denotes the universal character of the description (cf. the four living beings, Revelation 4:6. Also Revelation 5:9; Revelation 7:9; Revelation 11:9; Revelation 14:6). The same classification is adopted in the song of the redeemed (Revelation 5:9), which may be contrasted with this passage. Although the power of Satan extends to every section of the nations of the earth, yet men are not irrevocably delivered into his hand. From every part of mankind men are also redeemed.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Then
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[the beast]
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

was permitted
ἐδόθη (edothē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

to wage war
πόλεμον (polemon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4171: A war, battle, strife. From pelomai; warfare.

against
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

saints
ἁγίων (hagiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

to conquer
νικῆσαι (nikēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3528: To conquer, be victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue. From nike; to subdue.

them,
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

it
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

was given
ἐδόθη (edothē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

authority
ἐξουσία (exousia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.

over
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

every
πᾶσαν (pasan)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

tribe
φυλὴν (phylēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5443: A tribe or race of people. From phuo; an offshoot, i.e. Race or clan.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

people
λαὸν (laon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

tongue
γλῶσσαν (glōssan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

nation.
ἔθνος (ethnos)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

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NT Prophecy: Revelation 13:7 It was given to him to make (Rev. Re Apocalypse)