The beast’s authority is only temporary, and God remains sovereign over all.
“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.” (v.7) This statement speaks of a formidable power that receives the ability to wage war against believers. John, the beloved disciple of Jesus (c. 6-100 AD), wrote the book of Revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos around 95 AD. In this verse, the one who is “given” such authority is understood to be a malevolent figure, often associated with the “beast” of Revelation 13, whose influence extends to all corners of the world. The scope of this power’s control underscores the global reach of its assault and the severity of the opposition God’s people face.
“It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them…” (v.7) underscores that this antagonistic force temporarily gains the upper hand. The fact that it is “given” to him implies divine allowance rather than an ultimate domination, reflecting the theme often found in Scripture where God permits evil for a time but still holds sovereign control (see Romans 9:17). The saints, or God’s people, are not spared from hardship here, but this hardship is cast within the larger narrative of God’s plan for redemption, culminating in Christ’s final victory (Revelation 19:11-16). It is a sobering reminder that believers may endure intense trials, yet these trials serve to refine faith and fulfill prophetic events.
Further emphasizing the severity of this reign is the statement that “…authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him.” (v.7) This demonstrates that no geographical boundary or cultural distinction is beyond the reach of the beast’s power. Rather than referencing a specific land, this phrase reminds followers of Christ that worldly authority can become sweeping and all-encompassing. Yet believers in any part of the world who remain faithful can take heart that the ultimate authority belongs to God alone, echoing Jesus’ closing commission that all authority in heaven and on earth is His (Matthew 28:18).
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Revelation 13:7 meaning
“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.” (v.7) This statement speaks of a formidable power that receives the ability to wage war against believers. John, the beloved disciple of Jesus (c. 6-100 AD), wrote the book of Revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos around 95 AD. In this verse, the one who is “given” such authority is understood to be a malevolent figure, often associated with the “beast” of Revelation 13, whose influence extends to all corners of the world. The scope of this power’s control underscores the global reach of its assault and the severity of the opposition God’s people face.
“It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them…” (v.7) underscores that this antagonistic force temporarily gains the upper hand. The fact that it is “given” to him implies divine allowance rather than an ultimate domination, reflecting the theme often found in Scripture where God permits evil for a time but still holds sovereign control (see Romans 9:17). The saints, or God’s people, are not spared from hardship here, but this hardship is cast within the larger narrative of God’s plan for redemption, culminating in Christ’s final victory (Revelation 19:11-16). It is a sobering reminder that believers may endure intense trials, yet these trials serve to refine faith and fulfill prophetic events.
Further emphasizing the severity of this reign is the statement that “…authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him.” (v.7) This demonstrates that no geographical boundary or cultural distinction is beyond the reach of the beast’s power. Rather than referencing a specific land, this phrase reminds followers of Christ that worldly authority can become sweeping and all-encompassing. Yet believers in any part of the world who remain faithful can take heart that the ultimate authority belongs to God alone, echoing Jesus’ closing commission that all authority in heaven and on earth is His (Matthew 28:18).