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.

Revelation 13:7 (KJV)

Context

Revelation 13 presents a vision given to the Apostle John of two beasts: the first beast, often identified with the Antichrist, and the second beast, the False Prophet. These beasts symbolize political and religious powers that oppose God and persecute His people. In verse 7, the focus is on the first beast, who is granted authority to make war with the saints and to overcome them.

Meaning

The phrase “make war with the saints” describes intense opposition and hostility directed against followers of Christ. The term “saints” refers to faithful believers who have been set apart by God, cleansed by Christ’s blood, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The verse also states that power was given to the beast over all kindreds, tongues, and nations, indicating that his influence extends globally across ethnicities, languages, and peoples.

The repeated expression “it was given” (Greek: ἐδόθη) emphasizes that the beast’s authority is delegated and permitted by God, not inherent or self-derived. This echoes the same divine permission seen earlier in Revelation 13:5, where the beast is allowed to speak blasphemies. The beast’s war against the saints is a continuation of Satan’s enmity against God’s people, as seen in Revelation 12:17, where the dragon makes war with the remnant of the woman’s seed.

Biblical connections

This verse parallels Daniel 7:21, where the little horn makes war with the saints and prevails against them, and Daniel 7:25, which speaks of wearing out the saints. The worldwide authority granted to the beast also reflects the global scope of his political and religious influence, not merely military power.

Application

The passage portrays a sobering reality of persecution and apparent defeat for believers in this age. Yet the broader context of Revelation frames such suffering within God’s sovereign plan, where the beast’s limited time and authority are under divine control. The overcoming of the saints is temporal and physical, not ultimate, for the biblical narrative promises their final vindication.

Believers are called to remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God’s sovereignty even when evil seems to prevail. The book of Revelation is highly symbolic and should not be read as a literal roadmap of future events; its purpose is to provide encouragement, warning, and a call to faithfulness throughout history, reminding us of God’s ultimate victory over evil. Studying the entire book with guidance from trusted teachers helps believers grasp its symbolism and message.

Reflection

This verse should not be used to suggest that God is the author of evil, but rather that He permits opposition for a season. It calls believers to endurance and faithfulness in the face of tribulation, knowing that God’s justice and righteousness will ultimately prevail.