Revelation 17:14 kjv
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
Revelation 17:14 nkjv
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."
Revelation 17:14 niv
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings?and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."
Revelation 17:14 esv
They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."
Revelation 17:14 nlt
Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him."
Revelation 17 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rev 17:13 | "These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast." | Foretells the unity of these kings against Christ. |
| Rev 19:19 | "And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth... make war against Him..." | Direct parallel to this future conflict. |
| Ps 2:2-3 | "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 'Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us.'" | Prophecy of rebellion against God and Messiah. |
| Ps 2:9 | "You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel." | God's absolute power over rebellious nations. |
| Rev 5:5-6 | "...the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed... a Lamb as though it had been slain..." | Lamb's victory (as Lion) despite sacrifice. |
| Rev 6:16 | "They said to the mountains... 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!'" | The Lamb's wrath and power recognized by enemies. |
| Rev 19:11-21 | Describes Christ leading heavenly armies and defeating all enemies. | Detailed fulfillment of the Lamb's conquest. |
| Col 2:15 | "He disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." | Christ's previous and ongoing victory. |
| John 16:33 | "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." | Jesus' promise of His and His followers' victory. |
| Rom 8:37 | "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." | Believers' participation in Christ's triumph. |
| 1 Cor 15:57 | "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." | God's gift of victory through Christ. |
| Deut 10:17 | "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords..." | Old Testament divine title for God. |
| Ps 136:3 | "Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever." | Reiterates God as Lord of lords. |
| 1 Tim 6:15 | "which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords," | Apostle Paul's use of these divine titles for Christ. |
| Rev 1:5 | "and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth." | Christ's sovereignty over earthly kings. |
| Rev 19:16 | "And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." | Final climactic revelation of Christ's titles. |
| Matt 22:14 | "For many are called, but few chosen." | Establishes the concepts of called and chosen. |
| Rom 8:28,30 | "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose... Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." | Sequence of divine calling, election, and destiny. |
| Eph 1:4-5 | "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption..." | God's eternal choice of believers. |
| 2 Thes 2:13 | "But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth," | Chosen for salvation through faith and Spirit. |
| 2 Pet 1:10 | "Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure..." | Exhortation to live consistent with calling/election. |
| Heb 3:1 | "Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling..." | Describes believers as having a heavenly calling. |
| Jude 1:1 | "...to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:" | Describes God's initiative in calling and keeping. |
| Rev 14:4-5 | "These are the ones who were not defiled... These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes... In their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault..." | Defines the faithful who are "with the Lamb." |
Revelation 17 verses
Revelation 17 14 Meaning
Revelation 17:14 declares the certain defeat of earthly powers allied against God and His Christ, followed by the definitive triumph of the Lamb and His devoted followers. It establishes Christ's supreme and undeniable authority as Lord over all rulers, underscoring that His victory is assured and that His loyal people, supernaturally called and chosen, participate in this ultimate conquest through their unwavering faithfulness.
Revelation 17 14 Context
Revelation 17 introduces the judgment of "Babylon the Great," depicted as a harlot riding a scarlet beast. This harlot represents a global anti-God system – likely embodying religious, economic, or political opposition that seeks to dominate the earth and persecute God's people. The beast has seven heads and ten horns, representing successive empires or ultimate rulers. Revelation 17:12-13 describes these "ten horns" as ten kings who, empowered by the beast, receive authority and unanimously give their power to the beast to fulfill God's purposes, initially to destroy the harlot (Rev 17:16). After this, they will turn their combined might against the ultimate authority, the Lamb of God. Verse 14 therefore highlights the apex of this worldly rebellion: the direct confrontation of these kings and their forces against Jesus Christ, and the swift, undeniable outcome. For John's first-century audience, living under Roman imperial power and often facing persecution, this vision provided comfort and assurance that despite present suffering, divine judgment awaited their oppressors and final victory was secured for Christ and His enduring faithful.
Revelation 17 14 Word analysis
- These (Greek: Οὗτοι - Houtoi): Refers directly to the "ten horns" (kings) and the beast from the preceding verses (Rev 17:12-13). It specifies the direct, united antagonists of the Lamb.
- will make war (Greek: πολεμήσουσι - polemēsoumisi): A strong term signifying direct, deliberate, and hostile military engagement. It indicates an ultimate act of defiance and rebellion against divine sovereignty. This isn't just resistance, but an active campaign.
- with the Lamb (Greek: τὸ Ἀρνίον - to Arnion): This is a pivotal title for Jesus Christ in Revelation, appearing 29 times. It merges two crucial aspects: the sacrificial innocent Lamb of God (Isa 53:7, Jn 1:29, 1 Pet 1:19) whose death atones for sin, and the powerful, conquering "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev 5:5-6). The deliberate contrast here, powerful kings making war with a seemingly vulnerable "Lamb," highlights the divine irony of His invincible power over worldly might.
- and the Lamb will overcome them: A declarative statement of absolute certainty.
- will overcome (Greek: νικήσει - nikēsei): From the verb nikao, meaning to conquer, vanquish, or gain the victory. This word appears frequently in Revelation (e.g., in Christ's messages to the seven churches, referring to those who "overcome"). Here, it's the Lamb who is the active agent, ensuring total and decisive triumph over His foes.
- for He is: Introduces the definitive reason for the Lamb's inevitable victory—His inherent nature and absolute authority.
- Lord of lords (Greek: Κύριος κυρίων - Kyrios kyriōn): A superlative title affirming Christ's ultimate authority over all earthly or spiritual lords, rulers, and powers. It emphasizes His supreme dominion. This echoes Old Testament descriptions of Yahweh (Deut 10:17, Ps 136:3).
- and King of kings (Greek: καὶ Βασιλεὺς βασιλέων - kai Basileus basileōn): Similarly, a superlative title declaring Christ's absolute sovereignty over all earthly kings and monarchs. No worldly power can ultimately stand against Him. This title is explicitly given to Christ again in Revelation 19:16 and by Paul in 1 Timothy 6:15.
- and those who are with Him: Identifies the victorious company. These are not just spectators, but active participants aligned with Christ. Their proximity indicates spiritual union and shared destiny.
- are called (Greek: κλητοὶ - klētoi): Implies a divine summons or invitation. It emphasizes God's initiative in drawing individuals to salvation and service. This "calling" is effectual and purpose-driven (Rom 8:30).
- chosen (Greek: ἐκλεκτοὶ - eklektoi): Signifies selection or election by God. This highlights divine sovereignty and predetermination in the lives of believers, not based on human merit but on God's eternal purpose (Eph 1:4-5, 2 Thes 2:13).
- and faithful (Greek: καὶ πιστοὶ - kai pistoi): Describes the enduring characteristic and response of those called and chosen. It denotes trustworthiness, loyalty, and steadfast perseverance in their faith and obedience, even unto death (Rev 2:10, 14:12). Their faithfulness confirms their calling and election, demonstrating their authentic relationship with Christ.
Revelation 17 14 Bonus section
The active "will make war" by the kings, followed by the active "will overcome" by the Lamb, illustrates a direct and final confrontation, not a passive observation. The fact that the beast and kings turn on the Harlot first (Rev 17:16), fulfilling God's judgment against her, and then proceed to foolishly war against the Lamb, underscores the idea that even the most formidable evil forces unwittingly serve God's greater redemptive and judgmental purposes, before ultimately facing their own inevitable demise at His hand. This highlights the comprehensive scope of God's sovereignty over history and destiny.
Revelation 17 14 Commentary
Revelation 17:14 forms the ultimate resolution to the conflict between God's Kingdom and the rebellious world powers depicted throughout the book. The image of earthly kings making war against "the Lamb" is steeped in profound theological irony. While human kings amass power and might, they direct it against One who initially appeared in sacrificial weakness, yet whose victory is absolutely assured. This triumph stems not from a larger army or superior tactics, but from His very identity as "Lord of lords and King of kings." These titles unequivocally declare Christ's supreme, intrinsic, and unparalleled authority over all created beings and powers, human or spiritual. His dominion is not conferred; it is inherent.
The verse also significantly highlights "those who are with Him." Their presence implies shared destiny and participation in His triumph. They are not merely general adherents but specifically identified by three characteristics: "called, chosen, and faithful." This trilogy underscores God's sovereign work and the human response. They are called by divine grace, chosen by divine purpose, and critically, they remain faithful in their steadfast adherence to Christ, especially during times of immense pressure and persecution. This faithfulness, not worldly power, is their mark, confirming their divine selection. Ultimately, this verse offers immense encouragement to believers facing opposition, reassuring them that their Lord reigns supremely, His victory is absolute, and those truly aligned with Him will share in His eternal triumph. It also serves as a warning to any earthly power or individual who opposes God's sovereign will.