Revelation 19 19

Revelation 19:19 kjv

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

Revelation 19:19 nkjv

And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.

Revelation 19:19 niv

Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army.

Revelation 19:19 esv

And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army.

Revelation 19:19 nlt

Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army.

Revelation 19 verses

Revelation 19 19 Meaning

This verse dramatically portrays the climax of earthly rebellion against God. It depicts a united, global coalition of political and military powers, symbolized by the Beast and the kings of the earth with their armies, assembling for a direct, all-out war against the returning Christ, identified as the one "who sat on the horse," and His heavenly host. This is the ultimate confrontation between the kingdom of man, fully controlled by the Adversary, and the Kingdom of God, personified by the Victorious Rider.

Revelation 19 19 Context

Revelation 19:19 occurs immediately following the description of Christ's majestic second advent, where He descends as the triumphant King, "Faithful and True," adorned with many crowns and identified as the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (Rev 19:11-16). Prior to this, the chapter celebrates the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the overthrow of all ungodly systems. Historically, the scene echoes various Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Ps 2, Zech 14, Ezek 38-39) where earthly nations gather against God or His people, only to face divine judgment. The verse forms the direct preamble to Christ's decisive victory over His foes, leading to the capture of the Beast and the False Prophet, and the annihilation of their armies (Rev 19:20-21). It illustrates the ultimate confrontation between evil and good, portraying the self-destructive futility of humanity's rebellion against the divine ruler. The context of Revelation as a whole warns against worshipping worldly power or leaders, positioning the Beast as a stark anti-God figure against whom humanity ultimately unites, in a tragic parody of genuine unity. This is a direct polemic against the imperial cult of Rome, which demanded worship and claimed absolute power, showcasing that true and absolute sovereignty belongs solely to Christ.

Revelation 19 19 Word analysis

• And I saw: From Greek kai eidon (καὶ εἶδον). This common introductory phrase emphasizes John's visionary experience, highlighting the divine revelation of future events. It underscores the certainty and prophetic nature of what follows.
• the beast: From Greek to thērion (τὸ θηρίον). This is the leading political and satanically-empowered figure of the end times, detailed in Rev 13. It symbolizes human government in full rebellion against God, receiving its power, throne, and great authority from the dragon (Satan).
• and the kings of the earth: From Greek kai tous basileis tēs gēs (καὶ τοὺς βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς). Represents the political rulers of all nations globally, under the influence and authority of the Beast. They are distinct from the Beast himself but allied with him, embodying humanity's collective resistance to divine rule.
• and their armies: From Greek kai ta strateumata autōn (καὶ τὰ στρατεύματα αὐτῶν). Refers to the military forces and peoples aligned with these earthly rulers. It signifies the totality of human military might marshaled in a final, futile effort.
• gathered together: From Greek synēthroismena (συνηθροισμένα). A perfect passive participle, indicating a completed state of being assembled. It emphasizes a deliberate, organized, and unified military concentration. It signifies a collective act of defiance.
• to make war: From Greek poiēsai ton polemon (ποιῆσαι τὸν πόλεμον). Implies the clear and active intention to engage in a decisive armed conflict. It is not an accidental clash but a pre-meditated, final campaign.
• against Him who sat on the horse: From Greek meta tou kathēmenou epi tou hippou (μετὰ τοῦ καθημένου ἐπὶ τοῦ ἵππου). This identifies Christ as the object of their war. He is the divine warrior, depicted in Rev 19:11-16, coming to conquer and judge, distinguishing Him as the unique Son of God.
• and against His army: From Greek kai meta tou strateumatos autou (καὶ μετὰ τοῦ στρατεύματος αὐτοῦ). This refers to the heavenly hosts who accompany Christ, identified as "the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean" in Rev 19:14. They participate in the divine judgment against earth's rebellion.

Words-group Analysis:

• the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies: This tripartite grouping vividly describes the unified opposition. It highlights the political, national, and military entirety of humanity's defiance. The Beast is the orchestrator, the kings are his subordinates/allies, and their armies are the instrument.
• gathered together to make war: This phrase underscores the active and intentional nature of their rebellion. It's not a mere defense but an offensive campaign initiated against divine authority. The gathering suggests an impressive, formidable display of global unity.
• against Him who sat on the horse and against His army: This identifies the specific, formidable opponents. The audacity of creatures making war against their Creator and His angelic armies underscores the blindness and pride stemming from satanic deception. It sets the stage for a spectacular, albeit one-sided, confrontation.

Revelation 19 19 Bonus section

This verse functions as a spiritual "moment of truth" for all earthly power structures. It reveals the demonic forces behind the visible earthly kingdoms (Rev 16:14). The kings' willingness to unify under the Beast and declare war on Christ demonstrates the pervasive deception and total allegiance these rulers have pledged to the dragon's kingdom. It also illustrates the profound extent of the apostasia, the great falling away, as global leaders, with their subjects, actively choose anti-God sentiments. This scene directly sets up "the great supper of God" mentioned in Rev 19:17-18, where birds are invited to feast on the flesh of those slain in this battle, graphically symbolizing the absolute destruction awaiting all who oppose Christ. The very idea of created beings making "war" against the one "who has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rev 19:16) underscores the supreme arrogance and ultimate downfall of the anti-Christ system.

Revelation 19 19 Commentary

Revelation 19:19 presents the zenith of cosmic conflict, a profound theological statement on the ultimate futility of human rebellion against divine sovereignty. Despite overwhelming evidence of Christ's supreme authority, demonstrated by the fall of Babylon and His majestic return, worldly powers, driven by the Beast's deception and satanic influence, muster every resource for a direct military confrontation. This scene is a tragic, yet essential, prelude to final judgment, exposing the profound self-delusion of creatures daring to contend with the Creator. It highlights humanity's persistent choice of self-will and power over humble submission to God, a theme running from the Garden of Eden. The immense scale of this "gathering" is ironic; a display of unparalleled earthly unity for the sole purpose of fighting God, a stark contrast to unity sought for righteousness or peace. Yet, against the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, such a display is utterly inconsequential. The battle, rather than a contest, is an instant, absolute manifestation of divine power resulting in swift judgment, showcasing Christ's omnipotence and righteous authority.