Revelation 17:13

Authorized King James Version

These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

Word-by-Word Analysis

οὗτοι

G3778

These

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

μίαν

G1520

one

γνώμην

G1106

mind

cognition, i.e., (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.)

ἔχουσιν

G2192

have

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δύναμιν

G1411

power

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

ἐξουσίαν

G1849

strength

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

#11

ἑαυτῶν

G1438

their

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

#12

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

θηρίῳ

G2342

unto the beast

a dangerous animal

#14

διαδιδώσουσιν

G1239

shall give

to give throughout a crowd, i.e., deal out; also to deliver over (as to a successor)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?