Revelation 17:13

13 These have one counsel, and shall betake their virtue and power to the beast.

Revelation 17:13 Meaning and Commentary

Revelation 17:13

These have one mind
The princes of these kingdoms, and their subjects, become, in time, of one religion; first they were Arians, and then Papists; and for a long series of time there was great unity between them, with respect to religious sentiments, being zealously attached to the church of Rome, its principles and practices:

and shall give their power and strength unto the beast;
the Papal antichrist, the eighth king, and seventh head; to him they have given power to exercise all ecclesiastical authority in their kingdoms; as to ordain bishops, and deliver the pall to whom they will; to excommunicate offenders, and even lay their kingdoms under an interdict when they pleased; and have assisted and defended the popes of Rome with all their force, with all their might and main, and to the utmost of their power, and have engaged in what have been called the holy wars, at their motion; they have given their riches and wealth, which are called the forces of strength, ( Job 36:19 ) which they have, by various methods, drained them of; hence the whore of Rome came to be decked with gold, and pearls, and precious stones; yea, they have given them their kingdoms, and have received them from them, and become tributary to them.

Revelation 17:13 In-Context

11 And the beast that was, and is not, and she is the eighth, and is of the seven, and shall go into perishing.
12 And the ten horns which thou hast seen, be ten kings, that yet have not taken kingdom; but they shall take power as kings, one hour after the beast.
13 These have one counsel, and shall betake their virtue and power to the beast.
14 These shall fight with the lamb, and the lamb shall overcome them; for he is Lord of lords, and king of kings; and they that be with him, be called, [and] chosen, and faithful.
15 And he said to me, The waters which thou hast seen, where the whore sitteth, be peoples, and folks, and languages [and tongues].
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.