Revelation 17:13

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 17:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “These have one mind, and they give their power and authority unto the beast.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

These have one mind, and they give their power and authority unto the beast.
Revelation 17:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13These have one mind, and they give their power and authority unto the beast.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“These have one mind, etc.] 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…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“one mind--one sentiment. shall give--So Coptic. But A, B, and Syriac, "give." strength--Greek, "authority." They become his dependent allies (Rev 17:14). Thus Antichrist sets up to be King of kings, but scarcely has he put forth his claim when the true KING OF KINGS appears and dashes him down in a moment to destruction.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“These have one mind - That is, they are united in the promotion of the same object. Though in some respects wholly independent of each other, yet they may be regarded as, in fact, so far united that they tend to promote the same ultimate end. As a fact in history, all these kingdoms, though of different origin, and though not infrequently engaged in war with each other, became Roman Catholics, and were united in the support of the papacy. It was with propriety, therefore, that they should be regarded as so closely connected with that power that they could be represented as “ten horns” on the seven-headed monster. And shall give their power and strength unto the beast - Shall lend their…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“one: Phi 1:27, Phi 2:2 shall: Rev 17:17; Isa 10:5-7; Eze 38:10; Act 4:28 Revelation 17:14”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification