King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:14 Mean?

Revelation 17:14 in the King James Version says “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and th...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

12

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

13

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

14

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.

15

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

16

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

Read Revelation 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of babylon the harlot - false religion, political-religious alliance judged employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 17:14 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
οὗτοι1 of 26

“These”

G3778

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

μετ'2 of 26

“they that are with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τοῦ3 of 26
G3588

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

ἀρνίον4 of 26

“the Lamb”

G721

a lambkin

πολεμήσουσιν5 of 26

“shall make war”

G4170

to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e., to battle (literally or figuratively)

καὶ6 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

τὸ7 of 26
G3588

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

ἀρνίον8 of 26

“the Lamb”

G721

a lambkin

νικήσει9 of 26

“shall overcome”

G3528

to subdue (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ10 of 26

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι11 of 26

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

κυρίων12 of 26

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

κυρίων13 of 26

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐστὶν14 of 26

“he is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ15 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

βασιλέων16 of 26

“King”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

βασιλέων17 of 26

“King”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

καὶ18 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

οἱ19 of 26
G3588

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

μετ'20 of 26

“they that are with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτοῦ21 of 26

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

κλητοὶ22 of 26

“are called”

G2822

invited, i.e., appointed, or (specially), a saint

καὶ23 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

ἐκλεκτοὶ24 of 26

“chosen”

G1588

select; by implication, favorite

καὶ25 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

πιστοί26 of 26

“faithful”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 17:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 17:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 8:301 Timothy 6:15Matthew 22:14Revelation 3:21Deuteronomy 10:17Daniel 2:47

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