What does Revelation 17:14 mean?

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

Explanation

Revelation 17:14 depicts a cosmic battle between the forces of good, represented by the Lamb (a title for Christ), and the forces of evil. The Lamb is engaged in conflict with the “kings of the earth,” who are interpreted as antichrist powers collaborating with the “beast” described earlier in Revelation. This verse serves as a triumphant proclamation that the Lamb will be victorious in this confrontation. The Lamb’s victory is assured because he is “Lord of lords, and King of kings,” indicating his supreme authority and power. Furthermore, the verse mentions those who are with the Lamb, describing them as “called, and chosen, and faithful,” which signifies the qualities of the Lamb’s followers and their election by God.

Historical Context

Revelation was written by John the Apostle while he was exiled on the island of Patmos, most likely under the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian (81-96 AD). During this time, Christians are believed to have faced persecution for their refusal to participate in the imperial cult and worship the emperor as a god. The vivid imagery of the conflicts and ultimate triumph of good over evil is often interpreted as a coded message of hope and perseverance for the early Christian communities facing oppression.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse offers a glimpse into the eschatological victory of Christ over his enemies. Different perspectives see this conflict in various lights:

• Premillennialism: This viewpoint sees the battle as a literal future event preceding Christ’s millennial reign on earth.
• Amillennialism: Amillennialists tend to interpret the battle symbolically, with Christ’s victory representing his spiritual triumph over evil forces throughout history.
• Postmillennialism: Postmillennialists might see this victory as the culmination of Christian influence leading to a golden age where Christ’s rule is established on earth before his return.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire believers to remain steadfast and faithful in the face of adversity, much like the early Christians did under Roman persecution. The assurance of the Lamb’s victory encourages individuals to align themselves with the qualities of being called, chosen, and faithful. It also challenges believers to question whom or what they acknowledge as their sovereign (Lord or king) and reminds them to seek spiritual triumph over worldly powers.

Cross-References

• Revelation 19:16: “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.”
• 1 Timothy 6:15: “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;”
• Revelation 13:8: “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

Language Study

• War: The Greek word “polemos” (πόλεμος) can refer to both physical and spiritual conflict.
• Lamb: “Arnion” (ἀρνίον) is a diminutive form of “arnos,” meaning a young or small lamb, which stands in contrast to the might of his opponents, emphasizing his role as the sacrificial Lamb of God.
• Overcome: “Nikao” (νικάω) means to conquer or gain the victory, denoting not just a battle but a decisive defeat of the enemy.
• Lord: “Kyrios” (κύριος) signifies one with authority, often used as the Greek translation for the Hebrew name of God, Yahweh.
• Kings: “Basileus” (βασιλεύς) is used for sovereigns, indicating ruling authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Many ancient cultures have myths involving a battle between deities or between a hero and a beast. For instance, in Greek mythology, Zeus battles the Titans, and in Mesopotamian legend, Marduk fights Tiamat. While these battles serve as myths explaining the cosmic order, Revelation places this battle within a monotheistic context and infuses it with a promise of redemptive history, transcending the mythic cycle of victory and defeat.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the language of Revelation is metaphorical and apocalyptic, and as such, it does not directly interact with empirical scientific data. Modern science does not engage with prophetic or supernatural claims due to its focus on the natural world and the methodology of empirical observation. Thus, the scientific community generally does not provide perspectives on the interpretation of scriptural prophecies.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Revelation 17:14. Some stress its role in providing hope during persecution, while others focus on its eschatological implications. For instance, Robert H. Mounce sees it as an assurance of divine sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of Christ. Craig S. Keener interprets the verse in the historical context of Roman imperial power and the subversive nature of Christian claims of Christ’s lordship. Matthew Henry’s classic commentary describes this scene as Christ victorious over all opposition, reassuring the faithful of their security in him. These various commentaries underscore the multifaceted nature of the text, which allows for reflection on both immediate circumstances and the consummation of history.