And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

REVELATION 11:7KJV
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Revelation 11:7 (KJV)

What does Revelation 11:7 mean?

Revelation 11:7 describes how, after the two witnesses have finished delivering their message, a beast rises from the bottomless pit, attacks them, defeats them, and kills them. This verse marks a turning point, showing that the witnesses’ mission is allowed to end in apparent defeat by a powerful, evil force.

In the setting of Revelation, John is recording visions about future events, and here he describes the fate of two special witnesses sent by God. The verse signals that their testimony is completed before the beast is allowed to act, stressing that their deaths happen only after their purpose is fulfilled. This moment sets up a dramatic shift in the story, highlighting the conflict between good and evil.

The Greek behind Revelation 11:7

  • μαρτυρία (martyria, G3141): This word means "testimony" or "witness." The verse emphasizes that the witnesses’ mission is fully completed before anything happens to them, suggesting their work is under divine timing.
  • θηρίον (thērion, G2342): Translated as "beast," this word often refers to a dangerous, wild creature. In Revelation, it points to a powerful, hostile figure or force, not just an animal.
  • ἀναβαίνω (anabainō, G305): "Ascendeth" means to come up or rise. The beast comes up from the "bottomless pit," a place associated with evil or chaos, underlining its dark origin.
  • πολεμέω (polemeō, G4171): "Make war" means more than just a fight; it suggests a determined, ongoing attack. The beast is not just opposing the witnesses, but waging a campaign against them.

Why Revelation 11:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the witnesses’ deaths are not a failure or interruption, but happen only after their testimony is complete, showing a sense of divine control over events.
  • The introduction of the beast from the bottomless pit connects this moment to larger themes in Revelation about evil powers and spiritual conflict.
  • The verse sets up a dramatic contrast between the apparent victory of evil and the ultimate outcome, which unfolds in the following verses, helping readers understand the flow of the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“pit” Greek G12 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 8:31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
  • Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
  • Revelation 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

“war” Greek G4171 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
  • Hebrews 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
  • Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

“overcome” Greek G3528 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 11:22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
  • 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
  • Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

“finished” Greek G5055 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
  • Luke 18:31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
  • 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: