Καὶ ὅταν τελέσωσι τὴν μαρτυρίαν αὐτῶν, τὸ θηρίον τὸ ἀναβαῖνον ἐκ τῆς ἀβύσσου ποιήσει μετ’ αὐτῶν πόλεμον καὶ νικήσει αὐτοὺς καὶ ἀποκτενεῖ αὐτούς. (Revelation 11:7)
And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and will overcome them, and will kill them.
Revelation 11:7 marks a dramatic turning point in John’s apocalyptic vision. After the two witnesses complete their God-given testimony, a dark and hostile figure emerges—the beast from the abyss. The grammar of this verse is forceful, sequential, and solemn. Three future verbs in escalating progression (ποιήσει, νικήσει, ἀποκτενεῖ) unfold the conflict with chilling inevitability. Syntax becomes the timeline of persecution, and verbal aspect becomes the theological contour of martyrdom.
1. The Temporal Frame: καὶ ὅταν τελέσωσι τὴν μαρτυρίαν αὐτῶν
The conjunction ὅταν (“whenever,” “when”) introduces a temporal clause that conditions the rest of the verse. The verb τελέσωσι is an aorist active subjunctive of τελέω (“to finish, complete”). In apocalyptic narrative, the aorist subjunctive in a temporal clause conveys decisive completion—an event whose timing is unknown but whose fulfillment is certain.
The direct object, τὴν μαρτυρίαν αὐτῶν (“their testimony”), emphasizes purpose. Only after their witness is fully completed—never prematurely—are the ensuing events permitted. Grammar reflects divine sovereignty: the persecuting powers cannot act until the testimony is done.
2. The Antagonist Revealed: τὸ θηρίον τὸ ἀναβαῖνον ἐκ τῆς ἀβύσσου
The subject is introduced with solemn weight: τὸ θηρίον (“the beast”). The repeated article in the attributive phrase τὸ ἀναβαῖνον (“the one rising”) marks the beast as a known eschatological figure. The participle ἀναβαῖνον (present active participle of ἀναβαίνω) depicts the beast in continuous emergence from the underworld source, ἐκ τῆς ἀβύσσου (“from the abyss”).
The grammar establishes identity, motion, and origin: the beast rises not from earthly power but from the realm of chaos and demonic hostility. John’s syntax situates the conflict within the cosmic, not merely historical, realm.
3. The First Act of Hostility: ποιήσει μετ’ αὐτῶν πόλεμον
The future active indicative ποιήσει (“he will make”) introduces the first act: “he will make war with them.” The phrase μετ’ αὐτῶν (“with them”) follows biblical idiom for hostile engagement. The object πόλεμον (“war”) is stark and unambiguous. The verb ποιέω used with πόλεμον is an idiom: “to wage war.”
The future tense expresses prophetic certainty. Grammar becomes unfolding eschatology—what God reveals is not hypothetical, but ordained.
4. The Second Act: καὶ νικήσει αὐτοὺς
The second future verb, νικήσει (future active indicative of νικάω, “to conquer”), escalates the narrative. The beast not only wages war but achieves temporary victory: “he will overcome them.”
The direct object αὐτοὺς reinforces the identity of the victims—the faithful witnesses. Yet victory here is paradoxical. Revelation consistently uses “conquer” to describe the triumph of evil over the saints in appearance only, while true victory belongs to the Lamb and those who remain faithful even unto death.
Thus, grammar maintains narrative sequence but invites theological re-evaluation: earthly defeat is not divine defeat.
5. The Final Act: καὶ ἀποκτενεῖ αὐτούς
The third future verb, ἀποκτενεῖ (future active indicative of ἀποκτείνω, “to kill”), completes the triad. The progression is deliberate and relentless: war → victory → execution. The grammar intensifies the narrative: each verb adds weight and inevitability.
The direct object again is αὐτοὺς, creating rhythmic repetition. The beast’s hostility culminates in the death of the witnesses, which paradoxically sets the stage for their vindication in the next verses.
Syntax Table: The Escalation of Hostility
| Greek Phrase | Grammar Role | Interpretive Insight |
|---|---|---|
| ὅταν τελέσωσι | Temporal clause with aorist subjunctive | Indicates completion and divinely controlled timing |
| τὸ θηρίον τὸ ἀναβαῖνον | Noun with attributive participle | Identifies and characterizes the rising antagonist |
| ποιήσει … πόλεμον | Future indicative + direct object | Depicts the initiation of hostilities with certainty |
| νικήσει αὐτούς | Future indicative | Shows apparent victory over the witnesses |
| ἀποκτενεῖ αὐτούς | Future indicative | Reaches the narrative climax—execution of the witnesses |
Theology in Sequence: When Grammar Defines Destiny
Revelation 11:7 uses grammar to narrate the tension between divine sovereignty and human suffering. The witnesses finish their testimony not when enemies allow it, but when God ordains it. Only then do the beast’s actions unfold in a carefully structured sequence. Each future verb adds a layer to the prophetic revelation—conflict, conquest, and death, all within divine parameters.
The grammar reassures the reader that evil’s apparent triumph is temporary. The beast’s rising from the abyss signals opposition, but its verbs mark only what God permits. The witnesses’ death is not defeat but the necessary prelude to resurrection and vindication in the following verses.
Thus, grammar becomes eschatological architecture: the timing, nature, and limit of evil’s actions are embedded in the syntax. Revelation 11:7 stands as a testament that even in persecution, God’s sovereignty shapes every clause.
