Revelation 17:12 The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings, along with the beast.

Bible > Revelation > Chapter 17 > Verse 12

◄ Revelation 17:12 ►

New International Version
“The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast.

New Living Translation
The ten horns of the beast are ten kings who have not yet risen to power. They will be appointed to their kingdoms for one brief moment to reign with the beast.

English Standard Version
And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast.

Berean Standard Bible
The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings, along with the beast.

Berean Literal Bible
And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but receive authority as kings one hour, along with the beast.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.

New American Standard Bible
The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.

NASB 1995
“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.

NASB 1977
“And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.

Amplified Bible
The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but [together] they receive authority as kings for a single hour [for a common purpose] along with the beast.

Christian Standard Bible
The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they will receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The 10 horns you saw are 10 kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they will receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.

American Standard Version
And the ten horns that thou sawest are ten kings, who have received no kingdom as yet; but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour.

Contemporary English Version
The ten horns you saw are ten more kings, who have not yet come into power, and they will rule with the beast for only a short time.

English Revised Version
And the ten horns that thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet started to rule. They will receive authority to rule as kings with the beast for one hour.

Good News Translation
"The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet begun to rule, but who will be given authority to rule as kings for one hour with the beast.

International Standard Version
The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom. They will receive authority to rule as kings with the beast for one hour.

Majority Standard Bible
The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings, along with the beast.

NET Bible
The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive ruling authority as kings with the beast for one hour.

New Heart English Bible
The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one hour.

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

Weymouth New Testament
"And the ten horns which you have seen are ten kings who have not yet come to the throne, but for a single hour they are to receive authority as kings along with the Wild Beast.

World English Bible
The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who did not yet receive a kingdom, but receive authority as kings one hour with the beast;

Berean Literal Bible
And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but receive authority as kings one hour, along with the beast.

Young's Literal Translation
'And the ten horns that thou sawest, are ten kings, who a kingdom did not yet receive, but authority as kings the same hour do receive with the beast,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which took not yet the kingdom; but take power as kings one hour with the beast.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the ten horns which thou sawest, are ten kings, who have not yet received a kingdom, but shall receive power as kings one hour after the beast.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings; these have not yet received a kingdom, but they shall receive authority, as if they were kings, for one hour, after the beast.

New American Bible
The ten horns that you saw represent ten kings who have not yet been crowned; they will receive royal authority along with the beast for one hour.

New Revised Standard Version
And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet; but receive authority as kings for one hour with the beast.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And the ten horns of The Beast are ten Kings, whose Kingdoms they have not yet received, but take authority as Kings for one hour with The Beast.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, who have received no kingdom as yet, but receive authority as kings at the same time with the beast.

Godbey New Testament
And the ten horns which you saw, are ten kings, who live not yet received a kingdom; but they receive authority as kings one hour with the beast.

Haweis New Testament
And the ten horns which thou sawest, are ten kings, who have not yet received their kingdoms; but will receive authority as kings for one hour with the beast.

Mace New Testament
the ten horns which you saw, are ten kings, who have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings for a while with the beast.

Weymouth New Testament
"And the ten horns which you have seen are ten kings who have not yet come to the throne, but for a single hour they are to receive authority as kings along with the Wild Beast.

Worrell New Testament
And the ten horns which you saw are ten kings, who, indeed, received no kingdom as yet; but they receive authority as kings, one hour with the beast.

Worsley New Testament
And the ten horns, which thou sawest, are ten kings, who have not yet received a kingdom, but shall receive power as kings for a limited time with the beast.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Mystery Explained
…11The beast that was, and now is not, is an eighth king, who belongs to the other seven and is going into destruction. 12 The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings, along with the beast. 13These kings have one purpose: to yield their power and authority to the beast.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Daniel 7:24
And the ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. After them another king, different from the earlier ones, will rise and subdue three kings.

Revelation 13:1
Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

Revelation 13:5-7
The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months. / And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven. / Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.

Daniel 2:41-42
And just as you saw that the feet and toes were made partly of fired clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom, yet some of the strength of iron will be in it—just as you saw the iron mixed with clay. / And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle.

Daniel 2:44
In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever.

Revelation 12:3
Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads.

Revelation 19:19-20
Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army. / But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

Revelation 11:7
When the two witnesses have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them.

Revelation 16:14
These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.

Revelation 19:17-18
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, / so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.”

Daniel 7:7
After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying—dreadful and extremely strong—with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns.

Daniel 7:11
Then I kept watching because of the arrogant words the horn was speaking. As I continued to watch, the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.

Daniel 7:21-22
As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them, / until the Ancient of Days arrived and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for them to possess the kingdom.

Daniel 7:26-27
But the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. / Then the sovereignty, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him.’

Revelation 13:11-12
Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. This beast had two horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon. / And this beast exercised all the authority of the first beast and caused the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose mortal wound had been healed.

Treasury of Scripture

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

the ten.

Revelation 12:3
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

Revelation 13:1
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

Daniel 2:40-43
And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise…

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Revelation 17

1. A woman arrayed in purple and scarlet, with a golden cup in her hand sits upon the beast;
5. which is great Babylon, the mother of all abominations.
9. The interpretation of the seven heads;
12. and the ten horns.
14. The victory of the Lamb.
16. The punishment of the harlot.

Berean Study Bible

The ten horns
The phrase "the ten horns" refers to a symbolic representation of power and authority. In the context of Revelation, horns often symbolize strength and dominion. The number ten is frequently associated with completeness or totality in biblical numerology. Historically, these ten horns are interpreted as ten kings or kingdoms that will arise in the end times. This imagery is rooted in the prophetic visions of Daniel, particularly in Daniel 7:24, where ten horns represent ten kings. The use of horns as symbols of power is consistent with ancient Near Eastern iconography, where animals with horns, like bulls, were often seen as powerful and dominant.

you saw
The phrase "you saw" indicates a vision or revelation given to John, the author of Revelation. This emphasizes the prophetic nature of the book, as John is recounting what was divinely revealed to him. The Greek word for "saw" (εἶδον, eidon) implies not just physical sight but also spiritual insight and understanding. This vision is meant to convey deeper truths about the spiritual and political realities of the end times.

are ten kings
The "ten kings" are symbolic rulers who will have authority during the end times. In the biblical context, kings represent political power and governance. These kings are often interpreted as leaders of nations or coalitions that will play a significant role in the eschatological events described in Revelation. The concept of ten kings aligns with the prophetic imagery in Daniel, where ten kings arise from a divided kingdom. This suggests a period of political fragmentation and alliance-building in the last days.

who have not yet received a kingdom
This phrase indicates that these ten kings have not yet come into their full power or authority. The Greek word for "received" (ἔλαβον, elabon) suggests an active taking or acquiring of power. The future tense implies that their reign is imminent but not yet realized. This points to a future fulfillment of prophecy, where these kings will rise to power in a time of great upheaval and change.

but will receive authority
The phrase "but will receive authority" suggests a divinely ordained transfer of power. The Greek word for "authority" (ἐξουσία, exousia) denotes the right or power to act, often implying a delegated power. This authority is not self-derived but granted, indicating that these kings' rise to power is part of God's sovereign plan. It underscores the theme of divine control over human history, even in times of apparent chaos.

as kings
The phrase "as kings" emphasizes the role and status these individuals will hold. They will have the authority and responsibility of kingship, ruling over nations or regions. This highlights the political dimension of the end times, where earthly powers will play a significant role in the unfolding of prophetic events. The use of "as" suggests a temporary or conditional status, aligning with the transient nature of earthly power compared to God's eternal kingdom.

for one hour
The phrase "for one hour" is symbolic of a brief, limited period. In biblical prophecy, time periods often have symbolic meanings. The "one hour" suggests a short, intense period of rule or influence. This brevity underscores the temporary nature of their power and the swift unfolding of end-time events. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human authority compared to the eternal reign of Christ.

along with the beast
The phrase "along with the beast" indicates a partnership or alliance with the beast, a central figure in Revelation representing opposition to God. The beast is often interpreted as a symbol of a powerful, anti-Christian empire or leader. This alliance suggests a coalition of earthly powers united in rebellion against God. It highlights the spiritual warfare theme in Revelation, where earthly and spiritual forces align against the divine order. This partnership is ultimately doomed to fail, as God's sovereignty will prevail.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(12) And the ten horns . . .--The explanation of the ten horns. They are the kings, not necessarily, as we have seen, personal kings, but rather kingdoms or nationalities, who received not a kingdom as yet; as they are on the seventh head, the hour of their power is not yet, but comes at the fall of the sixth head: then they receive power one hour. (Comp. "short time" in Revelation 17:10.) But though these are sundered powers, they are one in their subjection to the wild beast. They have one mind or judgment, and their power and authority they give to the wild beast. The universal empire idea may disappear, but the spirit and principle of mere earthliness will remain; it needs no vast power like Rome to illustrate its spirit. The ten horns are united in one mind; they move as the wild beast directs; their work and tendency of their power is hostile to Christ. They shall make war with the Lamb; and the Lamb shall conquer them because He is Lord of lords, and King of kings. When do these powers make war with the Lamb? The answer is, they make war when the direction of their policy and morals is in favour of oppression, wrong, worldliness; whenever nations or peoples allow the secular spirit to breathe through all they do, they are not with Christ, they are against Him. There are hints that some "special outbreak" of hostility may take place on the eve of the full manifestation of the righteous King and His kingdom (Revelation 19:16-19); busy evil spirits, lawless utterances, unbrotherly federations, unspiritual conceptions, may pave the way for such; the great crisis will then come, when the issue will be secularity and spirituality. It is not necessary to define the ten kings; the number does not need to be pressed as literal; for in Hebrew, "when a whole was to be divided into parts, ten was the number commonly adopted" (Bahr, quoted by Dr. Currey). The war of the ten kings against the Lamb is brought out more fully in Revelation 19. There the King of kings is seen victorious; in His victory they who are with Him, the called, and chosen, and faithful, shall share. This threefold description is a brief summary of the Christian life. This is the only place where St. John employs the word translated "called." (Comp. Matthew 20:16.)

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 12. - And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet. The horns, as we have seen, are symbolical of power (see on Revelation 13:1), and ten signifies completeness and sufficiency (Revelation 13:1). By the ten horns, therefore, is expressed widespread, complete power. But this power, says the seer, has not come into existence as yet. He thus points to a coming power, hostile to God, such as is described in that part of the account of the seven kings which states "the other is not yet come" (ver. 10). If; seems probable, therefore, that in describing the forces opposed to God - those past, those present, and those yet to come - St. John foresees that the hostile world power will not be always pre-eminently wielded by one nation, as in his own time; but will be divided into many parts, here represented by the number ten, though not necessarily exactly ten in number. This, indeed, exactly describes what has really been the case since St. John's time, and what, humanly speaking, seems likely to continue to the end of the world. These ten horns seem thus to be identical with the seventh king of ver. 10. Compare the account given of the horns in Daniel 7. But receive power as kings one hour with the beast; authority (Revised Version). One hour denotes "a short time," in which way the Bible constantly describes the period of the world's existence, and especially that period which intervenes between the time of the writer and the judgment day (cf. Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 7:29; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 12:12; Revelation 22:20, etc.). This sentence thus declares that, though in the future divided into many parts, and thus not being visibly as potential as former single united kingdoms, nevertheless this hostile world power will be still formidable, having ranged itself on the side of the beast, acting for and with him, and receiving power from him. Ver 13. - These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast; they give (present tense) their power and authority, etc. That is, though apparently split up into many sections, they form practically one, acting by and for the beast on whose side they range themselves (see on ver. 32).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

The
τὰ (ta)
Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

ten
δέκα (deka)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1176: Ten. A primary number; ten.

horns
κέρατα (kerata)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2768: From a primary kar; a horn.

you saw
εἶδες (eides)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

are
εἰσιν (eisin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

ten
δέκα (deka)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1176: Ten. A primary number; ten.

kings
βασιλεῖς (basileis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

who
οἵτινες (hoitines)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.

{have} not yet
οὔπω (oupō)
Adverb
Strong's 3768: Not yet. From ou and po; not yet.

received
ἔλαβον (elabon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

a kingdom,
βασιλείαν (basileian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

will receive
λαμβάνουσιν (lambanousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

one
μίαν (mian)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

hour
ὥραν (hōran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5610: Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'.

of authority
ἐξουσίαν (exousian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

kings,
βασιλεῖς (basileis)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

along with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

beast.
θηρίου (thēriou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2342: Properly: a wild beast, hence: any animal; met: a brute. Diminutive from the same as thera; a dangerous animal.

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NT Prophecy: Revelation 17:12 The ten horns that you saw (Rev. Re Apocalypse)