Revelation 13:4

J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible

and did homage unto the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the wild-beast; and they did homage unto the wild-beast, saying - Who is like unto the wild-beast? and Who can make war with him?

Parallel Translations

English Standard Version
And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?"

Geneva Bible (1587)
And they worshipped the dragon which gaue power vnto the beast, & they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like vnto the beast! who is able to warre with him!

Christian Standard Bible®
They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it?”

Hebrew Names Version
They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"

Darby Translation
And they did homage to the dragon, because he gave the authority to the beast; and they did homage to the beast, saying, Who [is] like to the beast? and who can make war with it?

Easy-to-Read Version
People worshiped the dragon because it had given its power to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast. They asked, "Who is as powerful as the beast? Who can make war against it?"

Amplified Bible
They fell down and worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; they also worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like (as great as) the beast, and who is able to wage war against him?"

American Standard Version
and they worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? and who is able to war with him?

Berean Standard Bible
They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?"

Contemporary English Version
and they worshiped the dragon who had given its authority to the beast. They also worshiped the beast and said, "No one is like this beast! No one can fight against it."

Complete Jewish Bible
They worshipped the dragon, because he had given his authority to the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who can fight against it?"

International Standard Version
They worshiped the dragon because it had given authority to the beast. They also worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight a war with it?"Revelation 18:18;">[xr]

Etheridge Translation
And they worshipped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast of prey, (saying, Who is like the beast of prey,) [fn] and who is able to make war with him ?

Murdock Translation
And they worshipped the dragon, because he had given authority to this beast of prey, and [fn] , who can make war upon him?

King James Version (1611)
And they worshipped the dragon which gaue power vnto the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like vnto the beast? Who is able to make warre with him?

Bishop's Bible (1568)
And they worshipped the dragon which gaue power vnto the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying: Who is lyke vnto the beast? who is able to warre with hym?

English Revised Version
and they worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? and who is able to war with him?

King James Version
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Lexham English Bible
And they worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to make war with him?

New American Standard Bible
they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?"

New Century Version
People worshiped the dragon because he had given his power to the beast. And they also worshiped the beast, asking, "Who is like the beast? Who can make war against it?"

New English Translation
they worshiped the dragon because he had given ruling authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast too, saying: "Who is like the beast?" and "Who is able to make war against him?"

New King James Version
So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"

New Living Translation
They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast. "Who is as great as the beast?" they exclaimed. "Who is able to fight against him?"

New Revised Standard
They worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?"

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they adored the dragon which gave power to the beast. And they adored the beast, saying: Who is like to the beast? And who shall be able to fight with him?

George Lamsa Translation
And they worshipped the dragon because he had given power to the beast : who can prevail against him to fight him?

Good News Translation
Everyone worshiped the dragon because he had given his authority to the beast. They worshiped the beast also, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who can fight against it?"

World English Bible
They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"

Wesley's New Testament (1755)
because he gave the authority to the wild beast; and worshiped the wild beast, saying, Who is like the wild beast? and who can war with him?

Weymouth's New Testament
And they offered worship to the Dragon, because it was to him that the Wild Beast owed his dominion; and they also offered worship to the Wild Beast, and said, "Who is there like him? And who is able to engage in battle with him?"

Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And thei worschipiden the dragoun, that yaf power to the beeste; and thei worschipeden the beeste, and seiden, Who is lijk the beeste, and who schal mowe fiyte with it?

Webster's Bible Translation
And they worshiped the dragon which gave power to the beast: and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who [is] like the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Revised Standard Version
Men worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?"

Tyndale New Testament (1525)
and they worshipped ye drago which gave power vnto the beest and they worshipped the beest sayinge: who is lyke vnto the beast? who is able to warre with him?

Update Bible Version
and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? And who is able to war with him?

Young's Literal Translation
and they did bow before the dragon who did give authority to the beast, and they did bow before the beast, saying, `Who [is] like to the beast? who is able to war with it?'

Bible in Basic English
And they gave worship to the dragon, because he gave authority to the beast; and worshipping the beast, they said, Who is like the beast? and who is able to go to war with him?

Literal Translation
And they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast; who is able to make war with it?

Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
and they worshipped the dragon which gaue power vnto the beest, and they worshipped the beest, sayenge: who is like vnto the beest? who is able to warre with him?

Mace New Testament (1729)
They worshipped the dragon which had given his power to the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, "who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?"

New Life Bible
They worshiped the dragon for giving this wild animal such power. And they worshiped this wild animal. They said, "Who is like this wild animal? Who can fight against it?"

Simplified Cowboy Version
The world worshiped the dragon because of the power it had given the leopard. They also worshiped the beast saying things like, "The beast is all powerful and not even God can stand against it."

New American Standard Bible (1995)
they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?"

Contextual Overview

¹ And I saw, out of the sea, a wild-beast coming up; having ten horns, and seven heads, and, upon his horns, ten diadems, and, upon his head, names of blasphemy. ² And, the beast which I saw, was like unto a leopard; and, his feet, as of a bear, and, his mouth, as the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave unto him his power, and his throne, and great authority. ³ And I saw one of his heads, showing that it had been slain unto death, and, the stroke of his death, was healed. And the whole earth marveled after the wild-beast, ⁴ and did homage unto the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the wild-beast; and they did homage unto the wild-beast, saying - Who is like unto the wild-beast? and Who can make war with him? ⁵ And there was given unto him, a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and it was given unto him to act, forty and two months. ⁶ And he opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tent, - them, who, in heaven were tabernacling. ⁷ And it was given unto him, to make war with the saints, and to overcome them;and there was given him, authority against every tribe and people and tongue and nation. ⁸ And all they who are dwelling upon the earth will do homage unto him, - every one whose name is not written in the scroll of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. ⁹ If any-one hath an ear: let him hear. ¹⁰ If anyone carrieth into captivity, into captivity, he goeth away. If anyone, with a sword, doth slay, he must, with a sword, be slain. Here, is the endurance and the faith of the saints.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

And they: Revelation 13:2, Revelation 9:20, Psalms 106:37, Psalms 106:38, 1 Corinthians 10:20-22, 2 Corinthians 4:4

and they: Revelation 13:12, Revelation 13:13, Revelation 13:15, Daniel 11:36, Daniel 11:37, 2 Thessalonians 2:4

Who is like: Revelation 18:18

who is able: Revelation 17:14, Deuteronomy 9:2, 1 Samuel 17:24

Reciprocal: Genesis 3:5 - as gods 1 Samuel 17:33 - Thou art not Job 34:30 - General Psalms 49:18 - praise Isaiah 27:1 - the dragon Ezekiel 29:3 - the great Matthew 12:44 - he findeth Luke 6:26 - when Acts 12:22 - General Acts 19:28 - and cried Acts 19:34 - Great Revelation 12:3 - a great Revelation 13:8 - all Revelation 13:14 - they Revelation 17:8 - shall wonder Revelation 20:2 - the dragon

Cross-References

Genesis 4:26
And to Seth - to him also, was born a son, and he called his name Enosh, - then, was a beginning made, to call on the name of Yahweh.

Genesis 13:1
So Abram came up out of Egypt he and his wife and all that he had and Lot with him, towards the South.

Genesis 13:2
Now, Abram, was very rich, - in cattle, in silver and in gold.

Genesis 13:3
And he went his way, by his removals, from the South even as far as to Bethel, - as far as the place where his tent was at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai:

Genesis 13:7
And there arose a strife betwixt the herdmen of Abram, and the herdmen of Lot. Now the Canaanite and the Perizzite, were then dwelling in the land.

Genesis 13:8
So then Abram said unto Lot Pray let not cause of strife arise betwixt me and thee, or betwixt my herdmen and thy herdmen; for brethren, are we.

Genesis 13:18
So Abram moved his tent and came in and dwelt among the oaks of Mamre, which were in Hebron, - and built there an altar to Yahweh.

Psalms 26:8
O Yahweh, I have loved the asylum of thy house, even the place of the habitation of thy glory!

Psalms 84:10
For better is a day in thy courts, than a thousand, I choose rather to stand at the threshold in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of lawlessness.

Psalms 107:1
BOOK THE FIFTHO give thanks to Yahweh - For he is good, For, age-abiding, is his lovingkindness.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

And they worshipped the dragon,.... The devil, in the idols, images, angels, and saints departed, to whom they give adoration, as did the Gentiles, whose successors they are, and whose name they bear; see 1 Corinthians 10:20;

which gave power unto the beast, as in Revelation 13:2;

and they worshipped the beast; not only in a civil way, being subject to him as their temporal lord, to whom they give homage; obedience, and tribute, but in a religious way; for antichrist sits in the temple to be worshipped as God, showing himself that he is God, and receives adorations from his creatures, the cardinals, and others; but woe to them that worship this beast; see Revelation 14:9.

Saying, who [is] like unto the beast? using such expressions as are used of God himself, implying that there is none like him, Exodus 15:11, yea, they ascribe deity to him, calling him our Lord God the pope, God, and a God on earth; Exodus 15:11- :.

Who is able to make war with him? And indeed, such was his power and strength once, that he was more than a match for emperors and kings; and those were badly off that engaged in a war with him, when his power was such, that he could depose one, and set up other, kick the crowns of kings, tread upon the necks of emperors, oblige them to hold his stirrup, while mounted his horse, and keep them barefoot at his gate for days together, waiting for admittance; of all which there are instances.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast - See the notes at Revelation 12:3; Revelation 13:2. That is, they in fact worshipped him. The word “worship” - προσκυνέω proskuneō - is not always, however, used in a religious sense. It means, properly, “to kiss”; to kiss toward anyone; that is, to kiss his own hand and to extend it toward a person, in token of respect and homage (Robinson, Lexicon). Compare Job 31:27. Then it means to show respect to one who is our superior; to kings and princes; to parents; and pre-eminently to God. See the notes on Matthew 2:2. The word may be used here to mean that homage or reverence, as to a higher power, was rendered to the “dragon”; not strictly that he was openly worshipped in a religious sense as God. Can anyone doubt that this was the case under papal Rome; that the power which was set up under that entire domination, civil and ecclesiastical, was such as Satan approved, and such as he sought to have established on the earth? And can anyone doubt that the homage thus rendered, so contrary to the law of God, and so much in derogation of his claims, was in fact homage rendered to this presiding spirit of evil?

And they worshipped the beast - That is, they did it, as is immediately specified, by saying that he was “incomparable” and “invincible”; in other words, that he was superior to all others, and that he was almighty. For the fulfillment of this, see the notes on 2 Thessalonians 2:4.

Who is like unto the beast? - That is, he is to be regarded as unequalled and as supreme. This was, in fact, ascribing honors to him which belonged only to God; and this was the manner in which that civil and secular power was regarded in the period here supposed to be referred to. It was the policy of rulers and princes in those times to augment in every way possible the respect in which they were held; to maintain that they were the vicegerents of heaven; to claim for themselves sacredness of character and of person; and to secure from the people a degree of reverence which was in fact idolatrous. Never was this more marked than in the times when the papacy had the ascendency, for it was its policy to promote reverence for the power that sustained itself, and to secure for itself the idolatrous veneration of the people.

Who is able to make war with him? - That is, he is invincible. They thus attributed to him omnipotence - an attribute belonging only to God. This found a fulfillment in the honor shown to the civil authority which sustained the papacy; for the policy was to impress the public mind with the belief that that power was invincible. In fact, it was so regarded. Nothing was able to resist that absolute despotism; and the authority of princes and rulers that were allied with the papal rule was of the most absolute kind, and the subjugation of the world was complete. There was no civil, as there was no religious liberty; and the whole arrangement was so ordered as to subdue the world to an absolute and uncontrollable power.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Revelation 13:4. And they worshipped the dragon — Worshipping the dragon here evidently means the voluntary religious subjection of the members of the Latin Church to the revived western empire, because of the eminent part it has taken in the support of their faith.

And they worshipped the beast — Not only the dragon or revived western empire was worshipped; the beast, the whole Latin empire, is a partaker in the adoration. The manner in which it is worshipped consists in the subjects of it:-

Saying, Who is like unto the beast? — Is it not the only holy power in the universe? Is it possible for any person not a subject of it to be saved?

Who is able to make war with him? — Can any nation successfully fight with it? Is not the Roman empire, which is its principal bulwark, invictissimum, most invincible? Invictissimus, most invincible, was the peculiar attribute of the emperors of Germany. See modern Universal History, vol. xxxii., p. 197.