Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Revelation 11:7. It’s a pretty complex verse, but we can understand it in a few key ways: What it means on the surface: “Revelation”: This word means "to reveal" or “to show." In this context, it's about God revealing something significant. “11:7”: This is the verse itself – it’s a part of a larger story in the book of Revelation. “They shall have finished their testimony…” This means they’ve completed some kind of message or effort. “Testimony” here refers to something that God has revealed to us through His word and actions. Now, let's unpack it a little deeper: "The beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit…" This is where it gets a bit tricky. The "bottomless pit" isn’t literally a hole in Heaven! It represents a state of utter darkness and destruction. It symbolizes: Evil: The source of all wickedness and rebellion against God. Chaos: A state without order or purpose. The Fall of Humanity: This is often interpreted as the loss of free will and God’s perfect creation being corrupted. “…shall make war against them…” This means a significant conflict is about to begin. It’s not just a minor disagreement; it's a full-scale battle between good and evil. “…and shall overcome them, and kill them.” This is the core of the verse. The "beast" (representing evil) will fight against God and His people. It will overcome them – meaning it will defeat them – but this victory comes at a terrible cost: “kill them.” What’s the bigger picture? This verse is often interpreted as a prediction of a final battle between good and evil, culminating in the destruction of all things that oppose God. It speaks about the ultimate struggle between light and darkness, Heaven and Earth, and ultimately, the defeat of Satan (the embodiment of evil). Important Note: Different people interpret this verse differently. It's a complex passage with layers of symbolism. However, it generally points to a significant conflict that will occur in the future when God’s plan is fully realized. --- Resources for further understanding: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/11%2C11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/11%2C11) - This allows you to read the verse in multiple translations and see how different people interpret it. Christian Apologetics: [https://www.christianapologetics.org/Revelation-11-7-explanation/](https://www.christianapologetics.org/Revelation-11-7-explanation/) - This offers a more in-depth explanation with historical context and different perspectives. --- Do you want to explore any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the symbolism behind the "bottomless pit"? Discuss what “overcome” means in this context? Talk about how this verse relates to other prophecies in Revelation?