complete verse (Revelation 17:13)

Following are a number of back-translations of Revelation 17:13:

  • Uma: “Those ten kings, they were just of one mind/heart to help that evil animal. They submitted to that animal, and all their strength and the power of their governing/government(s) they used to do the will/desire of that evil animal.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “These ten kings will agree (lit. be of one planning) that they give their strength and authority to the creature.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “The ten kings will have only one purpose, and they will help the beast with their strength and power to rule.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Because they have only-one motive/purpose, they will turn-over their power and authority to the fearsome animal.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “These ten all have the same thing in mind, that’s why they will cause their means/ability and authority of kingship to be subject to that monster.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “These ten rulers all say the same thing. They agree to do whatever the terrible evil beast will say.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Revelation 17:13

These are of one mind and give over their power and authority to the beast: in many languages the phrase are of one mind will be expressed in a similar way to the Greek; for example, “put their hearts (or, minds) together” or “be united in their minds.” It would be in keeping with the writer’s style for translators to use this double statement to express one action; however, other languages may use, for example, a verb with an infinitive, as in “They will all agree to turn over their power and authority to the beast” or “They will all agree to let the beast have their….” Since this is yet to take place, it is better to use the future tense. These ten kings will willingly become the beast’s underlings. Of one mind occurs again in verse 17; for power see 3.8; for authority see “power” in 2.26.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Revelation to John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .