17:14a
They: This pronoun probably refers to the ten future kings.
make war: This phrase refers to fighting by organized groups. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
fight a war
-or-
battle
the Lamb: This is a title for Jesus. Jewish people killed a lamb at the Passover as a sacrifice to God. The lamb has symbolic meaning as a special sacrifice and is a symbol for the Christ. See how you translated this title in 5:6 or 15:3.
17:14b
triumph over: Here the word triumph over refers to the Lamb defeating the kings in that war. For example:
conquer (Revised Standard Version)
17:14c
He is Lord of lords and King of kings: These two phrases say almost the same thing. When a similar meaning is repeated, the repetition emphasizes that meaning. In some languages repeating a similar meaning has a different use. If that is true in your language, emphasize the meaning in a natural way. For example:
he is indeed the Lord over all rulers
-or-
he is Lord and King/Ruler over each and every leader
Lord of lords: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means “the one in authority over (others),” or “owner.” The phrase Lord of lords indicates that Jesus has authority over all lords (and everyone else). See how you translated the word Lord in 4:8 or 16:7.
King of kings: Similarly, the phrase King of kings indicates that Jesus has authority over all kings (and everyone else). Other ways to translate this phrase are:
Leader over ⌊all⌋ leaders
-or-
Ruler of ⌊all⌋ rulers
17:14d
He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones: The Greek words are literally “those with him are called and chosen and faithful” (as in the Revised Standard Version). The words refer to believers. Other ways to translate these words are:
those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
Those who are called, chosen, and faithful are with him (God’s Word)
-or-
those accompanying the Lamb are the called, chosen, and faithful (NET Bible)
He will be accompanied by: These verses do not say how or where the followers are with the Lamb. They either fight alongside him or only accompany him as he fights.
In some languages it is necessary or more natural to indicate how the followers are with the Lamb. If that is true in your language, translate this phrase so that it allows for both possibilities. For example:
⌊accompanying⌋ him
-or-
⌊going⌋ with him ⌊in victory⌋
His called: The word called refers to someone being invited to participate in something. Jesus has asked every believer to follow him. In some languages it is necessary or more natural to translate this phrase using an active verb. For example:
those whom he invited ⌊to follow him⌋
chosen: Jesus chooses each believer to follow him.
faithful: This word refers to people who continue to follow Jesus. Other ways to translate this word are:
remain believing/believers
-or-
continue following
General Comment on 17:14b–d
In some languages it is more natural to separate or reorder the information in 17:14b–d to make it clearer. For example:
but the Lamb, 14d bringing his called, chosen, and faithful followers, 14b will defeat them, 14c because he is Lord of lords and King of kings.
-or-
but the Lamb 14c is Lord of lords and King of kings, and so 14b will defeat them.14d Going with him will be his called, chosen, and faithful followers.
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