Revelation 13:5 There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him.
How long will the beast or antichrist rule? Scripture makes it perfectly clear, 42 months…
In the original Greek it states: tessarakonta (40) kai (and) duo (two) men (months). Definitions provided by Strong’s Concordance.
Revelation 11:2 Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread underfoot the holy city for forty-two months.
The temple will need to be built and operational for the antichrist/beast to overtake. The gentiles or non-Jews will be in charge for the same time period, 42 months.
This same time period is restated elsewhere in Scripture.
Revelation 12:6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days. The woman is Israel and she is fleeing from the dragon or Satan. She is protected by God during this time period. God operates on a 30 day lunar calendar. 1,260 days divided by 30 days = 42 months.
Revelation 12:14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.
… a time and times and half a time…This is another expression of marking 42 months. The Greek word for time is kairos. It means: due measure of time, hence: a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for, opportune or seasonable time, the right time, a limited period of time.
This expression is noted in Daniel 7:25. He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.
It is also in Daniel 12:7 I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.
In the original Hebrew it states: mow`ed (time), mow`edim (times), chetsiy (half or middle). Time or mow`ed is defined: appointed place, appointed time, meeting, sacred season, set feast, appointed season; appointed sign or signal.
… a time and times and half a time… 1 + 2+ ½ = 3 1/2
In the last half of the seven year tribulation, all Hell will officially break out for…1,260 days = 42 months = time, times, and half a time = 3 ½ years… Take your pick.