Revelation 13:1

KJV

¶ And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I stood {G2476} upon {G1909} the sand {G285} of the sea {G2281}, and {G2532} saw {G1492} a beast {G2342} rise up {G305} out of {G1537} the sea {G2281}, having {G2192} seven {G2033} heads {G2776} and {G2532} ten {G1176} horns {G2768}, and {G2532} upon {G1909} his {G846} horns {G2768} ten {G1176} crowns {G1238}, and {G2532} upon {G1909} his {G846} heads {G2776} the name {G3686} of blasphemy {G988}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and I saw a beast come up out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten royal crowns and on its heads blasphemous names.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

American Standard Version

and he stood upon the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns ten diadems, and upon his heads names of blasphemy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 13:1 introduces a pivotal and terrifying vision of a composite beast emerging from the sea, a powerful symbol of an oppressive, anti-God political and spiritual force. John's detailed description of its seven heads, ten horns, and ten crowns, along with the "name of blasphemy" upon its heads, immediately signals its immense worldly authority and its inherent rebellion against the divine. This passage sets the stage for the beast's subsequent actions, revealing its role as a primary agent of evil in the eschatological drama, empowered by the dragon and demanding universal allegiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 13:1 follows directly from the cosmic conflict depicted in [Revelation 12](/revelation/12 "Revelation 12 - The Woman, the Dragon, and the Child"). In the preceding chapter, Satan, symbolized as the great red dragon, is cast down to earth and, filled with fury, pursues the woman (representing God's people) and her offspring. The dragon's inability to fully conquer God's people on earth leads directly to his empowerment of the beast, which becomes his primary instrument of persecution and deception. The phrase "And I stood upon the sand of the sea" (though some manuscripts read "he stood," referring to the dragon) serves as a dramatic transition, positioning the observer (John) or the dragon at the threshold from which this new, formidable antagonist arises, signifying a new phase in the spiritual warfare. This beast is the dragon's earthly proxy, embodying his power and blasphemous agenda.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of beasts emerging from the sea is deeply rooted in Old Testament apocalyptic literature, particularly [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"). For John's original audience, likely facing persecution under the Roman Empire, the "beast" would have resonated with the imperial cult and the demand for emperor worship. Rome, with its vast dominion and claims of divine authority for its emperors, embodied a power that often blasphemed God by usurping His prerogatives. The "sea" (Greek: _thalassa_) in ancient thought often represented the chaotic, restless Gentile nations, or the abyss from which evil forces could emerge. This vision would have provided a framework for understanding the nature of oppressive worldly powers and their inherent opposition to God, offering both warning and encouragement to steadfast believers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate the book of Revelation. Foremost is the theme of **Satanic Empowerment and Earthly Opposition**, as the beast clearly operates under the dragon's authority, serving as a political and religious force that opposes God and His people. The description of the beast's characteristics, especially the "seven heads and ten horns," contributes to the theme of **Symbolic Representation of Worldly Power**, which is further elaborated in [Revelation 17:9-12](/revelation/17-9-12 "Revelation 17:9-12 - The Seven Heads and Ten Horns Explained"). The "ten crowns" on the horns emphasize the **Usurped Authority and Dominion** that this beastly power wields over earthly kingdoms. Finally, the "name of blasphemy" highlights the central theme of **Rebellion Against God and Idolatry**, signifying the beast's inherent nature to defy God, claim divine honor for itself, and lead humanity into false worship, a stark contrast to the worship of the [Lamb of God](/revelation/5-11-14 "Revelation 5:11-14 - Worthy is the Lamb").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beast (Greek, _thēríon'_):** From G2342, this word refers to a dangerous or wild animal. Its use here emphasizes the fierce, untamed, and destructive nature of the power represented by this entity. It is not merely a political power but one that is savage, predatory, and hostile to humanity and God.
* **sea (Greek, _thálassa'_):** From G2281, this term denotes the sea. In apocalyptic literature, the "sea" often symbolizes the chaotic masses of humanity, the restless nations, or the abyss from which evil originates. The beast's emergence from the sea thus signifies its origin from the tumultuous, godless world of humanity, rather than from a divine source.
* **blasphemy (Greek, _blasphēmía'_):** From G988, this word means vilification, especially against God. It signifies impious speech, slander, or speaking evil against God or sacred things. The "name of blasphemy" on the beast's heads indicates that its very identity, authority, and actions are characterized by open defiance and contempt for God, claiming divine prerogatives for itself or its human leaders.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I stood upon the sand of the sea":** This sets the scene for John's vision, placing him at the threshold between the stable land and the tumultuous sea. It highlights his role as an observer of these unfolding cosmic events, emphasizing the dramatic nature of what is about to appear.
* **"and saw a beast rise up out of the sea":** This is the central action of the verse. The beast's emergence from the "sea" signifies its origin from the chaotic, ungodly nations of the world, rather than from a divine or heavenly source. Its "rising up" indicates its ascent to power and prominence.
* **"having seven heads and ten horns":** These are key symbolic features. The "seven heads" typically represent complete power, a series of ruling entities (kingdoms or kings), or perhaps a comprehensive authority. The "ten horns" symbolize ten kings or kingdoms, indicating a fragmented yet unified power structure that will wield authority. This imagery directly echoes the prophetic visions in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts").
* **"and upon his horns ten crowns":** The presence of "ten crowns" on the horns, rather than the heads, emphasizes that the royal authority and dominion are granted to these ten entities or kings. This signifies their temporal power and their role in the beast's overall dominion.
* **"and upon his heads the name of blasphemy":** This is the most damning characteristic. The "name of blasphemy" on the heads signifies that the very essence, identity, and authority of this beastly power are fundamentally opposed to God. It claims divine prerogatives, speaks contemptuously of God, or promotes the worship of itself or its leaders in defiance of the Creator, embodying a direct affront to God's holiness and sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 13:1 is rich in **Symbolism**, a hallmark of apocalyptic literature. The "beast" itself is a complex symbol, representing a formidable political and spiritual power. Its emergence "out of the sea" symbolizes its origin from the chaotic, ungodly nations of the world. The "seven heads" and "ten horns" are potent symbols of comprehensive and fragmented authority, respectively, while the "ten crowns" denote royal dominion. The "name of blasphemy" vividly symbolizes the beast's inherent anti-God nature and its usurpation of divine honor. The passage also employs **Allusion**, specifically to the visions of Daniel, particularly [Daniel 7:3-8](/daniel/7-3-8 "Daniel 7:3-8 - The Four Great Beasts"), where various beasts represent successive empires. This intertextual connection enriches the meaning, drawing on established prophetic understanding. Finally, the description of the beast, though representing a political entity, is imbued with characteristics of a living, malevolent entity, demonstrating **Personification**, giving it agency and a distinct, evil personality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 13:1 introduces a profound theological statement about the nature of evil and its manifestation in the world. It reveals that behind oppressive earthly powers lies a spiritual force, ultimately orchestrated by Satan, that seeks to usurp God's authority and divert worship from the Creator to the creature. The beast's characteristics underscore the pervasive nature of sin and rebellion, which not only corrupt human hearts but also permeate political systems and cultural ideologies. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God's people will face formidable opposition from forces that openly defy Him and demand ultimate allegiance, setting the stage for the ultimate cosmic battle between God's kingdom and the kingdom of darkness. It highlights the importance of discerning the spiritual realities behind worldly powers and remaining steadfast in allegiance to Christ, even when faced with overwhelming pressure to conform to blasphemous systems.

* [Daniel 7:7-8](/daniel/7-7-8 "Daniel 7:7-8 - The Fourth Beast and the Little Horn")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")
* [Revelation 17:7-14](/revelation/17-7-14 "Revelation 17:7-14 - Explanation of the Beast and its Heads")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 13:1 calls believers to a profound level of spiritual discernment and unwavering loyalty to Christ in a world often hostile to God. The beast's rise from the "sea" reminds us that oppressive, anti-God systems can emerge from the very fabric of human society, whether through political structures, economic systems, or cultural ideologies that seek to displace God. We are challenged to recognize the "name of blasphemy" not just in overt persecution but also in subtle attempts to redefine truth, morality, or ultimate authority apart from God. This passage encourages us to critically evaluate the claims of worldly powers and to resist any demand for allegiance that would compromise our devotion to the one true God. In an age where information is abundant and ideologies compete for our loyalty, the vision of the beast compels us to anchor our faith firmly in Christ, understanding that His kingdom is not of this world, and His victory over all opposing powers is assured. Our application involves prayerful vigilance, courageous witness, and steadfast refusal to participate in or endorse systems that blaspheme God, even if it means facing societal pressure or opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the beast rising from the sea challenge my understanding of where evil originates in the world today?**
* **In what ways might contemporary political or cultural systems exhibit characteristics of "blasphemy" by claiming ultimate authority or demanding worship that belongs only to God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate spiritual discernment and ensure my ultimate allegiance remains with Christ, even when faced with societal pressures?**
* **How does the knowledge of the beast's ultimate defeat (as seen later in Revelation) strengthen my resolve to stand firm in my faith today?**

### FAQ
**What does the "beast" in Revelation 13:1 symbolize?**

Answer: The "beast" in [Revelation 13:1](/revelation/13-1 "Revelation 13:1 - The Beast from the Sea") is a complex symbol representing a powerful, oppressive, and anti-God political and spiritual force that emerges from the tumultuous nations of the world. It is empowered by Satan (the dragon in [Revelation 12](/revelation/12 "Revelation 12 - The Woman, the Dragon, and the Child")) and embodies the spirit of rebellion against God, demanding worship for itself and persecuting God's people. While interpretations vary, it generally points to a final, comprehensive system of world authority that directly opposes Christ.

**What do the "seven heads and ten horns" signify?**

Answer: The "seven heads and ten horns" are rich in symbolism, drawing heavily from Old Testament prophecy, particularly [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"). The "seven heads" can symbolize either a succession of world empires, a complete or comprehensive form of power, or specific kings/kingdoms as further explained in [Revelation 17:9-10](/revelation/17-9-10 "Revelation 17:9-10 - The Seven Heads as Mountains and Kings"). The "ten horns" typically represent ten kings or kingdoms that will arise, signifying a fragmented yet unified power structure that will wield authority alongside or under the beast. The "ten crowns" on the horns indicate that these ten entities possess royal authority and dominion.

**What is the significance of "the name of blasphemy" upon its heads?**

Answer: The "name of blasphemy" upon the beast's heads is a crucial characteristic, indicating that the very essence and identity of this power are inherently opposed to God. It signifies that this entity, whether a political system, a leader, or an ideology, will openly defy God, claim divine prerogatives for itself, or promote the worship of itself rather than the Creator. This directly contrasts with the worship of God and the Lamb, highlighting the beast's ultimate rebellion and its attempt to usurp God's rightful place in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 13:1, with its depiction of a blasphemous beast rising to power, ultimately points to the supreme authority and ultimate victory of Jesus Christ. The beast's counterfeit authority, symbolized by its crowns and dominion, stands in stark contrast to the true and eternal kingship of Christ, who is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). While the beast emerges from the chaotic "sea" of humanity, Christ's origin is heavenly, as the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), eternally seated at the [right hand of God](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand"). The beast's "name of blasphemy" directly opposes Christ, who is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God") and the very [radiance of God's glory](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"). The beast seeks worship for itself, but only Christ is truly worthy, as the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb"). This passage, therefore, underscores the necessity of discerning between the fleeting, blasphemous powers of this world and the eternal, righteous reign of Christ, upon whom all true authority rests and to whom all true worship belongs. Ultimately, the beast and its followers will be [cast into the lake of fire](/revelation/19-20 "Revelation 19:20 - The Beast and False Prophet Cast into the Lake of Fire"), while Christ's kingdom will endure forever, a testament to His sovereign power and final triumph over all evil.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 12:3

And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

Revelation 17:3

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

Daniel 7:23

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Revelation 11:7

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.

Daniel 7:2

Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.

Daniel 7:3

And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.