Revelation 13:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Revelation 13:1 introduces one of the most enigmatic and discussed figures in biblical prophecy: the "beast" rising from the sea. This vision immediately follows the dramatic events of Revelation 12, where the dragon (Satan) is cast down and wages war against the woman (God's people). John, the author, is positioned "upon the sand of the sea," setting the stage for a powerful, symbolic emergence. The imagery here draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly the visions found in the book of Daniel 7, where various beasts represent successive empires.

Key Themes

  • The Rise of an Oppressive Power: The "beast" symbolizes a formidable political and spiritual power that emerges from the "sea," which often represents the tumultuous nations and peoples of the world. This entity is characterized by immense authority and hostility towards God.
  • Symbolic Characteristics: The description of "seven heads and ten horns" with "ten crowns upon his horns" is rich in symbolism.
    • Seven Heads: Can represent complete power or a series of ruling entities, often interpreted as kingdoms or kings, as further elaborated in Revelation 17:9-10.
    • Ten Horns: Typically signify ten kings or kingdoms, indicating a fragmented but unified power structure that will wield authority. This aligns with the vision in Daniel 7:24.
    • Ten Crowns: Indicate royal authority and dominion granted to these ten entities, highlighting their temporal power.
  • Blasphemy: The most striking characteristic is "upon his heads the name of blasphemy." This signifies that the very essence and identity of this beastly power are opposed to God. It claims divine prerogatives, speaks contemptuously of God, or promotes worship of itself rather than the Creator. This reflects a rebellion against divine authority and a direct affront to God's holiness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "beast" here is thērion (θηρίον), which can refer to a wild animal or a dangerous creature. Its use emphasizes the fierce, untamed, and destructive nature of this power. The "sea" (thalassa - θάλασσα) often signifies the restless, chaotic masses of humanity or the gentile nations, from which this oppressive power arises. "Blasphemy" (blasphēmia - βλασφημία) means impious speech, slander, or speaking evil against God or sacred things, underscoring the beast's anti-God nature.

Practical Application

While the specific interpretation of the beast's identity has varied throughout history, the core message of Revelation 13:1 remains pertinent. It warns believers to be discerning about earthly powers and systems that oppose God and demand ultimate allegiance. It reminds us that human governments and ideologies, when unchecked by divine truth, can become vehicles for rebellion and oppression. This verse calls us to recognize and resist any authority that seeks to usurp God's rightful place, encouraging steadfast faith even in the face of widespread spiritual deception and political pressure. It reinforces the need for believers to remain loyal to Christ, whose ultimate victory is assured, as seen in Revelation 19:11-16.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 12:3 (17 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

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