Revelation 13:2

KJV

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as [the feet] of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the beast {G2342} which {G3739} I saw {G1492} was {G2258} like {G3664} unto a leopard {G3917}, and {G2532} his {G846} feet {G4228} were as {G5613} the feet of a bear {G715}, and {G2532} his {G846} mouth {G4750} as {G5613} the mouth {G4750} of a lion {G3023}: and {G2532} the dragon {G1404} gave {G1325} him {G846} his {G846} power {G1411}, and {G2532} his {G846} seat {G2362}, and {G2532} great {G3173} authority {G1849}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The beast which I saw was like a leopard, but with feet like those of a bear and a mouth like the mouth of a lion. To it the dragon gave its power, its throne and great authority.

Berean Standard Bible

The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.

American Standard Version

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his throne, and great authority.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 13:2 presents the terrifying appearance of the first beast, a formidable entity rising from the sea, whose composite nature reflects the cumulative power of oppressive empires throughout history. Crucially, this verse reveals the true source of its immense dominion: the dragon, identified as Satan, who bestows upon the beast his own power, throne, and great authority, thereby establishing it as his chief agent in the final days to deceive and persecute humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the cosmic conflict described in [Revelation 12](/revelation/12 "Revelation 12 - The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon"), where the great red dragon, Satan, is cast down to earth, knowing his time is short. Having been defeated in the heavenly realm by Michael and his angels, the dragon now turns his fury toward God's people on earth. Revelation 13 thus marks a shift from the heavenly war to the earthly manifestation of Satan's malice, introducing his primary agents: the beast from the sea (Revelation 13:1-10) and the beast from the earth (Revelation 13:11-18). Verse 2 specifically details the first beast's appearance and the satanic origin of its power, setting the stage for its global dominance and persecution of the saints.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's vision, written during a time of intense Roman imperial cult worship and persecution of Christians, draws heavily on Old Testament prophetic imagery, particularly from the book of Daniel. The composite beast echoes the succession of empires depicted in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"), which represented Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, and Rome. For John's original audience, the imagery would have resonated with the oppressive power of the Roman Empire, which demanded worship of its emperors and persecuted those who refused, especially Christians. The beast's description would have immediately signaled a powerful, tyrannical earthly authority, reminiscent of past and present empires, but now imbued with an unprecedented, overtly satanic backing.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 13:2 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Revelation and biblical prophecy. It underscores the **Satanic Origin of Evil Authority**, revealing that worldly powers that oppose God are ultimately empowered by the devil, not by divine ordination. This contrasts sharply with the biblical understanding of legitimate human authority as ordained by God for good (e.g., [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")). The verse also highlights the **Composite Nature of Anti-God Power**, suggesting that this final, climactic manifestation of evil incorporates the worst characteristics of all previous oppressive empires, making it uniquely formidable. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Global Deception and Persecution**, as the beast's authority, given by the dragon, will lead to widespread worship and the persecution of those who refuse to conform, a theme further developed in [Revelation 13:7-8](/revelation/13-7-8 "Revelation 13:7-8 - The Beast's Authority and Worship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beast (Greek, _thēríon'_):** This diminutive form from a root meaning "to hunt" or "wild animal" denotes a dangerous, venomous, or wild creature. In Revelation, it consistently refers to the two monstrous figures empowered by the dragon, symbolizing a brutal, savage, and anti-God power that acts outside the bounds of civilized, God-ordained authority. It conveys a sense of raw, untamed, destructive force.
* **dragon (Greek, _drákōn'_):** This term refers to a fabulous kind of serpent, often associated with fascination or a powerful, mythical creature. In Revelation, as explicitly stated in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Dragon Identified as Satan"), the dragon is unequivocally identified as "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world." Thus, its appearance here immediately identifies the ultimate source of the beast's power as the arch-enemy of God and humanity.
* **authority (Greek, _exousía'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to be permitted" or "ability," *exousía* signifies privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, or, objectively, mastery, delegated influence, and the right to act. In this context, it emphasizes that the beast's dominion is not inherent but is a conferred, legitimate-seeming right to rule, granted by the dragon. This delegated power allows the beast to exercise control and demand allegiance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard":** John describes the beast's primary resemblance to a leopard, known for its swiftness, cunning, and spotted appearance (symbolizing diverse origins or characteristics). This imagery immediately evokes the third beast in [Daniel 7:6](/daniel/7-6 "Daniel 7:6 - The Leopard Beast"), representing the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great, renowned for its rapid conquest and strategic prowess.
* **"and his feet were as the feet of a bear":** The beast's feet are likened to those of a bear, a creature known for its immense strength, crushing power, and slow, ponderous movements. This alludes to the second beast in [Daniel 7:5](/daniel/7-5 "Daniel 7:5 - The Bear Beast"), representing the Medo-Persian Empire, characterized by its formidable military might and ability to crush opposition.
* **"and his mouth as the mouth of a lion":** The beast's mouth is described as that of a lion, symbolizing ferocity, devouring power, and regal, terrifying authority. This directly references the first beast in [Daniel 7:4](/daniel/7-4 "Daniel 7:4 - The Lion Beast"), representing the Babylonian Empire, known for its destructive conquests and absolute rule. The combination of these features signifies that this final beast embodies the most terrifying and oppressive characteristics of all previous world empires.
* **"and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority":** This crucial clause reveals the ultimate source of the beast's dominion. The "dragon" (Satan) directly bestows upon the beast *his* (Satan's) own inherent "power" (Greek: *dýnamis*, inherent strength), *his* "seat" (Greek: *thrónos*, a throne, signifying a place of rule and sovereignty), and "great authority" (Greek: *exousía*, delegated right to rule). This makes the beast Satan's earthly proxy, operating with the full backing and empowerment of the devil himself.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 13:2 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Allusion**. The description of the beast as a composite creature—part leopard, bear, and lion—is a direct **Allusion** to the four beasts in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"), which symbolized successive world empires. This **Symbolism** communicates that the beast of Revelation embodies the cumulative evil, cunning, strength, and ferocity of all past anti-God powers. The "dragon" is a potent **Symbol** for Satan, as explicitly stated elsewhere in Revelation, and his act of "giving" power, seat, and authority is **Symbolic** of the spiritual reality behind the beast's earthly dominion. The entire passage uses **Apocalyptic Imagery** to convey profound spiritual truths about the nature of evil and its ultimate source, rather than a literal description of a physical creature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 13:2 profoundly impacts our understanding of the nature of evil and authority in the world. It reveals that beyond human political and economic structures, there is a malevolent spiritual force—Satan—actively empowering systems and leaders to oppose God's kingdom. The beast's composite nature underscores that the final manifestation of evil will synthesize the worst aspects of historical oppression, demonstrating evil's persistent and evolving nature. This verse serves as a stark reminder that not all power is divinely sanctioned; some authority is directly derived from the adversary, demanding spiritual discernment from believers. It sets the stage for the cosmic conflict between God's sovereign rule and Satan's delegated, temporary dominion, ultimately highlighting the need for steadfast faith in the face of overwhelming worldly opposition.

* [Daniel 7:7-8](/daniel/7-7-8 "The Terrifying Fourth Beast")
* [Luke 4:5-7](/luke/4-5-7 "Satan's Offer to Jesus")
* [1 John 5:19](/1_john/5-19 "The World Under the Evil One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 13:2 serves as a crucial spiritual compass for believers navigating a complex world. It compels us to look beyond the surface of worldly power and discern its true source. Not every impressive or dominant force in society, politics, or even religion is aligned with God's will; some are directly empowered by the adversary. This understanding calls for a profound level of spiritual discernment, urging us to test spirits and ideologies against the unchanging truth of God's Word. It reinforces the reality of spiritual warfare, reminding us that our struggle is not merely against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers (as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Knowing that the beast's power is delegated and temporary, rather than ultimate and eternal, strengthens our resolve to resist its allure and stand firm in our allegiance to Christ, even when facing immense pressure or persecution. This verse encourages us to remain vigilant, to pray for wisdom, and to refuse to compromise our faith for worldly acceptance or security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the satanic origin of the beast's power change your perspective on powerful, oppressive systems in the world today?**
* **What practical steps can believers take to cultivate spiritual discernment and avoid being deceived by worldly power structures that may appear legitimate but are ultimately anti-God?**
* **In what ways might the "composite nature of evil" manifest in contemporary society, drawing on historical patterns of oppression?**

### FAQ

**Does the beast represent a specific person, empire, or system?**

Answer: While Revelation 13:2 describes the beast with characteristics reminiscent of historical empires (alluding to Daniel's visions), the composite nature and global authority suggest it represents more than just a single historical figure or nation. The beast is often interpreted as a future world leader, a global political-economic system, or a combination thereof, that embodies the culmination of all anti-God human government and power throughout history. Its power is derived from Satan, making it the ultimate earthly agent of the dragon's rebellion against God. The description allows for both literal and symbolic interpretations, pointing to a formidable, globally influential entity that will demand worship and persecute God's people in the end times.

**How can we identify the "dragon" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "dragon" is explicitly identified in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Dragon Identified as Satan") as "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world." This clear identification leaves no doubt that the dragon is the ultimate spiritual adversary, the archenemy of God and humanity. In Revelation 13:2, the dragon's act of bestowing power, his "seat," and great authority upon the beast underscores his role as the orchestrator of earthly evil and the true force behind the beast's dominion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 13:2 vividly portrays the formidable power of the beast, empowered by the dragon, it simultaneously highlights the ultimate triumph of Christ. The dragon's ability to grant power, a throne, and authority to the beast is a perverse imitation of God's divine sovereignty and Christ's rightful dominion. Yet, the New Testament consistently affirms that all true authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus Christ (as declared in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The beast's power is delegated and temporary, a mere shadow compared to the eternal and inherent power of the Lamb of God. Christ has already triumphed over the dragon through His death and resurrection, disarming the powers and authorities (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Furthermore, the "seat" (throne) given to the beast by the dragon stands in stark contrast to the throne of God and the Lamb, from which Christ reigns supreme (as described in [Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - The River of Life from the Throne")). Ultimately, the beast and the dragon will be cast into the lake of fire, demonstrating that Christ's authority is final and absolute, securing victory for His faithful followers (foretold in [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Cast into the Lake of Fire")).

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

Daniel 7:4

The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

Daniel 7:7

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 17:12

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Revelation 20:2

And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

Revelation 13:4

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?