Revelation 13:4

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they worshipped {G4352} the dragon {G1404} which {G3739} gave {G1325} power {G1849} unto the beast {G2342}: and {G2532} they worshipped {G4352} the beast {G2342}, saying {G3004}, Who {G5101} is like {G3664} unto the beast {G2342}? who {G5101} is able {G1410} to make war {G4170} with {G3326} him {G846}?

Complete Jewish Bible

They worshipped the dragon, because he had given his authority to the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying,

“Who is like the beast?
Who can fight against it?”

Berean Standard Bible

They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?”

American Standard Version

and they worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? and who is able to war with him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 13:4 vividly portrays a scene of widespread spiritual rebellion where humanity, awestruck by the first beast's power and apparent invincibility, offers worship not to God but to the dragon—identified as Satan—who empowers the beast, and subsequently to the beast itself. This act of idolatry is underscored by a blasphemous challenge, questioning who can rival or contend with this formidable, satanically-backed entity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 13:4 is nestled within a crucial section of John's apocalyptic vision, immediately following the description of the first beast's emergence from the sea and its miraculous recovery from a seemingly fatal wound (Revelation 13:1-3). This "healing" event serves as a catalyst for the world's astonishment and subsequent worship. The verse also directly follows the revelation of the dragon's identity as "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan" in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - Satan, the Ancient Serpent"). The worship described here sets the stage for the beast's further actions, including its blasphemies and persecution of the saints, as detailed in [Revelation 13:5-7](/revelation/13-5-7 "Revelation 13:5-7 - The Beast's Blasphemy and Persecution").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's audience, Christians in the late first century, would have been acutely aware of the Roman Empire's burgeoning cult of emperor worship. Emperors like Domitian increasingly demanded divine honors, and refusal often led to persecution. The imagery of a powerful beast rising from the sea (often symbolizing nations or chaos) and demanding worship would resonate strongly with the political and religious pressures faced by believers. The questions "Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?" echo the rhetoric of imperial propaganda, which often touted the emperor's unparalleled might and invincibility, contrasting sharply with the Christian confession of God's sole sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation. It highlights **misplaced worship and idolatry**, demonstrating humanity's susceptibility to deceptive power and its tendency to worship the created rather than the Creator. The explicit statement that the dragon "gave power unto the beast" underscores the theme of **satanic empowerment** behind earthly systems of evil, revealing the spiritual warfare at play (as seen in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). The rhetorical questions are a direct **blasphemous challenge to God's uniqueness and sovereignty**, echoing praises typically reserved for God alone, such as found in [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - God's Incomparable Nature"). Finally, the widespread nature of this worship points to the theme of **global deception** that will characterize the end times, drawing the entire world into allegiance with the forces of evil (further elaborated in [Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - Those Who Worship the Beast")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **worshipped (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** This term, derived from `G4352`, signifies an act of prostration, bowing down in homage, reverence, or adoration. It implies deep submission and allegiance, typically reserved for deity. Its application here to the dragon and the beast emphasizes the profound spiritual allegiance and devotion given to these satanic entities, highlighting the gravity of this misdirected worship and the ultimate spiritual rebellion it represents.
* **dragon (Greek, _drákōn'_):** From `G1404`, this word literally refers to a fabulous kind of serpent, often associated with fascination or a powerful, dangerous animal. In Revelation, as explicitly stated in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - Satan, the Ancient Serpent"), the dragon is the symbolic representation of Satan, the Devil, the ancient serpent. Its appearance here underscores the direct demonic source of the beast's power and the ultimate spiritual enemy behind the worldly system.
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** Derived from `G1849`, this term denotes privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, mastery, or delegated influence. It can refer to authority, jurisdiction, or strength. When the dragon gives "power" to the beast, it signifies a transfer of legitimate-seeming authority and influence, allowing the beast to operate with a delegated, yet formidable, capacity for control and deception on a global scale. This power is not inherent to the beast but is granted by its demonic patron.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast:"** This clause reveals the ultimate object of worship and the source of the beast's authority. The "dragon," explicitly identified as Satan, is worshipped because he is the one who empowers the beast. This highlights a profound spiritual perversion: humanity bows down to the very source of evil, acknowledging its dominion and the power it bestows. It indicates a willing submission to satanic influence.
* **"and they worshipped the beast,"** This signifies a secondary, yet equally significant, act of idolatry. The beast, as the visible manifestation of the dragon's power on earth, becomes the direct recipient of human adoration. This worship is a testament to the beast's deceptive allure and the effectiveness of its satanically-derived authority, drawing the allegiance of the world.
* **"saying, Who [is] like unto the beast?"** This rhetorical question is a blasphemous parody of praises typically reserved for God. It implies the beast's unparalleled might and uniqueness, challenging any other power or authority. This question directly mirrors ancient hymns and declarations of God's incomparable nature (e.g., [Psalm 89:8](/psalms/89-8 "Psalm 89:8 - Who is like unto thee, O LORD?")).
* **"who is able to make war with him?"** This second rhetorical question further emphasizes the perceived invincibility of the beast. It suggests that no one, no nation, no force, can successfully oppose or defeat this entity. This declaration of the beast's unchallenged supremacy reinforces the world's awe and fear, solidifying their worship through intimidation and a false sense of security derived from aligning with what appears to be the most powerful force.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 13:4 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "dragon" representing Satan and the "beast" symbolizing a powerful, oppressive, satanically-empowered political and religious system. This allows John to convey complex spiritual realities through vivid, memorable imagery. The rhetorical questions, "Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?", exemplify **Irony** and **Parody**. They are ironic because the beast, despite its perceived might, is ultimately finite and destined for destruction, unlike the truly incomparable God. They are a parody because they mimic the language of praise and worship due only to God, thus highlighting the blasphemous nature of the world's allegiance. Furthermore, the global scope implied by "they worshipped" suggests **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the widespread nature of this deception and the profound spiritual rebellion it entails. Finally, the verse presents a clear **Antithesis** between the worship of God and the worship of the dragon and beast, setting up a stark choice that humanity will face.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a stark warning against idolatry and the seductive power of worldly authority detached from divine truth. It reveals the spiritual dimension behind earthly powers, demonstrating that ultimate evil is not merely human depravity but is empowered and directed by Satan. The world's worship of the beast and the dragon is the ultimate act of rebellion against God's sovereignty, a direct challenge to His unique and incomparable nature. This misplaced allegiance underscores humanity's profound spiritual blindness when confronted with deceptive displays of power and miraculous signs, leading them to embrace a system that ultimately opposes God and His people.

* [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - God's Incomparable Nature")
* [Daniel 7:7](/daniel/7-7 "Daniel 7:7 - The Fourth Beast")
* [Revelation 19:20](/revelation/19-20 "Revelation 19:20 - The Beast and False Prophet Cast into the Lake of Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 13:4 challenges believers to critically examine the objects of their allegiance and the sources of perceived power in the world. In an age where charismatic leaders, powerful ideologies, or seemingly invincible systems demand unquestioning loyalty, this verse calls for profound discernment. It reminds us that true power and authority belong to God alone, and any system or individual that demands ultimate worship apart from Him is a counterfeit, empowered by the adversary. Our ultimate allegiance must always be reserved for the Creator, not for the created or for instruments of evil, no matter how appealing or formidable they may appear. This verse calls us to stand firm in our faith, resisting the pressure to conform to worldly worship, and to recognize that the spiritual battle is real, requiring us to be rooted in Christ and His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What forms of "power" or "authority" in my life or society might subtly demand my ultimate allegiance, drawing me away from God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper discernment to recognize and resist deceptive influences, even when they appear powerful or beneficial?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise my worship of God alone for the sake of worldly security, acceptance, or fear?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "dragon" mentioned in Revelation 13:4?**

Answer: The "dragon" in Revelation 13:4 is explicitly identified in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - Satan, the Ancient Serpent") as "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world." He is the ultimate spiritual adversary of God and humanity, the source of all evil and deception. In this verse, he is portrayed as the one who bestows power and authority upon the beast, orchestrating the global rebellion against God.

**What does "the beast" represent in this verse?**

Answer: "The beast" (Greek: _thēríon_, meaning 'wild animal' or 'dangerous animal') represents a powerful, oppressive, and satanically-empowered political and religious entity that arises in the end times. It is a tool of Satan, given authority to persecute the saints and deceive the world. While interpretations vary, it is generally understood to symbolize a global system or a specific leader who embodies ultimate human rebellion against God, demanding worship and enforcing a false religion. Its characteristics and actions are further detailed throughout [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Two Beasts").

**Why do people worship the dragon and the beast?**

Answer: People worship the dragon and the beast primarily due to deception and awe inspired by their perceived power and miraculous signs. The beast's recovery from a "deadly wound" (mentioned in [Revelation 13:3](/revelation/13-3 "Revelation 13:3 - The Beast's Healed Wound")) astonishes the world, leading them to believe in its invincibility and unique authority. This is coupled with the dragon's (Satan's) underlying influence, which blinds people to the truth and seduces them into idolatry. The rhetorical questions, "Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?", reflect the world's conviction that the beast is an unstoppable force, making allegiance to it seem like the only logical or safe choice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 13:4, with its depiction of widespread worship of the dragon and the beast, stands in stark contrast to the true worship due to Christ alone. While the world bows to a counterfeit king empowered by Satan, the New Testament consistently proclaims Jesus Christ as the true and rightful King, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given (as seen in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The beast's false claim to invincibility and unparalleled power is ultimately shattered by the Lamb, who is "King of kings, and Lord of lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Unlike the beast, whose power is delegated and temporary, Christ's dominion is eternal and inherent, for He is the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy")). The worship demanded by the beast is a blasphemous imitation of the adoration truly deserved by Christ, who humbled Himself to death on a cross, and was therefore highly exalted by God, so that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The ultimate victory of the Lamb over the beast and the dragon, as prophesied in [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ's Return") and [Revelation 20](/revelation/20 "Revelation 20 - The Millennium and Final Judgment"), ensures that all false worship will cease, and all glory will finally be given to the One who is truly worthy ([Revelation 5:11-14](/revelation/5-11-14 "Revelation 5:11-14 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

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 13:2

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.

Revelation 18:18

And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What [city is] like unto this great city!

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 13:15

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Revelation 13:12

And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Revelation 13:13

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

Daniel 11:36

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.