And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.
And {G2532} there was given {G1325} unto him {G846} a mouth {G4750} speaking {G2980} great things {G3173} and {G2532} blasphemies {G988}; and {G2532} power {G1849} was given {G1325} unto him {G846} to continue {G4160} forty {G5062} and two {G1417} months {G3376}.
It was given a mouth speaking arrogant blasphemies; and it was given authority to act for forty-two months.
The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.
and there was given to him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and there was given to him authority to continue forty and two months.
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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. -
Daniel 7:8
I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. -
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. -
Revelation 12:6
And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days. -
Daniel 7:11
I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld [even] till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. -
2 Thessalonians 2:4
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. -
Revelation 11:2
But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.
Context of Revelation 13:5
Revelation 13:5 is a pivotal verse within the apocalyptic visions of the Apostle John, specifically detailing the characteristics and duration of the beast from the sea. This beast, introduced in Revelation 13:1, is a powerful symbol representing a future political or religious system that stands in direct opposition to God and His people. It emerges from the sea, often symbolizing the tumultuous nations and peoples of the world, and its power is derived from the dragon, identified as Satan. This verse elaborates on the beast's blasphemous nature and the divinely permitted, yet limited, extent of its authority.
Key Themes in Revelation 13:5
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "speaking great things and blasphemies" translates the Greek words μεγάλα (megala, 'great things' or 'great boasts') and βλασφημίας (blasphemias, 'blasphemies'). The combination suggests not just ordinary insults, but arrogant, boastful claims that directly challenge God's authority and character, potentially even claiming divine status for itself. The word for "power" given to the beast is ἐξουσία (exousia), which refers to delegated authority or permission, reinforcing that its reign is allowed, not intrinsically earned, by God.
Prophetic Significance & Application
The Beast's Authority and Character
This verse describes a future oppressive power, often associated with the 'Antichrist' figure or a final world empire, that will be marked by extreme arrogance and open rebellion against God. The "blasphemies" signify not only verbal abuse but also actions that defy divine law and claim prerogatives belonging only to God. This serves as a warning to believers to recognize such systems and to not be swayed by their impressive but ultimately false authority.
The Prophetic Time Period (Forty-Two Months)
The duration of "forty and two months" is a significant prophetic period, equivalent to "a time, and times, and half a time" (3.5 years) as seen in Daniel 7:25 and Daniel 12:7, and also appears in Revelation 11:2 concerning the trampling of the holy city. This period is consistently linked to intense persecution of God's people and a time of great tribulation. The specificity of the duration, however, underscores that this period of evil is strictly limited by God's sovereign plan. It is not an endless reign of terror, but a finite season.
Call to Discernment and Endurance
For a general audience, Revelation 13:5 serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming evil and blasphemous power, God remains sovereign. The beast's authority is given, not seized, and its time is fixed. This understanding encourages believers to exercise discernment concerning world powers and ideologies, to stand firm against blasphemous claims against God, and to endure patiently through trials, knowing that the time of oppression is limited. This passage encourages patience and faith of the saints, reminding them that God's ultimate victory is assured.