Revelation 13:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was given a mouth speaking arrogant blasphemies; and it was given authority to act for forty-two months.

Berean Standard Bible

The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 13:5 vividly portrays the character and limited duration of the beast from the sea, a symbolic entity representing a powerful, blasphemous, and oppressive worldly authority that opposes God and His people. This verse reveals that the beast is granted a voice to utter arrogant boasts and direct insults against God, and is also given a specific, finite period of power lasting forty-two months. It underscores the beast's delegated authority and the divine sovereignty that ultimately controls the extent and duration of even evil's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 13:5 is situated within John's vision of the two beasts, immediately following the introduction of the beast from the sea in [Revelation 13:1-4](/revelation/13-1-4 "Revelation 13:1-4 - The Beast from the Sea"). This first beast, rising from the sea with multiple heads and horns, embodies a composite of historical oppressive empires, drawing its power and authority from the dragon, identified as Satan in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Great Dragon, Satan"). Verse 5 specifically elaborates on the beast's *modus operandi* and the divinely permitted scope of its activity, serving as a bridge to its actions described in subsequent verses, such as making war on the saints and receiving worship from the earth's inhabitants in [Revelation 13:6-8](/revelation/13-6-8 "Revelation 13:6-8 - The Beast's Blasphemy and Worship"). This verse sets the stage for understanding the beast's destructive nature and the ultimate limitations placed upon it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution for early Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian, who demanded emperor worship. John's audience would have been intimately familiar with the oppressive nature of imperial power and the blasphemous claims of divinity made by Roman emperors. The imagery of a beast rising from the sea resonates with Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly those in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"), where beasts symbolize powerful, often tyrannical, empires. The concept of "blasphemy" would have been understood as a direct affront to God's unique sovereignty, especially in a monotheistic Jewish and Christian context where only God was worthy of worship. The "forty-two months" also carries significant historical and prophetic weight, often linked to periods of tribulation for God's people, such as the persecution under Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 13:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Sovereignty and Delegated Authority**, emphasizing that even the most formidable evil powers do not operate outside of God's ultimate control; the beast's power is "given unto him," not inherently possessed. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Blasphemy and Anti-God Rebellion**, depicting the beast's core character as one of open defiance and usurpation of divine prerogatives, a stark contrast to the worship of God described in [Revelation 4](/revelation/4 "Revelation 4 - The Throne Room of Heaven"). Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Limited Duration of Evil**, providing comfort and assurance to persecuted believers that the reign of oppressive forces is temporary and divinely appointed, as seen in other prophetic timeframes like the "1,260 days" in [Revelation 11:3](/revelation/11-3 "Revelation 11:3 - The Two Witnesses") and [Revelation 12:6](/revelation/12-6 "Revelation 12:6 - The Woman in the Wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This word, used twice in the verse, signifies that the beast's mouth and power are not inherent but are bestowed upon it. It highlights the concept of **delegated authority** or permission. The beast does not seize this power; it receives it, ultimately from the dragon ([Revelation 13:2](/revelation/13-2 "Revelation 13:2 - The Dragon Gives Power to the Beast")) and, in a broader sense, within God's permissive will. This underscores God's ultimate sovereignty, even over the forces of evil.
* **mouth (Greek, _stóma'_):** Beyond its literal meaning, "mouth" here symbolizes the beast's **utterances, pronouncements, and decrees**. It represents its capacity for communication, propaganda, and the promulgation of its ideology. The fact that it is "speaking great things and blasphemies" indicates that its primary mode of operation involves verbal and ideological assault against God and His truth.
* **power (Greek, _exousía'_):** This term denotes **authority, jurisdiction, or liberty**, specifically a delegated or permitted power, rather than raw strength or might (for which *dynamis* would be used). The beast's *exousía* confirms that its dominion is not absolute or self-derived but is granted for a specific purpose and duration, reinforcing the theme of divine control over its activities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies":** This clause reveals the primary characteristic and method of the beast: its speech. The "mouth" signifies its public voice and declarations. "Great things" (μεγάλα) implies arrogant boasts, pompous claims, and self-exaltation, often in a way that challenges divine prerogatives. "Blasphemies" (βλασφημίας) refers to direct insults, slanders, and vilification against God, His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven ([Revelation 13:6](/revelation/13-6 "Revelation 13:6 - The Beast's Blasphemous Speech")). This indicates a profound spiritual rebellion and a usurpation of divine honor, potentially even claiming divine status for itself.
* **"and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months":** This second clause specifies the duration and nature of the beast's authority. Again, the emphasis is on "power was given," highlighting its delegated and limited nature. The period of "forty and two months" (equivalent to 3.5 years or 1,260 days) is a significant prophetic timeframe found elsewhere in Revelation and Daniel, consistently associated with a period of intense tribulation and persecution for God's people. This precise duration underscores that the beast's reign, though terrible, is finite and strictly controlled by God's sovereign plan, offering a message of hope and reassurance that evil's dominion is temporary.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 13:5 employs several potent **Literary Devices**. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "the beast" representing an oppressive, anti-God political or religious power, and "mouth" symbolizing its public pronouncements and ideological warfare. The "forty-two months" is a key **Prophetic Number**, not necessarily to be taken literally as a calendar period, but as a symbolic representation of a divinely appointed, limited time of tribulation, often understood as "a time, times, and half a time" from Daniel. The phrase "speaking great things and blasphemies" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme arrogance and defiance of this power, portraying its speech as not merely offensive but profoundly sacrilegious and self-exalting. The repeated phrase "was given unto him" functions as a form of **Anaphora** (though not strictly consecutive, it reinforces the theme of delegated authority) and highlights the beast's lack of intrinsic power, emphasizing God's ultimate **Sovereignty** even over evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 13:5 is a profound theological statement on the nature of evil and God's sovereignty. It reveals that even the most formidable forces of opposition to God do not operate autonomously but are permitted within the divine plan. The beast's blasphemous speech and delegated authority underscore the spiritual battle between the worship of God and the idolatry of worldly power. The finite duration of its reign provides a crucial theological anchor, assuring believers that suffering and oppression are temporary, and God's ultimate victory is certain. This passage invites a deeper reflection on how God uses even wicked entities to accomplish His purposes, ultimately leading to the vindication of His people and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

* [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Blasphemy and Persecution")
* [Revelation 11:2](/revelation/11-2 "Revelation 11:2 - The Trampling of the Holy City for 42 Months")
* [Revelation 13:7](/revelation/13-7 "Revelation 13:7 - The Beast's Authority Over Every Tribe and Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 13:5 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful message for believers across all generations. It warns us to be vigilant against systems and ideologies that elevate themselves against God, whether through overt blasphemy or subtle claims of ultimate authority. The beast's "mouth speaking great things and blasphemies" reminds us that spiritual warfare often involves a battle of narratives and truth claims. We are called to discern the spirit of antichrist in the world, recognizing that any power that demands absolute allegiance or denigrates God is an enemy of truth. However, the crucial detail that "power was given unto him to continue forty and two months" provides immense comfort. It assures us that no matter how overwhelming or terrifying the forces of evil appear, their power is limited, their time is finite, and they operate only within the bounds of God's sovereign permission. This understanding should cultivate **patient endurance** and **unwavering faith** in the face of tribulation, knowing that God has set an end to all evil. Our hope is not in the cessation of evil, but in the certain triumph of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of "delegated power" in this verse shape your understanding of God's sovereignty in the face of evil in the world today?**
* **In what ways do you see "great things and blasphemies" being spoken or acted out in contemporary society, challenging God's authority?**
* **How does the knowledge of the beast's "forty and two months" (limited time) encourage you to persevere through difficult circumstances or spiritual opposition?**

### FAQ

**What does "forty and two months" signify in Revelation 13:5?**

Answer: The phrase "forty and two months" is a significant prophetic timeframe in the Book of Revelation, equivalent to 3.5 years or 1,260 days. It is a symbolic period, not necessarily a literal calendar duration, representing a divinely appointed, limited time of intense tribulation and persecution for God's people. This same period appears in various forms throughout prophetic literature, such as "a time, times, and half a time" in [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Persecution") and [Daniel 12:7](/daniel/12-7 "Daniel 12:7 - The Time of the End"), and is also mentioned in [Revelation 11:2-3](/revelation/11-2-3 "Revelation 11:2-3 - The Trampling of the Holy City and the Two Witnesses") and [Revelation 12:6](/revelation/12-6 "Revelation 12:6 - The Woman in the Wilderness"). Its primary theological purpose is to assure believers that even though evil may seem to triumph for a season, its dominion is strictly limited by God's sovereign plan and will ultimately come to an end.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 13:5, while describing the anti-Christ beast, implicitly points to Christ by contrasting the beast's blasphemous claims and temporary reign with the eternal, divine authority of Jesus. The beast's "mouth speaking great things and blasphemies" stands in stark opposition to Christ, who is the [Word of God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word") incarnate, speaking truth and grace, and whose words are [spirit and life](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life"). While the beast receives "power" that is "given unto him" and is limited in duration, Jesus Christ possesses [all authority in heaven and on earth](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"), an authority that is inherent, eternal, and divinely bestowed by the Father, not merely delegated for a finite period. The beast's temporary reign of terror foreshadows the ultimate, decisive victory of the [Lamb of God](/revelation/17-14 "Revelation 17:14 - The Lamb Will Conquer") over all His enemies, culminating in His eternal kingdom where [every knee will bow and every tongue confess](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus") that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Thus, the beast's limited power and blasphemy serve as a dark backdrop against which the supreme, limitless, and righteous reign of Christ shines even more brightly.

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 7:25

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.