Revelation 13:6

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

And {G2532} he opened {G455} his {G846} mouth {G4750} in {G1519} blasphemy {G988} against {G4314} God {G2316}, to blaspheme {G987} his {G846} name {G3686}, and {G2532} his {G846} tabernacle {G4633}, and {G2532} them that dwell {G4637} in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

So it opened its mouth in blasphemies against God to insult his name and his Sh’khinah, and those living in heaven;

And the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God and to slander His name and His tabernacle—those who dwell in heaven.

And he opened his mouth for blasphemies against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, even them that dwell in the heaven.

Commentary on Revelation 13:6 (KJV)

Revelation 13:6 describes a chilling characteristic of the "beast" that emerges from the sea, a central figure in end-times prophecy. This verse highlights the beast's direct and profound antagonism towards God, revealing its spiritual nature as an instrument of defiance and rebellion.

Context

This verse is part of the vision presented in Revelation chapter 13, which introduces two significant beasts. The first beast, from the sea, is given power by the dragon (Satan, as identified in Revelation 12:9) and is characterized by blasphemous names. Before this verse, the beast is described as having seven heads and ten horns, receiving authority to rule for 42 months (Revelation 13:5). The opening of its mouth in blasphemy is not a casual act but a deliberate and sustained assault against the divine.

Key Themes

  • Blasphemy Against God: The primary theme is the beast's open and direct contempt for God. This is not merely an error or a misjudgment, but an active, spoken rebellion against the Creator.
  • Anti-Divine Authority: The beast represents the ultimate human or political power that sets itself up in opposition to God, seeking to usurp divine authority and glory. This is a common theme in prophetic literature, notably seen in the man of lawlessness described by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:4.
  • Assault on God's Name and Presence: Blaspheming God's "name" signifies an attack on His very character, reputation, and authority. Blaspheming His "tabernacle" refers to His dwelling place, likely the heavenly temple (Revelation 15:5), symbolizing His presence and worship.
  • Persecution of God's People: By blaspheming "them that dwell in heaven," the beast extends its attack to those who are in God's presence—likely referring to angels and glorified saints. This underscores the comprehensive nature of its rebellion, encompassing all connected to God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "blasphemy" is blasphēmia (βλασφημία), which means slander, reviling, or speaking impiously. It's a strong term indicating abusive speech directed at someone, in this case, God Himself. The action of "opening his mouth" (ἤνοιξεν τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ - *ēnoixen to stoma autou*) emphasizes a deliberate, vocal act of defiance, not merely a thought or attitude. The "tabernacle" (σκηνή - *skēnē*) denotes a tent or dwelling place, here signifying God's sacred abode or presence in heaven.

Practical Application

While Revelation 13:6 speaks of future events, its message has immediate relevance. It serves as a stark reminder:

  • Discernment: Believers are called to discern spirits and ideologies that openly or subtly blaspheme God, His character, or His authority.
  • Standing for Truth: In a world that increasingly challenges divine truth, this verse encourages believers to uphold God's name and honor.
  • Spiritual Warfare: It highlights the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, reminding us that evil's ultimate target is God Himself and all connected to Him.
  • God's Sovereignty: Despite the beast's temporary power and blasphemy, God remains sovereign. The book of Revelation ultimately assures believers of God's final victory and the defeat of all who oppose Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 12:34

    O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

  • Matthew 15:19

    For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

  • Revelation 12:12

    ¶ Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

  • Hebrews 9:24

    For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

  • Hebrews 9:2

    For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein [was] the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

  • Revelation 11:12

    And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

  • Revelation 4:1

    ¶ After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

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