Revelation 13:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 13:6 vividly portrays the malevolent character of the "beast" from the sea, a central figure in end-times prophecy, by describing its open and deliberate blasphemy against God. This act is not merely an incidental offense but a direct, vocal, and comprehensive assault on God's divine nature, His sacred presence, and all who are intimately connected with Him in heaven, revealing the beast's ultimate rebellion and defiance against the Creator's authority and glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 13 introduces two formidable beasts, both empowered by the dragon (Satan, as identified in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Great Dragon, Satan")). The first beast, emerging from the sea, is depicted with seven heads and ten horns, a composite of the beasts from Daniel's vision (cf. [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts")), symbolizing a powerful, oppressive empire. Prior to this verse, the beast is granted authority to rule for forty-two months ([Revelation 13:5](/revelation/13-5 "Revelation 13:5 - The Beast's Authority")), and its rise is met with worship from the unbelieving world ([Revelation 13:4](/revelation/13-4 "Revelation 13:4 - Worship of the Dragon and Beast")). The opening of its mouth in blasphemy in [Revelation 13:6](/revelation/13-6 "Revelation 13:6 - The Beast's Blasphemy") is a direct consequence and manifestation of the power and authority it has received, indicating its primary agenda is to oppose and insult the divine.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of beasts in Revelation draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly the book of Daniel, where powerful empires are symbolized by monstrous creatures. For John's original audience, likely facing Roman persecution, the "beast" would have resonated as a symbol of oppressive imperial power that demanded worship and persecuted Christians. Blasphemy, in both Jewish and Roman contexts, was a severe offense: for Jews, it was a direct insult to God punishable by death; for Romans, it could involve disrespecting the emperor, who was often deified. The beast's blasphemy would therefore be understood as a direct challenge to the true God, mirroring the imperial cult's demands for worship and its persecution of those who refused to acknowledge Caesar as divine.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Revelation and broader biblical prophecy. It underscores the theme of **Cosmic Conflict**, portraying the ultimate spiritual battle between God and the forces of evil, with the beast acting as Satan's primary earthly agent. The beast's actions exemplify **Rebellion and Usurpation of Divine Authority**, as it not only claims power but actively speaks against the One true God, attempting to seize His glory and worship. This theme is echoed in passages like [2 Thessalonians 2:4](/2_thessalonians/2-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:4 - The Man of Lawlessness") which describes the "man of lawlessness" who "exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship." Furthermore, the blasphemy against God's "tabernacle" and "them that dwell in heaven" highlights the theme of **Comprehensive Opposition to God's Presence and People**, indicating that the beast's animosity extends to all aspects of God's being, dwelling, and heavenly court, setting the stage for the persecution of God's earthly saints ([Revelation 13:7](/revelation/13-7 "Revelation 13:7 - The Beast's War on the Saints")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **opened (Greek, _anoígō'_):** From G455, meaning "to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)." In this context, it emphasizes a deliberate, intentional, and public act. The beast does not merely harbor blasphemous thoughts but actively gives them vocal expression, making its defiance known.
* **blasphemy (Greek, _blasphēmía'_):** From G988, meaning "vilification (especially against God)." This term denotes abusive, slanderous, or impious speech. It is a strong and severe word, indicating not just error or misunderstanding, but a direct, contemptuous assault on the character, reputation, and authority of God.
* **tabernacle (Greek, _skēnḗ'_):** From G4633, meaning "a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively); habitation." In Revelation, this often refers to God's heavenly dwelling place or temple, symbolizing His immediate presence and the place of true worship (cf. [Revelation 15:5](/revelation/15-5 "Revelation 15:5 - The Heavenly Temple")). Blaspheming the tabernacle is an attack on God's sacred presence and the very locus of His divine activity and worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he opened his mouth":** This phrase signifies a deliberate and public declaration. It is not a casual or accidental utterance but a purposeful act of vocalizing the beast's inner antagonism. The mouth is the instrument of speech, and its opening here denotes the initiation of a sustained verbal assault.
* **"in blasphemy against God":** This specifies the nature and target of the beast's speech. It is "blasphemy," meaning slander, reviling, or impious speech, and it is directed explicitly "against God." This highlights the beast's fundamental opposition to the divine, demonstrating its spiritual allegiance to the dragon.
* **"to blaspheme his name":** The purpose clause indicates the specific objects of the beast's blasphemy. Blaspheming God's "name" is an attack on His very character, reputation, authority, and essence. In biblical thought, a name represents the person's identity and nature, so defiling God's name is to defile all that He is.
* **"and his tabernacle":** This extends the blasphemy to God's dwelling place. As noted in the key word analysis, the "tabernacle" here refers to God's heavenly sanctuary, the place of His immediate presence and worship. To blaspheme it is to desecrate the holy space where God dwells and receives adoration, challenging His sovereignty and purity.
* **"and them that dwell in heaven":** This final clause broadens the scope of the beast's blasphemy to include all who reside in God's presence. This would encompass angels and glorified saints (the "heavenly host" or "church of the firstborn," cf. [Hebrews 12:22-23](/hebrews/12-22-23 "Hebrews 12:22-23 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). By attacking those in heaven, the beast demonstrates its comprehensive hatred for all that is associated with God and His divine order, foreshadowing its persecution of God's people on earth.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 13:6 employs several powerful literary devices. **Personification** is evident as the abstract concept of "blasphemy" is given a voice through the beast, which "opens its mouth" to utter it. This makes the evil tangible and active. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with the "beast" itself symbolizing oppressive, anti-God political and spiritual power, and "heaven" symbolizing God's dwelling place and the realm of His faithful. The act of "blaspheming" is a form of **Antithesis**, setting the beast's defiant and impious speech in direct opposition to the worship and praise due to God. The progression from blaspheming God Himself to His "name," "tabernacle," and "them that dwell in heaven" utilizes **Climax** or **Expansion**, showing an escalating and comprehensive assault, moving from the divine essence to His presence and finally to His heavenly retinue, emphasizing the totality of the beast's rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 13:6 serves as a stark theological declaration about the nature of ultimate evil and its direct opposition to God. It reveals that the pinnacle of rebellion is not merely human sinfulness but an active, conscious, and vocal defiance against the Creator's very being, His character (name), His sacred presence (tabernacle), and His heavenly community. This blasphemy underscores the spiritual warfare at play, where the enemy's primary objective is to usurp God's glory and dismantle His order. It highlights the profound contrast between the worship due to God alone and the false worship demanded by the beast, setting the stage for the final judgment where all blasphemers will be silenced.

* [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Blasphemy")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness")
* [Psalm 74:10](/psalms/74-10 "Psalm 74:10 - How Long Will the Enemy Blaspheme?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 13:6, while depicting a future, terrifying reality, offers profound insights for believers today. It calls us to a heightened sense of spiritual discernment, enabling us to recognize and resist ideologies, movements, or even subtle cultural shifts that subtly or overtly blaspheme God's name, challenge His authority, or disrespect His divine presence. In a world increasingly prone to relativism and open hostility towards biblical truth, this verse reminds us of the absolute necessity of upholding God's character and defending His honor. It encourages us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that the spiritual battle is real and that the enemy's ultimate target is God Himself. Our response should be one of unwavering loyalty to Christ, speaking truth in love, and living lives that glorify the Father, thereby counteracting the spirit of blasphemy with lives of worship and adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might subtle forms of "blasphemy" against God's name or character manifest in contemporary society?**
* **How can believers actively uphold God's name and honor in their daily lives and public discourse?**
* **What does the beast's comprehensive blasphemy (against God, His name, tabernacle, and heavenly dwellers) reveal about the nature of evil, and how should this inform our spiritual vigilance?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for the beast to "blaspheme his tabernacle" and "them that dwell in heaven"?**

Answer: To "blaspheme his tabernacle" refers to the beast's attack on God's dwelling place, which in Revelation often symbolizes the heavenly temple or God's immediate, sacred presence. This is an act of desecration, a direct assault on the holiness and sanctity of God's abode and the place where true worship is offered. By blaspheming "them that dwell in heaven," the beast extends its animosity to all who are intimately connected with God in the heavenly realm. This includes the angels who serve Him and the glorified saints who have been redeemed and now reside in His presence (cf. [Hebrews 12:22-23](/hebrews/12-22-23 "Hebrews 12:22-23 - The Heavenly Jerusalem, the Church of the Firstborn")). It signifies a comprehensive hatred for everything associated with God and His divine order, foreshadowing the beast's earthly persecution of God's people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 13:6 describes the ultimate expression of rebellion against God, its profound darkness serves to highlight the glorious light of Christ's perfect obedience and ultimate triumph. The beast's blasphemy against God's name, tabernacle, and heavenly dwellers stands in stark contrast to Jesus Christ, who perfectly glorified the Father's name ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")), is Himself the true "tabernacle" or dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")), and is the One through whom all who dwell in heaven and on earth will ultimately worship the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The beast seeks to usurp divine authority, but Christ, being God, humbled Himself to become a servant, and was therefore highly exalted by God ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The beast blasphemes, but Jesus always spoke the truth of God, even to His own suffering and death ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Testimony to the Truth")). Ultimately, the beast's reign is temporary and will be utterly destroyed by the Lamb ([Revelation 19:20](/revelation/19-20 "Revelation 19:20 - The Beast and False Prophet Cast into the Lake of Fire")), demonstrating that Christ, the faithful and true witness, is the sovereign Lord over all, whose name alone is worthy of all honor and praise.

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

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.