### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term θηρίον (thēríon), Strong's `{{G2342}}`, is a diminutive form derived from θήρα (thēra), which signifies "a hunt" or "prey." While the diminutive suffix typically implies smallness, in the context of θηρίον, it often denotes a general class of animal, particularly those characterized by their wildness, danger, or predatory nature, rather than necessarily their size. Its core meaning encompasses "wild beast," "savage animal," or a "dangerous creature." The semantic range specifically includes "venomous" animals, as seen in its usage for a viper, and generally refers to untamed, uncultivated, and potentially hostile creatures. This word carries connotations of untamed nature, potential threat, and a lack of domestication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
θηρίον appears frequently in the New Testament, with its usage varying significantly between literal and highly symbolic contexts.
In its literal sense, θηρίον refers to actual animals:
* It can denote a general category of animals, as when Peter sees "all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the air" in a vision, including θηρίον [[Acts 10:12]].
* It specifically describes dangerous or venomous creatures, most notably the viper that fastens onto Paul's hand on the island of Malta [[Acts 28:4]], which the islanders immediately identify as a θηρίον [[Acts 28:5]]. Paul's miraculous deliverance from its bite underscores divine protection.
* In the wilderness temptation narrative, Jesus is described as being "with the wild beasts" (θηρίον) [[Mark 1:13]], highlighting the untamed and potentially hostile environment, yet one where Christ demonstrates His dominion.
The most profound and impactful use of θηρίον is its symbolic application in apocalyptic literature, particularly the Book of Revelation:
* Here, "the Beast" (τὸ θηρίον) becomes a central antagonist, representing oppressive, anti-God political and religious powers. The "beast rising out of the sea" [[Revelation 13:1]] and the "beast rising out of the earth" [[Revelation 13:11]] are powerful symbols of Satan's earthly instruments of deception and persecution. These symbolic beasts embody the predatory, destructive, and rebellious nature associated with wild animals, but on a cosmic, spiritual scale.
* The "number of the beast" [[Revelation 13:18]] and the worship demanded by the beast [[Revelation 13:12]] signify total allegiance to these anti-Christ systems. The beast is consistently portrayed as an enemy of God's people, making war on the saints [[Revelation 13:7]] and leading many astray.
* This symbolic usage draws heavily on Old Testament prophetic imagery, particularly the visions of beasts in the Book of Daniel, which likewise symbolize earthly kingdoms in opposition to God's eternal kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
* θήρα (thēra): The root word from which θηρίον is derived, meaning "a hunt" or "prey." This connection underscores the wild, untamed nature of the θηρίον, either as a creature to be hunted or one that hunts.
* ζῷον (zōon) `{{G2226}}`: This is a more general Greek term for "living creature" or "animal." While θηρίον is a type of ζῷον, it specifically refers to a *wild* or *dangerous* animal. This distinction is crucial in Revelation, where ζῷον is used for the four living creatures around God's throne [[Revelation 4:6]], representing redeemed creation, in stark contrast to θηρίον, which represents rebellion and destruction.
* Old Testament Parallels: The Hebrew term חַיָּה (chayyah) `{{H2416}}` often translates to "wild beast" and shares a similar semantic range, particularly in prophetic contexts like Daniel's visions. The Aramaic חַיְוָא (chayva') `{{H2423}}` in Daniel also denotes the symbolic beasts. These parallels illuminate the continuity of symbolic beast imagery throughout biblical prophecy.
* Concepts: Wildness, untamed nature, danger, predatory behavior, spiritual oppression, anti-Christ power, rebellion against divine authority, and demonic influence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of θηρίον is multifaceted, ranging from creation to eschatology.
* **Creation and Fallenness:** In its literal sense, θηρίον reminds us of God's diverse creation, including its wild aspects. However, the presence of dangerous beasts also subtly points to the effects of the Fall, where harmony between humanity and creation was broken, and danger entered the world. Jesus' encounter with θηρίον in the wilderness [[Mark 1:13]] can be seen as a symbolic representation of His dominion even over the untamed and fallen aspects of creation, restoring a measure of Edenic peace.
* **Humanity's Dominion and Its Challenge:** The existence of θηρίον highlights the challenge to humanity's original mandate to exercise dominion over creation [[Genesis 1:28]]. The wild beast represents that part of creation which remains untamed by humanity, and in its symbolic form, it represents forces that seek to dominate humanity rather than be subjected to it.
* **The Embodiment of Evil and Rebellion:** The most profound theological weight of θηρίον rests on its apocalyptic usage. The "Beast" of Revelation is the ultimate embodiment of organized evil, a satanically empowered political and religious system that stands in direct opposition to God and His Christ. It signifies the zenith of human rebellion, idolatry, and persecution of the faithful. This imagery underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the deceptive, violent nature of forces aligned against God's kingdom.
* **Divine Judgment and Ultimate Victory:** The narrative of the Beast in Revelation ultimately leads to its defeat. The Beast and the False Prophet are cast into the lake of fire [[Revelation 19:20]], signifying God's decisive and final judgment over all forms of evil, oppression, and rebellion. This assures believers of God's ultimate sovereignty, His justice, and the inevitable triumph of His kingdom over all earthly and demonic powers. The defeat of the θηρίον is a powerful promise of the complete eradication of evil and the establishment of a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.
### Summary
The Greek word θηρίον (thēríon) `{{G2342}}` primarily denotes a wild, dangerous, or venomous animal. While used literally for creatures like vipers or general wild animals, its most profound biblical significance lies in its symbolic usage within apocalyptic literature, particularly the Book of Revelation. Here, "the Beast" represents the epitome of anti-God, satanically empowered political and religious systems that persecute the saints and demand worship. Theologically, θηρίον speaks to the brokenness of creation post-Fall, the challenge to human dominion, and most significantly, the manifestation of organized evil and rebellion against God. Its ultimate defeat in Revelation signifies God's absolute sovereignty and His final, triumphant judgment over all forces opposed to His righteous kingdom.
TRV