### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **thēríon**, represented by `{{G2342}}`, is a term for a **dangerous animal** or **wild beast**. It appears **46 times** across **38 unique verses** in the Bible. While it can refer to literal creatures, it is most prominently used to describe powerful and often malevolent symbolic figures, particularly in the book of Revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{G2342}}` describes a "venomous **beast**" that bit the apostle Paul with no harm [[Acts 28:4-5]] and the "wild **beasts**" that were with Jesus in the wilderness [[Mark 1:13]]. It is also used metaphorically to describe the character of people, as when the Cretians are called "evil **beasts**" [[Titus 1:12]]. However, its most significant use is symbolic, referring to the eschatological **beast** that rises from the sea [[Revelation 13:1]], makes war against the saints [[Revelation 11:7]], and receives its power from the dragon [[Revelation 13:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context and nature of `{{G2342}}`:
* `{{G1404}}` **drákōn** (dragon): This word identifies the source of the beast's power. The **dragon** gives the **beast** "his power, and his seat, and great authority" [[Revelation 13:2]], and the two are worshipped together [[Revelation 13:4]].
* `{{G5578}}` **pseudoprophḗtēs** (false prophet): This figure is a key ally of the **beast**. He performs miracles to deceive people into worshipping the **beast** [[Revelation 19:20]] and is ultimately cast into the lake of fire alongside him [[Revelation 20:10]].
* `{{G3023}}` **léōn** (lion): The **beast** from the sea is described as having a mouth "as the mouth of a **lion**" [[Revelation 13:2]], symbolizing its ferocious and terrifying nature.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2342}}` is primarily centered on its role in Revelation as a symbol of anti-God power and authority.
* **A Deceptive World Power:** The **beast** is a composite creature with features of a **leopard**, a **bear**, and a **lion** [[Revelation 13:2]]. It rises from the sea, a common symbol for the gentile nations, and is given authority that causes "all the world" to wonder after it [[Revelation 13:3]].
* **An Object of Idolatrous Worship:** Humanity is deceived into worshipping both the **dragon** and the **beast** [[Revelation 13:4]]. Allegiance to this entity is marked by receiving its "mark" on the forehead or hand, and refusal to worship it leads to persecution [[Revelation 20:4]].
* **The Ultimate Antagonist:** The **beast** stands in direct opposition to God's people, making war with them [[Revelation 11:7]] and gathering the kings of the earth for a final battle [[Revelation 19:19]]. Its ultimate end is defeat and eternal torment [[Revelation 19:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2342}}` carries a dual meaning, encompassing both literal wild animals and a profound symbolic entity. From a venomous creature on an island [[Acts 28:4]] to the central antagonist in apocalyptic prophecy [[Revelation 13:1]], **thēríon** consistently denotes a dangerous, untamed, and often hostile power. It serves as a powerful illustration of how Scripture uses the natural world to depict significant spiritual conflicts and the ultimate triumph of God over all opposing forces.
TRV