### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πάρδαλις (párdalis, `{{G3917}}`) refers to a "leopard" or "panther." As indicated by its base definition, it is the feminine form of a word for "panther," though in practice, it functions as the common term for the animal. Its semantic range is quite narrow, referring specifically to this large, predatory feline known for its spotted coat, agility, stealth, and ferocity. Unlike some other biblical animal terms that can carry broader metaphorical meanings, πάρδαλις primarily denotes the literal creature, with its symbolic weight derived from the inherent characteristics universally associated with the leopard.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πάρδαλις (párdalis, `{{G3917}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Revelation:
* [[Revelation 13:2]]: "And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority."
In this singular, yet profoundly significant, occurrence, the leopard is not mentioned as a literal animal, but as a symbolic descriptor for the terrifying "beast from the sea." The beast's appearance, "like unto a leopard," immediately evokes images of swiftness, cunning, predatory instinct, and a distinctive, perhaps deceptive, outward appearance (its spots). This imagery is further compounded by the addition of the feet of a bear (strength, crushing power) and the mouth of a lion (ferocity, roaring authority), creating a composite creature that embodies the ultimate in destructive and oppressive power. The context is apocalyptic prophecy, where the beast represents a formidable earthly power, empowered by the dragon (Satan), that opposes God and persecutes His people. The choice of the leopard's form for the beast's primary likeness highlights its agility, stealth, and sudden, devastating attacks.
### Related Words & Concepts
The imagery of the leopard in [[Revelation 13:2]] draws heavily upon Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly the visions in the book of Daniel.
* The Hebrew equivalent for "leopard" is נָמֵר (namer, `{{H5246}}`). This word appears in significant prophetic passages:
* [[Daniel 7:6]]: Here, a third beast in Daniel's vision is "like a leopard," having four wings of a bird on its back and four heads. This beast is widely interpreted as symbolizing the swift and powerful Greek empire under Alexander the Great. The parallel with [[Revelation 13:2]] is striking, suggesting that John's vision builds upon and culminates Daniel's prophecies of successive world empires.
* [[Jeremiah 13:23]]: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil." This verse uses the leopard's unchangeable spots as a metaphor for the ingrained nature of sin and an inability to change one's inherent character without divine intervention.
* [[Habakkuk 1:8]]: Describes the swiftness of the Chaldean horses as "swifter than the leopards," emphasizing the animal's speed and agility.
Other related concepts in Revelation 13 include:
* θηρίον (thērion, `{{G2342}}`): The "beast" itself, a central figure in apocalyptic literature.
* δράκων (drakōn, `{{G1404}}`): The "dragon," identified as Satan, who empowers the beast.
* Other predatory animals: The "lion" (`{{G3023}}`) and "bear" (`{{G715}}`) which contribute to the beast's composite nature, symbolizing various aspects of its power and destructive capacity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πάρδαλις (párdalis, `{{G3917}}`) in the New Testament is almost entirely concentrated in its symbolic role within [[Revelation 13:2]]. Here, the leopard's characteristics contribute to the terrifying portrayal of the beast, which represents the ultimate anti-God political and spiritual power in the end times.
1. **Symbol of Antichrist Power:** The beast's leopard-like appearance signifies a power that is swift, cunning, predatory, and inherently deceptive. It suggests a force that can move quickly to achieve its aims, often through stealth and surprise, and whose outward appearance may be alluring yet harbors deadly intent.
2. **Continuity of Evil Empires:** By echoing Daniel's vision of the leopard beast (often associated with Greece), Revelation suggests a continuity of oppressive, anti-God empires throughout history, culminating in this final, composite beast. It embodies the accumulated power, ferocity, and deceit of all previous world powers that have set themselves against God and His people.
3. **Inherent Evil and Unchangeability:** Drawing from [[Jeremiah 13:23]], the "spots" of the leopard can metaphorically point to an ingrained, unchangeable nature of evil. The beast's leopard-like form suggests a power whose essence is fundamentally opposed to God, incapable of true repentance or transformation.
4. **Satanic Empowerment:** The fact that the dragon (Satan) gives the beast its power underscores that this formidable, leopard-like entity is not merely a human construct but a vehicle for demonic opposition to God's kingdom. It is a manifestation of spiritual wickedness in high places, operating through earthly systems.
### Summary
The Greek word πάρδαλις (párdalis, `{{G3917}}`), meaning "leopard," appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Revelation 13:2]]. In this singular, crucial instance, it serves as a powerful symbol describing the appearance of the "beast from the sea." This imagery draws directly from Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly [[Daniel 7:6]] (using `{{H5246}}`), where the leopard signifies a swift and formidable empire. Theologically, the leopard-like beast in Revelation represents the ultimate manifestation of anti-God power in the end times, characterized by its swiftness, predatory nature, cunning, and inherent opposition to divine authority. It embodies the culmination of all oppressive earthly systems, empowered by Satan, and serves as a stark warning regarding the nature of the spiritual forces that stand against God's eternal kingdom.
TRV