### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **bátrachos**, represented by `{{G944}}`, is defined as a **frog**. It appears just **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in scripture, highlighting its specific symbolic role. Its derivation is noted as uncertain.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its single biblical appearance, `{{G944}}` is used metaphorically. The apostle John **saw** `{{G1492}}` **three** `{{G5140}}` **unclean** `{{G169}}` **spirits** `{{G4151}}` that were **like** `{{G3664}}` **frogs** `{{G944}}`. These spirits are depicted as coming **out of** `{{G1537}}` the **mouth** `{{G4750}}` of the **dragon** `{{G1404}}`, the **beast** `{{G2342}}`, and the **false prophet** `{{G5578}}` [[Revelation 16:13]]. This singular context ties the image of a **frog** directly to unclean spirits emanating from a trio of evil figures.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of `{{G944}}` in [[Revelation 16:13]]:
* `{{G169}}` **akáthartos** (unclean): This descriptor, meaning **impure** or **foul**, is used to define the nature of the spirits that appear **like** `{{G3664}}` frogs. The term is frequently associated with demonic spirits [[Matthew 12:43]].
* `{{G1404}}` **drákōn** (dragon): This term for a "fabulous kind of serpent" identifies the first of **three** `{{G5140}}` sources from which the frog-like spirits originate. The **dragon** is identified elsewhere as Satan [[Revelation 20:2]].
* `{{G2342}}` **thēríon** (beast): Meaning a "dangerous animal," this word identifies the second source of the unclean spirits, which ascends **out of** `{{G1537}}` the sea [[Revelation 13:1]] or the bottomless pit [[Revelation 11:7]].
* `{{G5578}}` **pseudoprophḗtēs** (false prophet): Meaning a "spurious prophet" or "religious impostor," this word identifies the third source, acting in concert with the **dragon** `{{G1404}}` and the **beast** `{{G2342}}` [[Revelation 16:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G944}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful image:
* **Symbol of Impurity:** The primary theological role of **bátrachos** is to serve as a visual metaphor for **unclean** `{{G169}}` **spirits** `{{G4151}}`. The association with frogs visually represents something foul and impure that must be separated from [[2 Corinthians 6:17]].
* **Emanation from Evil:** The spirits come **out of** `{{G1537}}` the **mouth** `{{G4750}}` of the **dragon** `{{G1404}}`, the **beast** `{{G2342}}`, and the **false prophet** `{{G5578}}`. This points to their origin as spoken expressions from evil sources known for deception ([[Revelation 12:9]], [[Revelation 19:20]]).
* **Agent of a Demonic Trinity:** The passage links **three** `{{G5140}}` frog-like spirits to **three** distinct evil figures. This establishes them as the active agents of an unholy trinity at work in the world.
### Summary
In summary, **bátrachos** `{{G944}}` is a term whose significance is derived entirely from its singular, vivid use in scripture. It is not just a **frog**, but a symbol for the **unclean** `{{G169}}` **spirits** `{{G4151}}` that serve the **dragon** `{{G1404}}`, the **beast** `{{G2342}}`, and the **false prophet** `{{G5578}}`. This image in [[Revelation 16:13]] provides a memorable depiction of the foul nature of demonic influence, showing how deceptive and impure powers emanate directly from the primary sources of evil.
TRV