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Revelation 13:2

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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.

And {G2532} the beast {G2342} which {G3739} I saw {G1492} was {G2258} like {G3664} unto a leopard {G3917}, and {G2532} his {G846} feet {G4228} were as {G5613} the feet of a bear {G715}, and {G2532} his {G846} mouth {G4750} as {G5613} the mouth {G4750} of a lion {G3023}: and {G2532} the dragon {G1404} gave {G1325} him {G846} his {G846} power {G1411}, and {G2532} his {G846} seat {G2362}, and {G2532} great {G3173} authority {G1849}.

The beast which I saw was like a leopard, but with feet like those of a bear and a mouth like the mouth of a lion. To it the dragon gave its power, its throne and great authority.

The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.

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 throne, and great authority.

Commentary

Commentary on Revelation 13:2 (KJV)

Revelation 13:2 introduces the first of two significant "beasts" in John's apocalyptic vision, a powerful figure that plays a central role in end-times prophecy. This verse describes its terrifying appearance and, crucially, the source of its immense authority.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic scene in Revelation 12 where the great red dragon, identified as Satan, is cast down to earth. With his direct access to heaven curtailed, the dragon empowers a worldly entity – the beast from the sea – to carry out his malevolent will on earth. This beast represents a formidable political, economic, and religious system, or perhaps a powerful leader, that will dominate the world in the final days, acting as Satan's primary agent.

Key Themes

  • Composite Nature of Evil Power: The beast's description as "like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion" is highly symbolic. This imagery directly echoes the vision of four beasts in Daniel Chapter 7, which represented successive world empires (Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome). By combining these characteristics, John suggests that this final beast embodies the cunning of a leopard, the crushing power and stability of a bear, and the ferocious, devouring nature of a lion. It signifies a culmination of all historical forms of oppressive, anti-God human government and power, possessing their worst traits.
  • Satanic Origin of Authority: The most critical aspect of this verse is that "the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority." This clearly indicates that the beast's dominion is not divinely ordained but is a direct bestowal from Satan. His "power" (Greek: dynamis, inherent strength), "seat" (Greek: thronos, throne or place of rule), and "great authority" (Greek: exousia, delegated right to rule) are all derived from the devil. This highlights the spiritual battle underlying worldly events and warns against mistaking worldly power for divine endorsement.
  • Global Dominion: The comprehensive nature of the power granted – including a throne and great authority – points to the beast's eventual global reach and influence, a theme further developed in subsequent verses of Revelation 13, such as Revelation 13:7.

Linguistic Insights

The use of "like unto" emphasizes the symbolic nature of the beast's appearance; it is not a literal creature but a representation of a political or spiritual entity. The Greek word for "dragon" (drakōn) unequivocally refers to Satan, as confirmed in Revelation 12:9, reinforcing the demonic source of the beast's power.

Practical Application

For believers today, Revelation 13:2 serves as a vital warning and a call to spiritual discernment. It teaches us to:

  • Discern the Source of Power: Not all power or authority exercised in the world comes from God. This verse reveals that Satan actively empowers earthly systems and leaders to oppose God's kingdom.
  • Recognize Deception: The beast, though empowered by the dragon, will likely appear impressive and formidable, drawing worship from the world (as seen later in Revelation 13). Understanding its satanic origin helps us to resist its allure and false claims.
  • Stand Firm in Faith: Knowing that evil powers have a temporary, delegated authority from Satan, rather than ultimate divine power, strengthens our resolve to remain faithful to Christ, who has already triumphed over the dragon (Colossians 2:15).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 7:4 (6 votes)

    The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

  • Daniel 7:7 (6 votes)

    After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.

  • Revelation 12:9 (5 votes)

    And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

  • Revelation 17:12 (5 votes)

    And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

  • 1 Peter 5:8 (5 votes)

    ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

  • Revelation 20:2 (5 votes)

    And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

  • Revelation 13:4 (4 votes)

    And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?