◄ Revelation 13:2 ►
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.
Study Bible
The beast I saw
The term "beast" in this context is translated from the Greek word "θηρίον" (thērion), which often denotes a wild, untamed animal. In the apocalyptic literature of Revelation, the beast symbolizes a powerful, oppressive empire or ruler that stands in opposition to God. The imagery of a beast conveys the ferocity and danger posed by this entity. Historically, this has been interpreted as a representation of the Roman Empire or future oppressive regimes that embody similar characteristics.

was like a leopard
The leopard is known for its speed and agility, characteristics that are significant in understanding the nature of the beast. The Greek word "πάνθηρ" (panthēr) is used here, which can refer to a panther or leopard. This imagery is reminiscent of Daniel 7:6, where a leopard represents the swift conquests of Alexander the Great. The beast's resemblance to a leopard suggests a kingdom or power that is swift and cunning in its actions, capable of rapid and widespread influence.

with the feet of a bear
The bear, translated from the Greek "ἄρκτος" (arktos), is a symbol of strength and stability. In Daniel 7:5, a bear represents the Medo-Persian Empire, known for its formidable military might. The beast having the feet of a bear implies a foundation of strength and the ability to crush and dominate its enemies. This imagery suggests that the beast's power is not only swift but also enduring and forceful.

and the mouth of a lion
The lion, from the Greek "λέων" (leōn), is often associated with majesty and authority. In Daniel 7:4, a lion represents the Babylonian Empire, known for its regal power and dominance. The beast having the mouth of a lion indicates its ability to speak with authority and command, possibly through persuasive oratory or decrees that demand obedience. This aspect of the beast highlights its capacity to intimidate and control through its words.

And the dragon gave the beast his power
The dragon, identified earlier in Revelation as Satan, is the source of the beast's power. The Greek word "δράκων" (drakōn) is used, symbolizing a great serpent or dragon, a representation of evil and chaos. The transfer of power from the dragon to the beast signifies a satanic empowerment, suggesting that the beast's authority is not self-derived but granted by a malevolent spiritual force. This highlights the spiritual warfare underlying the physical manifestations of evil in the world.

and his throne
The throne, from the Greek "θρόνος" (thronos), signifies a seat of authority and governance. The dragon giving the beast his throne indicates a transfer of dominion, suggesting that the beast rules with the authority of Satan himself. This imagery underscores the idea that the beast's reign is a counterfeit of divine authority, seeking to usurp God's rightful rule over creation.

and great authority
The phrase "great authority" is translated from the Greek "ἐξουσία μεγάλη" (exousia megalē), emphasizing the extent and magnitude of the beast's power. This authority is vast and far-reaching, allowing the beast to exert control over nations and peoples. The use of "great" underscores the formidable challenge that the beast poses to the faithful, as it seeks to establish a dominion that rivals God's kingdom. This serves as a reminder of the ultimate spiritual battle between good and evil, and the need for believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Beast
A symbolic creature representing a powerful, oppressive kingdom or empire. Its composite nature (leopard, bear, lion) suggests a combination of characteristics from previous empires.

2. The Dragon
Identified in Revelation 12:9 as Satan, the dragon is the source of the beast's power, throne, and authority, symbolizing the satanic influence behind earthly powers.

3. Leopard, Bear, Lion
These animals are symbolic and reminiscent of the beasts in Daniel 7, representing different empires. The leopard suggests swiftness, the bear strength, and the lion ferocity.

4. Power, Throne, Authority
These elements indicate the beast's dominion and influence over the earth, granted by the dragon, highlighting the spiritual warfare and deception at play.
Teaching Points
Understanding Symbolism
Recognize the symbolic language used in Revelation to convey spiritual truths about earthly powers and their ultimate source of authority.

Spiritual Warfare
Acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare, where earthly powers can be influenced by satanic forces, and the importance of spiritual discernment.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the beast's power, remember that God's sovereignty prevails, and His ultimate plan will be fulfilled.

Faithfulness in Persecution
Be prepared to stand firm in faith, even when faced with oppressive powers that challenge Christian beliefs and values.

Hope in Christ's Victory
Maintain hope in the ultimate victory of Christ over all evil powers, as promised throughout Revelation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of the beast in Revelation 13:2 relate to the beasts in Daniel 7, and what can we learn from this connection about the nature of earthly empires?

2. In what ways does the dragon's granting of power to the beast reflect the spiritual battle between good and evil, and how can Christians prepare for this battle?

3. How can understanding the symbolic nature of Revelation help us interpret current events and discern spiritual truths?

4. What practical steps can Christians take to remain faithful and hopeful in the face of persecution or oppressive powers?

5. How does the assurance of Christ's ultimate victory over evil influence our daily lives and decisions as believers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 7
The vision of four beasts in Daniel parallels the description in Revelation 13, providing a prophetic backdrop and context for understanding the composite beast.

Revelation 12
The chapter preceding Revelation 13 introduces the dragon, establishing the adversarial role of Satan against God's people and setting the stage for the beast's emergence.

2 Thessalonians 2
Discusses the "man of lawlessness" and the deception that accompanies his rise, echoing the themes of authority and deception found in Revelation 13.
Sermons
Safety in Times of Worldly OppressionR. Green Revelation 13:1-10
Admiration of the BeastF. D. Maurice, M. A.Revelation 13:1-18
His Deadly Wound was HealedThomas Fuller, D. D.Revelation 13:1-18
The Domain of AntichristD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 13:1-18
The Domain of AntichristD. Thomas Revelation 13:1-18
The Two Wild Beasts; Or, the World and its WisdomS. Conway, B. A.Revelation 13:1-18
The Two Wild Beasts; Or, the World and its WisdomS. Conway Revelation 13:1-18
People
John
Places
Patmos
Topics
Authority, Bear, Bear's, Beast, Dominion, Dragon, Leopard, Leopardess, Lion, Lion's, Mouth, Owed, Power, Resembled, Seat, Throne, Wide, Wild
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 13:2

     5581   throne

Revelation 13:1-3

     7735   leaders, political

Revelation 13:1-6

     4654   horn

Revelation 13:1-8

     4125   Satan, agents of
     4609   beast, the

Revelation 13:1-10

     2565   Christ, second coming

Revelation 13:1-18

     9115   antichrist, the

Library
He Shall not Keep Silent.
THE heavens have long been silent. It is one of the leading characteristics of this present age, the closed, the silent heavens. But they will not be silent forever. "Our God shall come and shall not keep silence" (Ps. i:3). In His divine Patience the Lord has been at the right hand of God for nearly two thousand years. He will not occupy that place forever. It is not His permanent station to be upon the Father's throne. He has the promise of His own throne, which He as the King-Priest must occupy. …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Letter xxxvii (Circa A. D. 1131) to Magister Geoffrey, of Loretto.
To Magister Geoffrey, of Loretto. [57] He asks his assistance in maintaining the Pontificate of Innocent against the schism of Peter Leonis. 1. We look for scent in flowers and for savour in fruits; and so, most dearly beloved brother, attracted by the scent of your name which is as perfume poured forth, I long to know you also in the fruit of your work. For it is not I alone, but even God Himself, who has need of no man, yet who, at this crisis, needs your co-operation, if you do not act falsely …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Guelf and Ghibelline. (ii)
[Sidenote: Honorius III (1216-27) and the Crusade.] The bull of summons to the Lateran Council of 1215 mentions as the two great desires of the Pope's heart the recovery of the Holy Land and the reformation of the Church Universal; and it is made clear that the various measures of reform to be placed before the General Council are intended to bring Christian princes and peoples, both clergy and laity, into the frame of mind for sending aid to Palestine. Moreover, at the Council it was agreed that …
D. J. Medley—The Church and the Empire

The Third
refers to Exodus. The promise is, "I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it" (ii. 17). It is in this third Epistle, which refers to the wilderness period and Balaam's counsel, that we have a special reference to the manna, the wilderness sustenance, of which Exodus contains the record. "Bread from Heaven" and "Angels' food" (Ps. lxxviii. 24,25) are set over against the lusts of the …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
But whilst the King has not that most blessed light, yet there are some things in which he can discriminate; and here are seven comparisons in which his unaided wisdom can discern which is the better:-- 1. A good name is better than precious ointment. 2. The day of death " " " the day of birth. 3. The house of mourning " " " the house of feasting. 4. Borrow " " " laughter. 5. The rebuke of the wise " " " the song of fools. …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs

The Blessing of God.
NUMB. VI. 22-27. We have already seen the grace of GOD making provision that His people, who had lost the privilege of priestly service, might draw near to Him by Nazarite separation and consecration. And not as the offence was the free gift: those who had forfeited the privilege of priestly service were the males only, but women and even children might be Nazarites; whosoever desired was free to come, and thus draw near to GOD. We now come to the concluding verses of Numb. vi, and see in them one …
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service

The Seventh
refers to the throne, of which Solomon's was in every respect the ideal type. This, the highest promise, is given to the overcomers in the lowest condition of Israel's degradation, which is described as in danger of being "spued out." What that was we have already seen (page 89), and now we have the chiefest of all the promises. The overcomers in that last terrible condition of things are the ones who most need the greatest of Divine help and encouragement. Hence the highest promise is given. "To …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Fifth vision "On Earth"
E5, xiv. 6-20. The Six Angels and the Son of Man. The next vision which follows "on earth," follows closely on the last, and is preliminary to the pouring out of the seven Vials. No angel has been seen or heard since the seventh angel sounded the seventh trumpet in xi. 15. This shows us that the passage xii. 1-- 8 is parenthetical, and constitutes one series or episode. This fifth vision on earth consists of the appearance of six angels consecutively, each having his separate mission, and all but …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The First vision "On Earth"
E^1, chap. vi. 1-- 8. The Six Seals, and the sealing of the 144,000 From the whole of the first Vision "in Heaven" (H^1, vi. 1-vii. 8) for the putting forth of power "on Earth" in the completion of the redemption of the purchased inheritance. The price has been paid in the shedding of the precious blood of the Lamb; and now, the necessary power is to be exercised so as to secure all its wondrous results, in wresting the inheritance from the hand of the enemy by ejecting the present usurper, and …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

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