Revelation 13:1-7 ▼

1 I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns, seven heads, and ten royal crowns on its horns. On its heads were blasphemous names.

2 The beast that I saw was like a leopard. Its feet were like bear's feet, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave it his power, his throne, and complete authority.

3 One of the beast's heads looked like it had sustained a mortal wound, but its fatal wound was healed. Rapt with amazement, the whole world followed the beast.

4 They worshipped the dragon because it had given authority to the beast. They also worshipped the beast, saying, |Who is like the beast, and who can fight a war with it?|

5 The beast was allowed to speak arrogant and blasphemous things, and it was given authority for 42 months.

6 It uttered blasphemies against God, against his name, and against his residence, that is, against those who are living in heaven.

7 It was allowed to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.