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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 36
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εἶδον
I saw
G1492
εἶδον
I saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 36
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 36
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
13 of 36
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόμα
mouth
G4750
στόμα
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
17 of 36
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 36
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
19 of 36
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
στόμα
mouth
G4750
στόμα
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
20 of 36
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔδωκεν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
23 of 36
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
24 of 36
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δράκων
the dragon
G1404
δράκων
the dragon
Strong's:
G1404
Word #:
26 of 36
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δύναμιν
power
G1411
δύναμιν
power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
28 of 36
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
29 of 36
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
30 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
31 of 36
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θρόνον
seat
G2362
θρόνον
seat
Strong's:
G2362
Word #:
32 of 36
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
33 of 36
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
34 of 36
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Revelation 17:12And 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.Revelation 20:2And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,Revelation 12:9And 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.1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:Revelation 13:4And 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?Revelation 12:15And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.Revelation 19:20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.Revelation 12:13And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.Revelation 16:10And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,Amos 5:19As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.
Historical Context
John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.
The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.
Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 13:2 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of beast from sea and earth - antichrist's power, false prophet, mark of the beast employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.
The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.
Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.