Revelation 13:2

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
θηρίον
the beast
a dangerous animal
#4
which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#5
εἶδον
I saw
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#6
ἦν
was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
#7
ὅμοιον
like
similar (in appearance or character)
#8
παρδάλει
unto a leopard
a leopard
#9
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
πόδες
feet
a "foot" (figuratively or literally)
#12
αὐτοῦ
him
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
#13
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#14
ἄρκτου,
the feet of a bear
a bear (as obstructing by ferocity)
#15
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
στόμα
mouth
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
#18
αὐτοῦ
him
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
#19
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#20
στόμα
mouth
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
#21
λέοντος
of a lion
a "lion"
#22
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
ἔδωκεν
gave
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#24
αὐτοῦ
him
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
#25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#26
δράκων
the dragon
a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)
#27
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
δύναμιν
power
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
#29
αὐτοῦ
him
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
#30
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#31
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#32
θρόνον
seat
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
#33
αὐτοῦ
him
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
#34
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#35
ἐξουσίαν
authority
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
#36
μεγάλην
great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection