Revelation 13:1 Meaning and Explanation
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →John watches a monstrous beast rise from the sea, crowned with horns and branded with blasphemy, an empire of pride set against God.
What Does Revelation 13:1 Mean?
John stands at the edge of the restless sea and sees a beast climb up out of it. Its seven heads and ten horns echo the dragon of the previous chapter, and the crowns on its horns mark it as a claimant to rule. Across its heads is written the name of blasphemy. The vision pictures earthly power organized in open defiance of heaven.
The sea in Scripture often stands for the churning chaos of the nations, and from that chaos the beast emerges. Its blasphemous name shows the heart of the matter: this power does not merely govern, it arrogates to itself what belongs to God alone. For the reader, the image is a warning to see proud worldly authority for what it is, and to give honor and worship to God rather than to the crowned things that rise and fall.
Revelation 13:1 in the Original Language
thalassa (θάλασσα), 'sea' -- the restless waters that often picture the turbulent mass of the nations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation 13:1
What does Revelation 13:1 mean?
John watches a monstrous beast rise from the sea, crowned with horns and branded with blasphemy, an empire of pride set against God.