Revelation 13:2 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The beast combines the swiftness, strength, and ferocity of predator animals, and receives its throne and authority directly from the dragon.
What Does Revelation 13:2 Mean?
The beast is described as a fusion of three predators: the swift leopard, the crushing bear, the devouring lion. These same creatures appear in Daniel's vision of successive kingdoms, and here they are gathered into one terrible whole. Crucially, the beast does not rise by its own right; the dragon hands it power, throne, and great authority.
Every empire that sets itself against God borrows its menace from a deeper rebellion. The beast is fearsome, yet it is a servant, holding only what the dragon delegates. This both unmasks and limits it. The reader is reminded that no hostile power is self-existent or ultimate; behind the visible threat stands a defeated enemy, and above them both stands the Lamb whose authority is given by the Father, not seized.
Revelation 13:2 in the Original Language
exousia (ἐξουσία), 'authority' -- delegated right to rule, here handed to the beast rather than possessed by it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation 13:2
What does Revelation 13:2 mean?
The beast combines the swiftness, strength, and ferocity of predator animals, and receives its throne and authority directly from the dragon.