King James Version
Revelation 13
18 verses with commentary
The Beast from the Sea
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. name: or, names
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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....</strong> 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 m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **And I . . .**—Better, *And he* (not “I stood,” as in English version, but *he, i.e., *the dragon) *stood upon the sand of the sea.* Some make this sentence a separate verse, and insert it as the closing verse of Revelation 12. It is true that the sentence has a connection with that chapter, but it is also closely linked with what follows. The way in which the dragon carries out his plan of w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. For the truth's sake--**joined with "I love," 2Jo 1. "They who love in the truth, also love on account of the truth."
**dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever--**in consonance with Christ's promise.
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.
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<strong>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....</strong> 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...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **And the beast . . .**—The wild beast combined the features of three wild animals: the leopard, the bear, the lion. In Daniel’s vision (Daniel 7:4) the kingdoms were described: the first, like a lion; the second, like a bear; the third, like a leopard or panther. Here all these features are combined, because the wild beast is a representative of all forms of world-power, which have been swift...
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**3. Grace be with you--**One of the oldest manuscripts and several versions have "us" for you. The Greek is literally, "Grace shall be with us," that is, with both you and me. A prayer, however, is implied besides a confident affirmation.
**grace ... mercy ... peace--**"Grace" covers the sins of men; "mercy," their miseries. Grace must first do away with man's guilt before his misery can be rel...
Read full commentary →And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. wounded: Gr. slain
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<strong>And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast....</strong> 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 langua...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **And I** **saw . . .**—Translate, *And *(*I saw*)* one from among his heads as if having been slain* [the expression is the same as that applied to the Lamb in Revelation 5:6 : the wound marks are there when the vision rises] *unto death; and the stroke of his death was healed.* When the wild beast rose from the sea, the seer saw the deadly wound on the head: the wound was really unto death; ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. I found--**probably in one of his missionary tours of superintendence. See Introduction, at the end, and 2Jo 12; 3Jo 10, 14.
**of thy children--**some.
**in truth--**that is, in the Gospel truth.
**as--**even as. "The Father's commandment" is the standard of "the truth."
And 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?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And 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?...</strong> 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 te...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. I beseech--**rather (compare Note, see on 1Jo 5:16), "I request thee," implying some degree of authority.
**not ... new commandment--**It was old in that Christians heard it from the first in the Gospel preaching; new, in that the Gospel rested love on the new principle of filial imitation of God who first loved us, and gave Jesus to die for us; and also, in that love is now set forth with ...
Read full commentary →And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. to continue: or, to make war
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<strong>And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months....</strong> 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 ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **And there was** **given . . .**—In these verses the words and the works of the wild beast are described. The 5th verse tells us that the liberty to speak and work *was given* to him. There is consolation in the words: he has no power beyond what is given; behind his reckless and apparently irresistible power there stands the veiled but real power of God. “Thou couldest have no power” (the sa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. "Love is the fulfilling of the law" (Ro 13:10), and the fulfilling of the law is the sure test of love.
**This is the commandment--**Greek, "The commandment is this," namely, love, in which all God's other commandments are summed up.
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven....</strong> 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 charac...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And he opened his mouth . . .**—Translate, *And he opened his mouth unto blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that tabernacle in the heaven.* Much of the beauty of the thought is lost by the translation “them that dwell;” the word is *tabernacle.* The saints, to whom the name of the Lord is a strong tower, and who have a tabernacle of witness in this w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7. As love and truth go hand in hand (2Jo 3, 4), he feels it needful to give warning against teachers of untruth.
**For--**giving the reason why he dwelt on truth and on love, which manifests itself in keeping God's commandments (2Jo 6).
**many--**(1Jo 2:18; 4:1).
**are entered--**The oldest manuscripts read, "have gone forth," namely, from us.
**confess not ... Jesus ... in the flesh--**t...
Read full commentary →And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
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<strong>And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations....</strong> 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 apoca...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **And it was given . . .**—Better, *He makes war with the saints, and conquers them.* This, too, is said to be “given him.” The conquest is not a conquest of their fidelity; it is rather that the beast so far succeeds that they must suffer or submit. The saints seem to be single handed; for *there was given him authority over every tribe, and people, and tongues, and nations.* Nor does his suc...
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**8. Look to yourselves--**amidst the widespread prevalence of deception so many being led astray. So Christ's warning, Mt 24:4, 5, 24.
**we lose not ... we receive--**The oldest manuscripts and versions read, "That YE lose not, but that YE receive."
**which we have wrought--**So one oldest manuscript reads. Other very old manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read, "which YE have wrought." The ...
Read full commentary →And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
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<strong>And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world....</strong> 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 vivi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And all that dwell . . .**—Better, *And all they that dwell on the earth shall worship him *(*every one*)* whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb that has been slain from the foundation of the world.* This is the climax of his triumph: he, or it, is worshipped; but the saints, though conquered, conquer; they do not worship after the fashion of the deluded or self-see...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. The loss (2Jo 8) meant is here explained: the not having God, which results from abiding not in the doctrine of Christ.
**transgresseth--**The oldest manuscripts and versions read, "Every one who takes the lead"; literally, "goes," or "leads on before"; compare Joh 10:4, "He goeth before them" (not the same Greek). Compare 3Jo 9, "Loveth to have the pre-eminence."
**hath not God--**(1Jo 2:2...
Read full commentary →If any man have an ear, let him hear.
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<strong>If any man have an ear, let him hear....</strong> 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,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) This verse—an echo of his Master’s words from the lips of the beloved disciple—calls marked attention to the warning words of the next verse.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints....</strong> 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...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) This verse may read: *If* *any one *(*is*)* for captivity, into captivity he goeth; if any one to be hilled by the sword, he should by the sword be killed.* If we read the verse thus, it is generally understood to be a caution to the suffering saints that there is nothing for them but to endure, just as Jeremiah told his countrymen that those who were for death must go out to meet it, and tho...
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11. By wishing a false brother or teacher "God (or 'good') speed," you imply that he is capable as such of good speed and joy (the literal meaning of the Greek), and that you wish him it while opposing Christ; so you identify yourself with "his evil deeds." The Greek of "partaker" is "having communion with." We cannot have communion with saints and with Antichrist at the same time. Here we see Joh...
Read full commentary →The Beast from the Earth
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
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<strong>And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon....</strong> 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 ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**THE APPEARANCE OF THE SECOND WILD BEAST.**
For the understanding of this portion of the vision we must notice the contrasts and resemblances between this and the former wild beast. They are both wild beasts: they both have horns: they both have a dragon-like inspiration (Revelation 13:11): they both tyrannise over men; but, on the other hand, the second beast is less monstrous in appearance: we ...
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**12. I would not write--**A heart full of love pours itself out more freely face to face, than by letter.
**paper--**made of Egyptian papyrus. Pens were then reeds split.
**ink--**made of soot and water, thickened with gum. Parchment was used for the permanent manuscripts in which the Epistles were preserved. Writing tablets were used merely for temporary purposes, as our slates.
**face to ...
Read full commentary →And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
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The second beast exercises the first beast's authority, promoting emperor worship. This represents false religious systems supporting tyrannical political power. The phrase 'causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship' shows how religious deception serves state idolatry. Reformed theology recognizes the danger when church and state merge in promoting false worship. The healing of the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **And he exerciseth . . .**—Better, *And he works, *or *exercises* (literally, *does*)*, all the authority* (or, *power*)* of the first wild beast in his presence.* It will be seen by this that we must not look upon the second wild beast as a successor, but rather as a supporter, of the first. The intellectual force of an earthly wisdom is practically subservient to the spirit of unmitigated ...
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13. Alford confesses that the non-mention of the "lady" herself here seems rather to favor the hypothesis that a Church is meant.
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
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Great signs, including fire from heaven, demonstrate Satan's ability to perform counterfeit miracles. This echoes Elijah's contest with Baal's prophets (1 Kings 18:38) and Moses' confrontation with Pharaoh's magicians (Exodus 7:11). Jesus warned that false prophets would show great signs to deceive even the elect if possible (Matthew 24:24). Reformed theology affirms that miracles alone don't vali...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
THE THIRD EPISTLE OF JOHN
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
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KJV Study Commentary
The deception of earth-dwellers through signs demonstrates spiritual warfare's nature. The command to make an image recalls Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue (Daniel 3), forcing worship under threat of death. This represents state-enforced idolatry supported by religious deception. Reformed theology affirms that unregenerate hearts are vulnerable to Satan's deceptions, while the elect, though tested,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **And deceiveth** **them . . .**—Better, *And he leads astray those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which were given him to do in the presence of the wild beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, to make an image to the wild beast that has the stroke of the sword and lived.* He leads astray: this is the key to his success, he deifies the spirit of worldliness; but he does it...
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3Jo 1-14. Address: Wish for Gaius' Prosperity: Joy at His Walking in the Truth. Hospitality to the Brethren and Strangers the Fruit of Love. Diotrephes' Opposition and Ambition. Praise of Demetrius. Conclusion.
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed . life: Gr. breath
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Giving life to the beast's image so it speaks represents the animation of idolatry through demonic power or human ventriloquism. The speaking image recalls ancient oracles and pagan temple deceptions. The command to kill non-worshipers creates forced conformity through fear. Reformed theology recognizes that coerced worship is no worship at all—true worship requires willing hearts. The persecution...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **And he had power . . .**—Better, *And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the wild beast, that the image of the wild beast should both speak, and cause that as many as do not worship the image of the wild beast shall be slain.* The image to the wild beast is an image also of the wild beast: and the image of the monster is endued with apparent vitality. Wisdom can give a sembl...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**1. I--**emphatical. I personally, for my part. On Gaius or Caius, see my Introduction before Second Epistle.
**love in the truth--**(2Jo 1). "Beloved" is repeated often in this Epistle, indicating strong affection (3Jo 1, 2, 5, 11).
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand , or in their foreheads: to receive: Gr. to give them
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<strong>And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:...</strong> 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 langu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16, 17) **And he** **causeth . . .**—Better, *And he [i.e., *probably, the second wild beast, and not the image, as in the latter clause of the last verse] *makes all men, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, that they should give them a mark upon their right hand or upon their forehead: *(*and*)* that no one should be able to buy or to sell but he who ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. above all things--**Greek, "concerning all things": so Alford: in all respects. But Wahl justifies English Version (compare 1Pe 4:8). Of course, since his soul's prosperity is presupposed, "above all things" does not imply that John wishes Gaius' bodily health above that of his soul, but as the first object to be desired next after spiritual health. I know you are prospering in the concerns o...
Read full commentary →And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
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<strong>And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name....</strong> 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 ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. testified of the truth that is in thee--**Greek, "of" (or 'to') thy truth": thy share of that truth in which thou walkest [Alford].
**even as thou--**in contrast to Diotrephes (3Jo 9).
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
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<strong>Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six....</strong> 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 us...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Here is wisdom . . .**—Translate, *Hither is wisdom.* This most difficult verse is introduced by this word of preface. Wisdom—indeed, the highest wisdom—is needed for those who would understand it. Two or three points ought to be noticed. (1) The verse surely implies that the understanding of this name and number is attainable; it warns us that *wisdom* and *understanding* are needed, but i...
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**4. my children--**members of the Church: confirming the view that the "elect lady" is a Church.