King James Version

What Does Revelation 13:1 Mean?

Revelation 13:1 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 13:1 · KJV


Context

1

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

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.

3

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 13:1 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
καὶ1 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐστάθην2 of 34

I stood

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ3 of 34

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν4 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄμμον5 of 34

the sand

G285

sand (as heaped on the beach)

τῆς6 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θαλάσσης7 of 34

of the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

καὶ8 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶδον9 of 34

saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἐκ10 of 34

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς11 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θαλάσσης12 of 34

of the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

θηρίον13 of 34

a beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

ἀναβαῖνον14 of 34

rise up

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

ἔχον15 of 34

having

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

κεφαλὰς16 of 34

heads

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

ἑπτά17 of 34

seven

G2033

seven

καὶ18 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κεράτων19 of 34

horns

G2768

a horn (literally or figuratively)

δέκα20 of 34

ten

G1176

ten

καὶ21 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπὶ22 of 34

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῶν23 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεράτων24 of 34

horns

G2768

a horn (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ25 of 34

his

G846

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

δέκα26 of 34

ten

G1176

ten

διαδήματα27 of 34

crowns

G1238

a "diadem" (as bound about the head)

καὶ28 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπὶ29 of 34

upon

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὰς30 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεφαλὰς31 of 34

heads

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

αὐτοῦ32 of 34

his

G846

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

ὀνόμα33 of 34

the name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

βλασφημίας34 of 34

of blasphemy

G988

vilification (especially against god)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 13:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 13:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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