King James Version

What Does Revelation 13:2 Mean?

Revelation 13:2 in the King James Version says “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 o...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 13:2 · 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

4

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?

Read Revelation 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 13:2 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 · 36 words
καὶ1 of 36

“And”

G2532

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

τὸ2 of 36
G3588

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

θηρίον3 of 36

“the beast”

G2342

a dangerous animal

ὃ4 of 36

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶδον5 of 36

“I 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

ἦν6 of 36

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ὅμοιον7 of 36

“like”

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

παρδάλει8 of 36

“unto a leopard”

G3917

a leopard

καὶ9 of 36

“And”

G2532

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

οἱ10 of 36
G3588

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

πόδες11 of 36

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτοῦ12 of 36

“him”

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

ὡς13 of 36

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἄρκτου,14 of 36

“the feet of a bear”

G715

a bear (as obstructing by ferocity)

καὶ15 of 36

“And”

G2532

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

τὸ16 of 36
G3588

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

στόμα17 of 36

“mouth”

G4750

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

αὐτοῦ18 of 36

“him”

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

ὡς19 of 36

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

στόμα20 of 36

“mouth”

G4750

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

λέοντος21 of 36

“of a lion”

G3023

a "lion"

καὶ22 of 36

“And”

G2532

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

ἔδωκεν23 of 36

“gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῦ24 of 36

“him”

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

ὁ25 of 36
G3588

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

δράκων26 of 36

“the dragon”

G1404

a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate)

τὴν27 of 36
G3588

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

δύναμιν28 of 36

“power”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

αὐτοῦ29 of 36

“him”

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

καὶ30 of 36

“And”

G2532

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

τὸν31 of 36
G3588

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

θρόνον32 of 36

“seat”

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

αὐτοῦ33 of 36

“him”

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

καὶ34 of 36

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξουσίαν35 of 36

“authority”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

μεγάλην36 of 36

“great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

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 13:2 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 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 7:4-71 Peter 5:8Revelation 20:2Revelation 17:12Revelation 12:9Revelation 12:3-4

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