King James Version

What Does Revelation 13:4 Mean?

Revelation 13:4 in the King James Version says “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto ...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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?”

Revelation 13:4 · KJV

Context

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?

5

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

6

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

Read Revelation 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?... 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.

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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 13:4 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 · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

προσεκύνησαν2 of 23

“they worshipped”

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

τόν3 of 23
G3588

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

δράκοντα4 of 23

“the dragon”

G1404

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

ὅς5 of 23

“which”

G3739

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

ἔδωκεν6 of 23

“gave”

G1325

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

ἐξουσίαν7 of 23

“power”

G1849

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

τῷ8 of 23
G3588

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

θηρίῳ9 of 23

“the beast”

G2342

a dangerous animal

καὶ10 of 23

“And”

G2532

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

προσεκύνησαν11 of 23

“they worshipped”

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

τὸ12 of 23
G3588

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

θηρίῳ13 of 23

“the beast”

G2342

a dangerous animal

λέγοντες14 of 23

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τίς15 of 23

“Who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ὅμοιος16 of 23

“is like”

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

τῷ17 of 23
G3588

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

θηρίῳ18 of 23

“the beast”

G2342

a dangerous animal

τίς19 of 23

“Who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

δύναται20 of 23

“is able”

G1410

to be able or possible

πολεμῆσαι21 of 23

“to make war”

G4170

to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e., to battle (literally or figuratively)

μετ'22 of 23

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτοῦ23 of 23

“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

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 13:4 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 13:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 13:2Revelation 18:18Revelation 12:3Revelation 13:12-13Revelation 13:152 Thessalonians 2:4

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