Revelation 13:1
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.
Greek words · 4
In this verse: ἄμμον (ammon), “sand”
Basic meaning: sand. Strong’s: sand (as heaped on the beach).
KJV translates it as: sand
Word root: perhaps from G260 (ἅμα);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Revelation 13: 1 begins not with a beast from the Gentile world alone, but from within Israel’s own spiritual ground, the “sand of the sea.” From among those chosen by God, a system arises that rejects Jesus, blasphemes His name, and partners with worldly empires.”
In this verse: θηρίον (thērion), “a beast”
Basic meaning: wild animal. Strong’s: a dangerous animal.
KJV translates it as: (venomous, wild) beast
Word root: diminutive from the same as G2339 (θήρα);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The beast bears the marks of blasphemy, false worship, denying Jesus as Lord and Messiah, and promoting itself in place of Jesus (see 1 John 2:22 ).”
In this verse: διαδήματα (diadēmata), “royal crowns”
Basic meaning: diadem. Strong’s: a "diadem" (as bound about the head).
KJV translates it as: crown
Word root: from a compound of G1223 (διά) and G1210 (δέω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Revelation 13:1 “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.””
In this verse: βλασφημίας (blasphēmias), “of blasphemy”
Basic meaning: blasphemy. Strong’s: vilification (especially against God).
KJV translates it as: blasphemy, evil speaking, railing
Word root: from G989 (βλάσφημος);
Deeper meaning, from It is Finished!
“The Greek word blasphemia (βλασφημία) means slander, abusive or evil speech, particularly that which injures the reputation of God or defiles what is sacred.”
Revelation 13:2
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.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: δράκων (drakōn), “dragon”
Basic meaning: dragon. Strong’s: a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate).
KJV translates it as: dragon
Word root: probably from an alternate form of (to look);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This system speaks with apparent authority, as if from God, but it's powered by the dragon (Satan).”
In this verse: δύναμιν (dunamin), “power”
Basic meaning: power. Strong’s: force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself).
KJV translates it as: ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence …
Word root: from G1410 (δύναμαι);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
““ I find no fault in this man.” Pontius Pilate ( Luke 23:4 ) and “His blood be on us, and on our children.” The crowd of Israel ( Matthew 27:25 ) The Roman (Gentile) power sought to release Jesus… Pilate, representing Rome, tried multiple times to let Jesus go, even offering Barabbas as a way out ( John 18:38–40 ).”
In this verse: ἐξουσίαν (exousian), “authority”
Basic meaning: authority. Strong’s: privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence.
KJV translates it as: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength
Word root: from G1832 (ἔξεστι) (in the sense of ability);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This highlights the spiritual battle between Jesus kingdom and the forces of evil masquerading as authority on earth.”
Revelation 13:3
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: θάνατον (thanaton), “death”
Basic meaning: death. Strong’s: (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: X deadly, (be…) death
Word root: from G2348 (θνήσκω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This connects with Revelation 12 , where the dragon (Satan) is cast out of heaven ( Rev. 12:9–10 ) meaning he lost his legal authority to accuse, because of Jesus death and resurrection.”
In this verse: θηρίου (thēriou), “beast”
Basic meaning: wild animal. Strong’s: a dangerous animal.
KJV translates it as: (venomous, wild) beast
Word root: diminutive from the same as G2339 (θήρα);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The beast revives through religious systems that deny the finished work of Jesus, keep people in bondage, and deceive using God’s name.”
Revelation 13:4
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?
Greek words · 2
In this verse: δράκοντι (drakonti), “dragon”
Basic meaning: dragon. Strong’s: a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate).
KJV translates it as: dragon
Word root: probably from an alternate form of (to look);
Text note: the Textus Receptus (behind the KJV) reads δράκοντα (drakonta) here; this card shows the modern critical text (NA28).
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The dragon is Satan ( Rev. 12:9 ), and though he was cast down and defeated at the cross, he still operates behind religious systems.”
In this verse: ἐξουσίαν (exousian), “authority”
Basic meaning: authority. Strong’s: privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence.
KJV translates it as: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength
Word root: from G1832 (ἔξεστι) (in the sense of ability);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“It builds institutions, dominates nations, profits from fear, and claims divine authority, while masking its rebellion against Jesus.”
Revelation 13:5
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: βλασφημίας (blasphēmias), “blasphemies”
Basic meaning: blasphemy. Strong’s: vilification (especially against God).
KJV translates it as: blasphemy, evil speaking, railing
Word root: from G989 (βλάσφημος);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Mouth speaking great things and blasphemies: The beast is empowered to speak arrogant and blasphemous words against God and Jesus, twisting Scripture and turning hearts away from Jesus ( Matthew 27:40 ).”
In this verse: ἐξουσία (exousia), “authority”
Basic meaning: authority. Strong’s: privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence.
KJV translates it as: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength
Word root: from G1832 (ἔξεστι) (in the sense of ability);
Revelation 13:6
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: θεὸν (theon), “God”
Basic meaning: God. Strong’s: figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
KJV translates it as: X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward)
Word root: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588 (ὁ)) the supreme Divinity;
In this verse: σκηνὴν (skēnēn), “tabernacle”
Basic meaning: tent. Strong’s: a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: habitation, tabernacle
Word root: apparently akin to G4632 (σκεῦος) and G4639 (σκιά);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This is the ultimate counterfeit, a religious system that claims to worship God but actually destroys the revelation of Jesus Christ, the true Tabernacle who gave Himself once for all.”
Revelation 13:7
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: νικῆσαι (nikēsai), “to overcome”
Basic meaning: to conquer. Strong’s: to subdue (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory
Word root: from G3529 (νίκη);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“To overcome them means many of these faithful were killed "Martyred" for their testimony and faith in Jesus.”
In this verse: ἐξουσία (exousia), “authority”
Basic meaning: authority. Strong’s: privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence.
KJV translates it as: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength
Word root: from G1832 (ἔξεστι) (in the sense of ability);
Revelation 13:8
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.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: προσκυνήσουσιν (proskunēsousin), “will worship”
Basic meaning: to worship. Strong’s: to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore).
KJV translates it as: worship
Word root: from G4314 (πρός) and a probable derivative of G2965 (κύων) (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“It is a warning that false worship happens when people reject the finished work of Jesus and follow a religious system that looks holy but is powered by deception.”
In this verse: βιβλίῳ (bibliō), “book”
Basic meaning: scroll. Strong’s: a roll.
KJV translates it as: bill, book, scroll, writing
Word root: a diminutive of G976 (βίβλος);
Text note: the Textus Receptus (behind the KJV) reads βίβλῳ (biblō) here; this card shows the modern critical text (NA28).
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This book is the eternal record of those who belong to Jesus, chosen by grace and sealed by His Spirit ( Ephesians 1:13–14 ).”
In this verse: ζωῆς (zōēs), “of life”
Basic meaning: life. Strong’s: life (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: life(-time)
Word root: from G2198 (ζάω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The Work of the Spirit vs. the Deception of the Beast Those written in the book of life have received the Spirit of Truth ( John 16:13 ).”
Revelation 13:9
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Greek words · 1
In this verse: οὖς (ous), “an ear”
Basic meaning: ear. Strong’s: the ear (physically or mentally).
KJV translates it as: ear
Word root: apparently a primary word;
Revelation 13:10
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.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: ὑπομονὴ (hupomonē), “endurance”
Basic meaning: perseverance. Strong’s: cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy.
KJV translates it as: enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting)
Word root: from G5278 (ὑπομένω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“This patience is not passive, it is active endurance, rooted in the Word and filled with the Spirit, following Jesus own example.”
In this verse: πίστις (pistis), “faith”
Basic meaning: faith. Strong’s: persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself.
KJV translates it as: assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity
Word root: from G3982 (πείθω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Preach only what is grounded in Jesus, born of the Spirit, and faithful to the revelation given in the Scriptures.”
In this verse: ἁγίων.¶ (hagiōn), “saints”
Basic meaning: holy. Strong’s: sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated).
KJV translates it as: (most) holy (one, thing), saint
Word root: from (an awful thing) (compare G53 (ἁγνός), G2282 (θάλπω));
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Finally, “Here is the patience and the faith of the saints” calls believers to exercise patience and steadfast faith, learning to operate by the Word and Spirit instead of relying on natural methods or manipulating circumstances for personal gain.”
Revelation 13:11
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
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ἀρνίῳ (arniō), “as a lamb”
Basic meaning: lamb. Strong’s: a lambkin.
KJV translates it as: lamb
Word root: diminutive from G704 (ἀρήν);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Unlike Jesus, the unchanging Lamb of God ( Hebrews 13:8 ) this beast adapts and deceives.”
In this verse: δράκων (drakōn), “a dragon”
Basic meaning: dragon. Strong’s: a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate).
KJV translates it as: dragon
Word root: probably from an alternate form of (to look);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“His words are like the dragon’s: deceptive, blasphemous, and full of counterfeit authority.”
Revelation 13:12
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ἐξουσίαν (exousian), “authority”
Basic meaning: authority. Strong’s: privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence.
KJV translates it as: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength
Word root: from G1832 (ἔξεστι) (in the sense of ability);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Once again the political power "Rome" and religious authority "the temple."”
In this verse: θανάτου (thanatou), “fatal”
Basic meaning: death. Strong’s: (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: X deadly, (be…) death
Word root: from G2348 (θνήσκω);
Revelation 13:13
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
Greek words · 2
In this verse: σημεῖα (sēmeia), “signs”
Basic meaning: sign. Strong’s: an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.
KJV translates it as: miracle, sign, token, wonder
Word root: neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of G4591 (σημαίνω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“He doeth great wonders: This second beast (false religious power) performs signs and miracles to deceive, not to edify or glorify Jesus.”
In this verse: πῦρ (pur), “fire”
Basic meaning: fire. Strong’s: "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning).
KJV translates it as: fiery, fire
Word root: a primary word;
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Only Jesus Spirit reveals the truth and cuts through the lie.“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men” is indeed describing a counterfeit fire.”
Revelation 13:14
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.
Greek words · 3
In this verse: σημεῖα (sēmeia), “signs”
Basic meaning: sign. Strong’s: an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.
KJV translates it as: miracle, sign, token, wonder
Word root: neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of G4591 (σημαίνω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Which he had power to do in the sight of the beast: The power is not from God, but from the system itself, self-authenticated signs, not Holy Spirit fruit.”
In this verse: θηρίου (thēriou), “beast”
Basic meaning: wild animal. Strong’s: a dangerous animal.
KJV translates it as: (venomous, wild) beast
Word root: diminutive from the same as G2339 (θήρα);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The beast “which had the wound by a sword” was wounded by the Word, Jesus Himself, but did not die.”
In this verse: ἔζησεν (ezēsen), “has lived”
Basic meaning: to live. Strong’s: to live (literally or figuratively).
KJV translates it as: life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick
Word root: a primary verb;
Revelation 13:15
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: πνεῦμα (pneuma), “breath”
Basic meaning: spirit/breath. Strong’s: a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit.
KJV translates it as: ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind
Word root: from G4154 (πνέω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Power to give life unto the image of the beast: This reveals how the religious spirit, represented by the second beast (the wounded, resurrected system of man-centered worship and law without the Spirit) gives breath and influence to the image of the first beast.”
In this verse: προσκυνήσωσιν (proskunēsōsin), “shall worship”
Basic meaning: to worship. Strong’s: to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore).
KJV translates it as: worship
Word root: from G4314 (πρός) and a probable derivative of G2965 (κύων) (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The statement “that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” shows that loyalty to the beast system will be demanded, and those who resist, those loyal to Jesus, will face persecution, rejection, or even death.”
Revelation 13:16
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:
Greek words · 2
In this verse: πτωχοὺς (ptōchous), “poor”
Basic meaning: poor. Strong’s: akin to G4422 (πτοέω) and the alternate of G4098 (πίπτω)); a beggar (as cringing), i.e. pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used in a qualified or relative sense; whereas G3993 (πένης) properly means only straitened circumstances in private), literally (often as noun) or figuratively (distressed).
KJV translates it as: beggar(-ly), poor
Word root: from (to crouch);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Whether small or great, rich or poor, free or bond, the carnal nature pulls all men into the same snare, pride, fear, and self-reliance apart from God.”
In this verse: δούλους (doulous), “servants”
Basic meaning: slave. Strong’s: a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency).
KJV translates it as: bond(-man), servant
Word root: from G1210 (δέω);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The contrast: God’s seal vs. man’s mark Revelation 7:3 God seals His servants in their foreheads (His Spirit, His name, His mind).”
Revelation 13:17
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: πωλῆσαι (pōlēsai), “to sell”
Basic meaning: to sell. Strong’s: to barter (as a pedlar), i.e. to sell.
KJV translates it as: sell, whatever is sold
Word root: probably ultimately from (to be busy, to trade);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The phrase “no man might buy or sell” reveals how the beast system controls people by manipulating access to resources and economic power, enforcing loyalty through material dependence.”
In this verse: θηρίου (thēriou), “beast”
Basic meaning: wild animal. Strong’s: a dangerous animal.
KJV translates it as: (venomous, wild) beast
Word root: diminutive from the same as G2339 (θήρα);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“The phrase “no man might buy or sell” reveals how the beast system controls people by manipulating access to resources and economic power, enforcing loyalty through material dependence.”
Revelation 13:18
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.
Greek words · 2
In this verse: ψηφισάτω (psēphisatō), “he should count”
Basic meaning: to calculate. Strong’s: to use pebbles in enumeration, i.e. (generally) to compute.
KJV translates it as: count
Word root: from G5586 (ψῆφος);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“Revelation 13:14 “And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do... saying to them... that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.””
In this verse: θηρίου (thēriou), “beast”
Basic meaning: wild animal. Strong’s: a dangerous animal.
KJV translates it as: (venomous, wild) beast
Word root: diminutive from the same as G2339 (θήρα);
How the commentary on this verse explains it
“But Jesus people are marked by His Spirit, not the beast’s system.”