This verse shows that great worldly authority can be energized by evil power for a time, but God will ultimately prevail.
The Apostle John, who recorded the book of Revelation around AD 95 while exiled on the island of Patmos, describes how in his vision “the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion; and the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority” (v.2). John’s lifetime spanned the latter part of the first century AD, and during his exile, he wrote this prophetic text for believers facing persecution under Roman rule. By tying animal characteristics together—leopard, bear, and lion—this beast shows a composite nature pointing back to various world empires and their fierce qualities, echoing prophetic imagery from passages such as Daniel 7:4-6. These frightening images also demonstrate that the beast’s power does not originate from itself but is granted by “the dragon,” who is identified as Satan in Revelation 12:9.
The mention that “the dragon gave him his power” (v.2) emphasizes the spiritual dimension behind earthly rule and oppressive regimes. The beast’s authority, throne, and great power are depicted as enthralling entire nations with might that transcends mere military force. According to the wider context of Revelation 13, this beast represents a future or final world-dominating system opposed to God’s people, symbolizing how national or international influence can be captivated by dark spiritual forces. The imagery urges believers to remain watchful of powers that stand against God’s kingdom, reminding them of the cosmic battle unfolding between good and evil.
The combination of ferocious traits—“like a leopard… like those of a bear… like the mouth of a lion” (v.2)—indicates a swiftness, strength, and devouring capability that will characterize the beast’s reign. Yet, Scripture reveals that such tyranny cannot endure indefinitely. Believers are encouraged to place hope in Christ’s ultimate victory over all evil (Revelation 19:20), confident that the Lord’s authority surpasses any fleeting power the dragon can bestow. This verse urges readers to discern the forces at work in the world, recognizing that while unscrupulous dominions thrive for a time, their destiny remains subject to the sovereignty of God.
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Revelation 13:2 meaning
The Apostle John, who recorded the book of Revelation around AD 95 while exiled on the island of Patmos, describes how in his vision “the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion; and the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority” (v.2). John’s lifetime spanned the latter part of the first century AD, and during his exile, he wrote this prophetic text for believers facing persecution under Roman rule. By tying animal characteristics together—leopard, bear, and lion—this beast shows a composite nature pointing back to various world empires and their fierce qualities, echoing prophetic imagery from passages such as Daniel 7:4-6. These frightening images also demonstrate that the beast’s power does not originate from itself but is granted by “the dragon,” who is identified as Satan in Revelation 12:9.
The mention that “the dragon gave him his power” (v.2) emphasizes the spiritual dimension behind earthly rule and oppressive regimes. The beast’s authority, throne, and great power are depicted as enthralling entire nations with might that transcends mere military force. According to the wider context of Revelation 13, this beast represents a future or final world-dominating system opposed to God’s people, symbolizing how national or international influence can be captivated by dark spiritual forces. The imagery urges believers to remain watchful of powers that stand against God’s kingdom, reminding them of the cosmic battle unfolding between good and evil.
The combination of ferocious traits—“like a leopard… like those of a bear… like the mouth of a lion” (v.2)—indicates a swiftness, strength, and devouring capability that will characterize the beast’s reign. Yet, Scripture reveals that such tyranny cannot endure indefinitely. Believers are encouraged to place hope in Christ’s ultimate victory over all evil (Revelation 19:20), confident that the Lord’s authority surpasses any fleeting power the dragon can bestow. This verse urges readers to discern the forces at work in the world, recognizing that while unscrupulous dominions thrive for a time, their destiny remains subject to the sovereignty of God.