Revelation 13:2
New International Version
The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.

New Living Translation
This beast looked like a leopard, but it had the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion! And the dragon gave the beast his own power and throne and great authority.

English Standard Version
And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.

Berean Standard Bible
The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.

Berean Literal Bible
And the beast that I saw was like a leopard, and its feet like a bear's, and its mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave to it his power, and his throne, and great authority.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.

New American Standard Bible
And the beast that 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.

NASB 1995
And 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.

NASB 1977
And 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.

Legacy Standard Bible
And 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.

Amplified Bible
And the beast that I saw resembled a leopard, but his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth was like that of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority.

Christian Standard Bible
The beast I saw was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The beast I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like a bear’s, and his mouth was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.

American Standard Version
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 throne, and great authority.

Contemporary English Version
The beast I saw had the body of a leopard, the feet of a bear, and the mouth of a lion. The dragon handed over its own power and throne and great authority to this beast.

English Revised Version
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 throne, and great authority.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The beast that I saw was like a leopard. Its feet were like bear's feet. Its mouth was like a lion's mouth. The serpent gave its power, kingdom, and far-reaching authority to the beast.

Good News Translation
The beast looked like a leopard, with feet like a bear's feet and a mouth like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave the beast his own power, his throne, and his vast authority.

International Standard Version
The beast that I saw was like a leopard. Its feet were like bear's feet, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave it his power, his throne, and complete authority.

Majority Standard Bible
The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.

NET Bible
Now the beast that I saw was like a leopard, but its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority to rule.

New Heart English Bible
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. The serpent gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the beast which I saw was like 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.

Weymouth New Testament
The Wild Beast which I saw resembled a leopard, and had feet like the feet of a bear, and his mouth was like the mouth of a lion; and it was to the Dragon that he owed his power and his throne and his wide dominion.

World English Bible
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. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the beast that I saw was like to a leopard, and its feet as of a bear, and its mouth as the mouth of a lion, and the dragon gave to it his power, and his throne, and great authority.

Berean Literal Bible
And the beast that I saw was like a leopard, and its feet like a bear's, and its mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave to it his power, and his throne, and great authority.

Young's Literal Translation
and the beast that I saw was like to a leopard, and its feet as of a bear, and its mouth as the mouth of a lion, and the dragon did give to it his power, and his throne, and great authority.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the wild beast which I saw was like a panther, and his feet as of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his throne, and great authority.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the beast, which I saw, was like to 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 own strength, and great power.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the beast that I saw was similar to a leopard, and its feet were like the feet of a bear, and its mouth was like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave his own power and great authority to it.

New American Bible
The beast I saw was like a leopard, but it had feet like a bear’s, and its mouth was like the mouth of a lion. To it the dragon gave its own power and throne, along with great authority.

New Revised Standard Version
And the beast that I saw was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And the dragon gave it his power and his throne and great authority.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the wild beast which I saw was like to 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 throne, and great authority.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And The Beast that I saw was like a leopard, and its feet like those of a wolf and its mouth like that of lions, and the Dragon gave its throne, its power and great authority to it.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And the beast that I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were as those of a bear, and his mouth was as the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power, and his throne, and great authority.

Godbey New Testament
And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of lions: and the dragon gave him his power, and his throne, and great authority.

Haweis New Testament
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 throne, and great authority.

Mace New Testament
and the beast which I saw was like a leopard, 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 throne, and great authority.

Weymouth New Testament
The Wild Beast which I saw resembled a leopard, and had feet like the feet of a bear, and his mouth was like the mouth of a lion; and it was to the Dragon that he owed his power and his throne and his wide dominion.

Worrell New Testament
And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet as of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion; and the dragon gave him his power, and his throne, and great authority;

Worsley New Testament
And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his throne, and great authority.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Beast from the Sea
1Then I saw a beast with ten horns and seven heads rising out of the sea. There were ten royal crowns on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2 The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. 3One of the heads of the beast appeared to be mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast.…

Cross References
Daniel 7:4-6
The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man and given the mind of a man. / Suddenly another beast appeared, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. So it was told, ‘Get up and gorge yourself on flesh!’ / Next, as I watched, suddenly another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.

Daniel 7:7
After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying—dreadful and extremely strong—with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns.

Daniel 7:17
‘These four great beasts are four kings who will arise from the earth.

Daniel 7:23
This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on the earth, different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth, trample it down, and crush it.

Daniel 7:24
And the ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. After them another king, different from the earlier ones, will rise and subdue three kings.

Daniel 7:25
He will speak out against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.

Daniel 2:31-33
As you, O king, were watching, a great statue appeared. A great and dazzling statue stood before you, and its form was awesome. / The head of the statue was pure gold, its chest and arms were silver, its belly and thighs were bronze, / its legs were iron, and its feet were part iron and part clay.

Daniel 2:40-43
Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; for iron shatters and crushes all things, and like iron that crushes all things, it will shatter and crush all the others. / And just as you saw that the feet and toes were made partly of fired clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom, yet some of the strength of iron will be in it—just as you saw the iron mixed with clay. / And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. ...

2 Thessalonians 2:9
The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,

Revelation 12:3
Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads.

Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

Revelation 17:3
And the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, where I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns.

Revelation 17:7
“Why are you so amazed?” said the angel. “I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns.

Revelation 17:12-13
The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings along with the beast. / These kings have one purpose: to yield their power and authority to the beast.

Revelation 17:16-17
And the ten horns and the beast that you saw will hate the prostitute. They will leave her desolate and naked, and they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. / For God has put it into their hearts to carry out His purpose by uniting to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.


Treasury of Scripture

And the beast which I saw was like to 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.

was like.

Jeremiah 5:6
Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.

Jeremiah 13:23
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.

Daniel 7:6,7
After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it…

and his feet.

1 Samuel 17:34-37
And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: …

2 Kings 2:24
And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

Proverbs 17:12
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

and his mouth.

Psalm 22:21
Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

Isaiah 5:29
Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it.

Hosea 11:10
They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.

dragon.

Revelation 12:3,4,9,13,15
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads…

gave.

Revelation 16:10
And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

Revelation 17:12
And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Revelation 19:20
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Jump to Previous
Authority Bear Beast Dominion Dragon Feet Great Leopard Mouth Owed Power Resembled Seat Throne Wide Wild
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Authority Bear Beast Dominion Dragon Feet Great Leopard Mouth Owed Power Resembled Seat Throne Wide Wild
Revelation 13
1. A beast rises out of the sea with seven heads and ten horns, to whom the dragon gives his power.
11. Another beast comes out of the earth,
14. causes an image to be made of the former beast,
15. and that men should worship it,
16. and receive his mark.














The beast I saw
The term "beast" in this context is translated from the Greek word "θηρίον" (thērion), which often denotes a wild, untamed animal. In the apocalyptic literature of Revelation, the beast symbolizes a powerful, oppressive empire or ruler that stands in opposition to God. The imagery of a beast conveys the ferocity and danger posed by this entity. Historically, this has been interpreted as a representation of the Roman Empire or future oppressive regimes that embody similar characteristics.

was like a leopard
The leopard is known for its speed and agility, characteristics that are significant in understanding the nature of the beast. The Greek word "πάνθηρ" (panthēr) is used here, which can refer to a panther or leopard. This imagery is reminiscent of Daniel 7:6, where a leopard represents the swift conquests of Alexander the Great. The beast's resemblance to a leopard suggests a kingdom or power that is swift and cunning in its actions, capable of rapid and widespread influence.

with the feet of a bear
The bear, translated from the Greek "ἄρκτος" (arktos), is a symbol of strength and stability. In Daniel 7:5, a bear represents the Medo-Persian Empire, known for its formidable military might. The beast having the feet of a bear implies a foundation of strength and the ability to crush and dominate its enemies. This imagery suggests that the beast's power is not only swift but also enduring and forceful.

and the mouth of a lion
The lion, from the Greek "λέων" (leōn), is often associated with majesty and authority. In Daniel 7:4, a lion represents the Babylonian Empire, known for its regal power and dominance. The beast having the mouth of a lion indicates its ability to speak with authority and command, possibly through persuasive oratory or decrees that demand obedience. This aspect of the beast highlights its capacity to intimidate and control through its words.

And the dragon gave the beast his power
The dragon, identified earlier in Revelation as Satan, is the source of the beast's power. The Greek word "δράκων" (drakōn) is used, symbolizing a great serpent or dragon, a representation of evil and chaos. The transfer of power from the dragon to the beast signifies a satanic empowerment, suggesting that the beast's authority is not self-derived but granted by a malevolent spiritual force. This highlights the spiritual warfare underlying the physical manifestations of evil in the world.

and his throne
The throne, from the Greek "θρόνος" (thronos), signifies a seat of authority and governance. The dragon giving the beast his throne indicates a transfer of dominion, suggesting that the beast rules with the authority of Satan himself. This imagery underscores the idea that the beast's reign is a counterfeit of divine authority, seeking to usurp God's rightful rule over creation.

and great authority
The phrase "great authority" is translated from the Greek "ἐξουσία μεγάλη" (exousia megalē), emphasizing the extent and magnitude of the beast's power. This authority is vast and far-reaching, allowing the beast to exert control over nations and peoples. The use of "great" underscores the formidable challenge that the beast poses to the faithful, as it seeks to establish a dominion that rivals God's kingdom. This serves as a reminder of the ultimate spiritual battle between good and evil, and the need for believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

(2) And the beast . . .--The wild beast combined the features of three wild animals: the leopard, the bear, the lion. In Daniel's vision (Daniel 7:4) the kingdoms were described: the first, like a lion; the second, like a bear; the third, like a leopard or panther. Here all these features are combined, because the wild beast is a representative of all forms of world-power, which have been swift to shed blood: like a leopard leaping on the prey, tenacious and relentless as a bear, and all devouring (their throat is an open sepulchre) as a lion. The reader will remember the wild beasts which in vision hindered Dante when he sought to ascend the "pleasant mount"--the "cause and source of all delight." The leopard, the lion, the wolf were symbols of luxuriousness, cruel ambition, and hungry and heartless avarice, which oppose men and nations when they seek the Holy Hill, where the light of God ever rests. (Comp. Inferno, i. 10-74)

And the dragon.--Read, And the dragon gave him his power and his throne (not his "seat," as in the English version; it is the royal seat, the throne, which is meant). (See Notes on Revelation 11:16 and Revelation 4:4.)

And great authority.--It is through this succession of world-powers that the dragon carries on his war. The wild beast becomes the vicegerent, so to speak, of the prince of this world.

Verse 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. The similarity to the vision of Daniel 7. is very evident; the resemblance extending even to the language, which is here very like the LXX. version of Daniel. Cf. especially the form ἄρκος (found in all the best manuscripts) with that of the LXX. of Daniel 7:5. In the vision of Daniel four beasts are seen rising from the sea. The first was like a lion, the second like a bear, the third like a leopard, the fourth was distinguished by the ten horns. Here the four are combined in the one appearance of the beast. The qualities which are indicated by the animals named are very generally agreed upon. The lion denotes lordly dominion and rule; the bear suggests crushing force and tenacity of purpose; the leopard is distinguished for its swiftness and cruel blood thirstiness. These characteristics marked the Roman empire at the time of this vision, and this probably was the first fulfilment of the vision. The same qualities have, however, been exhibited at all times by the persecutors of the Church of God, and thus the application may be extended, and the vision represents (as Alford says) "not the Roman empire merely, but the aggregate of the empires of this world as opposed to Christ and his kingdom." And the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority; and his throne. The dragon and this beast are essentially one, since the latter wields all the influence of the former. The devil lost his throne in heaven; through the power of the world he temporarily regains a throne as the "prince of this world." Christ, by his incarnation, destroyed much of the personal nature of the devil's influence over men. By that the devil was completely bound as regards the righteous (cf. the interpretation of Revelation 20:2); but his power to work mischief he transfers to the nations of the world, who become his instrument for that purpose.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

beast
θηρίον (thērion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2342: Properly: a wild beast, hence: any animal; met: a brute. Diminutive from the same as thera; a dangerous animal.

I saw
εἶδον (eidon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

like
ὅμοιον (homoion)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3664: Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.

a leopard,
παρδάλει (pardalei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3917: A leopard, panther. Feminine of pardos; a leopard.

[with]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

feet
πόδες (podes)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4228: The foot. A primary word; a 'foot'.

of
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

a bear
ἄρκου (arkou)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 715: A bear. Probably from arkeo; a bear.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mouth
στόμα (stoma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4750: The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword.

of
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

a lion.
λέοντος (leontos)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3023: A lion. A primary word; a 'lion'.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

dragon
δράκων (drakōn)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1404: A dragon or huge serpent; met: Satan. Probably from an alternate form of derkomai; a fabulous kind of serpent.

gave
ἔδωκεν (edōken)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

[the beast]
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

power
δύναμιν (dynamin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

throne
θρόνον (thronon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2362: From thrao; a stately seat; by implication, power or a potentate.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

great
μεγάλην (megalēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

authority.
ἐξουσίαν (exousian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1849: From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 13:2 The beast which I saw was like (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 13:1
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