The term "Sea-beast" is primarily associated with the apocalyptic imagery found in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. This creature is a significant symbol in biblical prophecy and eschatology, representing forces of chaos and opposition to God’s order.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the Sea-beast is found in Revelation 13:1-10. The Apostle John, in his vision on the island of Patmos, describes the emergence of a beast from the sea:

"Then 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. 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." (Revelation 13:1-2)

This passage introduces the Sea-beast as a formidable entity, empowered by the dragon, which is identified as Satan in Revelation 12:9. The beast's description, with its composite features of a leopard, bear, and lion, echoes the imagery found in Daniel 7, where similar beasts represent successive empires.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In conservative Christian theology, the Sea-beast is often interpreted as a symbol of political power and authority that stands in opposition to God. The beast's emergence from the sea, a biblical symbol of chaos and disorder, underscores its role as an agent of turmoil and rebellion against divine order.

The ten horns and seven heads are frequently understood to represent a coalition of nations or rulers who align themselves with the beast's blasphemous agenda. The crowns on the horns signify authority and dominion, suggesting that the Sea-beast wields significant influence over earthly kingdoms.

The blasphemous names on its heads indicate a direct challenge to God's sovereignty, as the beast seeks to usurp divine authority and demand worship from the inhabitants of the earth. This is further emphasized in Revelation 13:4, where the people worship the dragon and the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?" .

Role in Eschatology:

The Sea-beast plays a crucial role in the eschatological narrative of Revelation. It is part of the unholy trinity, consisting of the dragon (Satan), the beast from the sea (political power), and the beast from the earth (false prophet or religious deception). Together, they work to deceive and lead humanity away from the worship of the true God.

Revelation 13:5-7 describes the beast's authority to wage war against the saints and to exercise control over every tribe, people, language, and nation for forty-two months. This period is often interpreted as a time of great tribulation and persecution for believers.

Theological Implications:

The Sea-beast serves as a warning to Christians about the dangers of idolatry and the allure of worldly power. It challenges believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of persecution and deception. The ultimate defeat of the beast, as described in Revelation 19:19-20, assures Christians of God's ultimate victory over evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

In summary, the Sea-beast is a complex and multifaceted symbol within the Book of Revelation, representing the culmination of human rebellion against God and the final confrontation between good and evil in the last days.

Library

Andromeda
... far-seeing, the queen Aphrodite. Loosing his arms from her waist he flew
upward, awaiting the sea-beast. Onward it came from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/andromeda.htm

Thesaurus

Sea-beast (2 Occurrences)
Sea-beast. Sea, Sea-beast. Sea-beasts . Multi-Version Concordance Sea-beast
(2 Occurrences). Job 7:12 Am Ia sea, or a sea-beast, that you put a watch over ...
/s/sea-beast.htm - 7k

Dirty (9 Occurrences)
... make a song of grief for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and say to him, Young lion of the
nations, destruction has come on you; and you were like a sea-beast in the ...
/d/dirty.htm - 9k

Bursts (2 Occurrences)
... make a song of grief for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and say to him, Young lion of the
nations, destruction has come on you; and you were like a sea-beast in the ...
/b/bursts.htm - 7k

Sea-beasts (3 Occurrences)
Sea-beasts. Sea-beast, Sea-beasts. Seacoast . Multi-Version Concordance
Sea-beasts (3 Occurrences). ... Sea-beast, Sea-beasts. Seacoast . Reference Bible.
/s/sea-beasts.htm - 7k

Burst (33 Occurrences)
... make a song of grief for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and say to him, Young lion of the
nations, destruction has come on you; and you were like a sea-beast in the ...
/b/burst.htm - 17k

Troubling (51 Occurrences)
... make a song of grief for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and say to him, Young lion of the
nations, destruction has come on you; and you were like a sea-beast in the ...
/t/troubling.htm - 21k

Streams (80 Occurrences)
... make a song of grief for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and say to him, Young lion of the
nations, destruction has come on you; and you were like a sea-beast in the ...
/s/streams.htm - 30k

Sea (4178 Occurrences)

/s/sea.htm - 87k

Resources

What is the image of the beast? | GotQuestions.org

What are the four beasts in Daniel chapter 7? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the beast of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

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