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.

REVELATION 13:2KJV
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Revelation 13:2 (KJV)

What does Revelation 13:2 mean?

Revelation 13:2 describes a strange and powerful beast that looks like a leopard, has feet like a bear, and a mouth like a lion, and receives its power, throne, and authority from the dragon. This vision shows a creature made up of features from several fierce animals, symbolizing a combination of strength, speed, and ferocity, with its authority coming from a sinister source.

The book of Revelation is written by John, who is sharing a vision with early Christian communities facing persecution. In this part of the vision, John sees a beast rising, and the details echo earlier biblical images of dangerous kingdoms or rulers. The dragon, already identified as a symbol for evil (often understood as Satan), is shown giving the beast its power, making clear that the beast’s authority is not its own but comes from a deeper evil influence.

The Greek behind Revelation 13:2

  • "θηρίον" (thērion, "beast") refers to a wild, dangerous animal, emphasizing the threatening and untamed nature of this figure.
  • "δράκων" (drakōn, "dragon") is a word for a mythical serpent or dragon, and in Revelation it is used as a symbol for Satan, highlighting the source of the beast’s power.
  • "ἐξουσίαν μεγάλην" (exousian megalēn, "great authority") means not just power but the right to rule, stressing that the beast’s influence is both forceful and officially recognized in the vision.

Why Revelation 13:2 matters

  • This verse makes clear that the beast’s power is not self-made but given by the dragon, which helps readers understand the source and nature of its authority.
  • The combination of animal features links this vision to earlier biblical prophecies (such as in Daniel), helping readers see the continuity in the Bible’s imagery about evil empires or rulers.
  • By describing the beast in such vivid terms, the verse sets the stage for the conflict and challenges that will unfold in the following passages, emphasizing the seriousness of what the early Christians were facing.

Where else these words appear

“lion” Greek G3023 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
  • 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
  • Revelation 9:8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.

“dragon” Greek G1404 · used in 12 verses

  • Revelation 12:3 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.
  • Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
  • 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?

“beast” Greek G2342 · used in 38 verses

  • Mark 1:13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
  • 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?
  • Revelation 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

“like” Greek G3664 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
  • Revelation 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.