Revelation 13:4 (KJV)

What does Revelation 13:4 mean?

Revelation 13:4 describes people worshipping both the dragon and the beast, amazed by the beast’s power and asking who could possibly oppose it. The verse shows a scene where the crowd is in awe, seeing the beast as unbeatable and worthy of devotion because of its strength.

In the setting of Revelation, John is describing a vision where the dragon (often understood as a symbol for Satan) gives authority to the beast (a powerful, evil ruler or system). The people’s reaction—worshipping both the dragon and the beast—shows how completely they are taken in by this display of power, even to the point of asking who could ever defeat the beast.

The Greek behind Revelation 13:4

• δράκοντα (drakonta): "dragon" — This word points to a specific figure in Revelation, often understood as a symbol for Satan. The focus on worshipping the dragon highlights the spiritual allegiance being given to evil.
• ἐξουσίαν (exousian): "power" or "authority" — The Greek term here means more than just strength; it refers to the right or authority to rule. The beast’s power is not its own, but given by the dragon, emphasizing a chain of evil influence.
• προσκύνησαν (proskynēsan): "worshipped" — This word carries the sense of bowing down or showing deep reverence, not just casual respect. The people’s worship is wholehearted and public.
• τίς ὅμοιος τῷ θηρίῳ (tis homoios tō thēriō): "Who is like unto the beast?" — The Greek expresses a rhetorical question, showing awe and suggesting that the beast is seen as unique and unmatched.

Why Revelation 13:4 matters

• This verse clarifies that the beast’s authority is not self-made; it is received from the dragon, which shapes how we understand the source of evil power in the vision.
• The reaction of the people—worship and awe—shows the depth of deception and allegiance to evil, setting up the conflict that unfolds in the rest of the chapter.
• The language echoes Old Testament phrases used for God ("Who is like the Lord?"), but here it is twisted and applied to the beast, highlighting the counterfeit nature of the beast’s worship.