And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

REVELATION 13:5KJV
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Revelation 13:5 (KJV)

What does Revelation 13:5 mean?

Revelation 13:5 describes how a figure—often called the "beast"—is allowed to speak boldly and blasphemously, and is given authority to act for forty-two months. This verse highlights a set period during which this figure is permitted to oppose God openly.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision where a beast rises to power and is permitted to speak "great things and blasphemies." The verse emphasizes that this authority is not self-given but allowed for a limited time—forty-two months, which is often understood as three and a half years. The focus is on the temporary nature of the beast's power and the seriousness of its opposition to God.

The Greek behind Revelation 13:5

  • στόμα (stoma; "mouth"): This word points to the beast's ability to speak, emphasizing communication and influence rather than just physical power.
  • βλασφημίαι (blasphēmiai; "blasphemies"): This term means speaking irreverently about God, highlighting the nature of what the beast says—words that dishonor or defame God.
  • ἐξουσία (exousia; "power" or "authority"): The Greek word here means delegated authority, showing that the beast's ability to act comes from permission, not from its own inherent power.
  • ποιῆσαι (poiēsai; "to continue" or "to act"): The sense here is "to do" or "to carry out," indicating the beast is allowed to operate for a set time, not indefinitely.

Why Revelation 13:5 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the beast's power is temporary and permitted, not absolute or eternal, which can correct the idea that evil has unchecked control.
  • By specifying "forty and two months," the text connects to other prophetic time periods in Revelation and Daniel, helping readers see patterns in biblical prophecy.
  • The emphasis on "blasphemies" underscores the nature of the beast's opposition—not just political or military, but spiritual and verbal defiance against God.

Where else these words appear

“blasphemies” Greek G988 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

“months” Greek G3376 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 1:24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
  • Acts 7:20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:
  • James 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

“forty” Greek G5062 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
  • Acts 7:30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
  • Hebrews 3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
  • Hebrews 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.