A.T. Robertson Commentary Revelation 13:2

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Revelation 13:2

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Revelation 13:2

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"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." — Revelation 13:2 (ASV)

Like unto a leopard (ομοιον παρδαλε). Associative-instrumental case of παρδαλις, old word for panther, leopard, here only in N.T. The leopard (λεο, παρδ) was considered a cross between a panther and a lioness.

As the feet of a bear (ως αρκου). Old word, also spelled αρκτος, here only in N.T. From Da 7:4. No word in the Greek for "feet" before "bear."

As the mouth of a lion (ως στομα λεοντος). From Da 7:4. This beast combines features of the first three beasts in Da 7:2f.. The strength and brutality of the Babylonian, Median, and Persian empires appeared in the Roman Empire. The catlike vigilance of the leopard, the slow and crushing power of the bear, and the roar of the lion were all familiar features to the shepherds in Palestine (Swete).

The dragon gave him (εδωκεν αυτω ο δρακων). First aorist active indicative of διδωμ (to give) and dative case αυτω (the beast). The dragon works through this beast. The beast is simply Satan's agent. Satan claimed this power to Christ (Matthew 4:9; Luke 4:6) and Christ called Satan the prince of this world (John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11). So the war is on.