The beast from the sea is described in Revelation 13:1–10 and represents a future world ruler, often identified as the Antichrist, who will rise during the end times to exercise global authority and oppose God and His saints.
John saw a beast rising out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on its horns ten crowns. Upon its heads were blasphemous names (Revelation 13:1). The beast was like a leopard, with feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion. The dragon, identified as Satan in Revelation 12:9, gave the beast his power, throne, and great authority.
One of the beast’s heads appeared mortally wounded, but the wound was healed. The world marveled and followed the beast, worshiping the dragon who gave power to the beast and saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:4).
The beast was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and authority was granted to him for forty-two months (three and a half years). He opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. He was also granted to make war with the saints and overcome them, and he was given authority over every tribe, tongue, and nation.
All who dwell on the earth will worship him, those whose names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). The passage ends with a call for endurance and faith among the saints.
The beast from the sea parallels the four beasts seen in Daniel 7, which represent successive empires. This final beast embodies the characteristics of them all and points to a revived global empire under the Antichrist’s rule.
This vision teaches that during the Great Tribulation, a powerful, blasphemous world leader will arise, empowered by Satan, to deceive and persecute. However, his time is limited, and God’s ultimate victory is assured. Believers are exhorted to remain faithful, knowing their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
