The Beast (Revelation)
Three beasts in Revelation opposing God and persecuting the saints.
The Beast (Koine Greek: Θηρίον, Thērion) refers to one of three beasts described in the Book of Revelation: the dragon (later revealed to be Satan), the beast of the sea (commonly interpreted as the Antichrist), and the beast of the earth (later revealed to be the false prophet). These figures are central to the apocalyptic narrative of Revelation, representing opposition to God and persecution of the saints, and are ultimately defeated by Christ.
- field
- Biblical apocalyptic literature
- source
- Book of Revelation, chapters 12–13, 17, 19
Lore & Background
The Sea Beast rises out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and is given authority by the dragon. It resembles a leopard, bear, and lion—three animals from Daniel 7—and speaks blasphemies against God. It rules for 42 months, suffers a fatal head wound that is healed, and requires all people to receive its mark on their right hand or forehead to buy or sell. The Earth Beast comes out of the earth, has two horns like a lamb but speaks like a dragon, and forces worship of the Sea Beast, performing signs and making an image of the Sea Beast that comes to life. The dragon, Sea Beast, and Earth Beast ally to persecute saints and gather kings for the battle of Armageddon.
Reader's Guide
The beasts of Revelation have been interpreted variously throughout Christian history, with the Sea Beast often identified as the Antichrist and the Earth Beast as the false prophet. Their significance lies in their role as symbols of political and religious opposition to God, embodying blasphemy, deception, and persecution. The narrative emphasizes a crisis of worship: whether to worship the beast or the Creator. The beasts' ultimate defeat reinforces themes of divine sovereignty and the vindication of the saints. The description of the beasts draws heavily on the imagery of Daniel 7, linking them to earlier prophetic traditions. The scarlet beast of Revelation 17 is likely the same as the Sea Beast, with its seven heads interpreted as seven hills (often linked to Rome) and seven kings.
Did You Know?
- The Sea Beast's description as a leopard, bear, and lion reverses the order of the first three animals in Daniel 7.
- The Earth Beast is also called the false prophet and performs signs such as making fire come down from heaven.
- The seven heads of the scarlet beast are described as representing seven hills and seven kings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Beast in the Book of Revelation?
The Beast refers to the antagonistic figures in Revelation's apocalyptic vision, most prominently the creature rising from the sea (widely identified as the Antichrist) and the creature from the earth (revealed as the false prophet). Together they represent organized opposition to God and active persecution of the faithful.
How does The Beast's story end in Revelation?
At the Second Coming, the sea beast and the false prophet are both thrown alive into the great lake of fire (Revelation 19:20), and Satan is subsequently cast into the same lake at the end of the millennial period (20:10). Their destruction marks the final removal of all adversarial powers against God.
Why does The Beast matter in Revelation's overall narrative?
The beasts serve as the central antagonistic force driving the apocalyptic conflict, embodying systemic hostility toward God and the persecution of the saints. Their presence creates the narrative tension that makes Christ's ultimate victory and the establishment of the new heaven and earth feel earned within the book's structure.
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