Revelation 13:2
Bible, KJV Translation:
13:2 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 seat, and great authority.
Re-evaluation Translation:
13:2 This global socio-economic system was Greek-structured, moved by Iran, and spoke with the mystery and confusion of ancient Babylon: and the present system yielded its power and position; this new system wielded great authority.
Significant Words and Comments:
Commentary on Revelation 13:2 (21 March 2008): “The beast which I saw was like unto a leopard,” which we know from Daniel 7:6 and 17 and historical accounts represents Greece. This Greek word [G3917: pardalis, “panther, leopard; a very fierce Asiatic and African animal, having a tawny skin marked with large black spots”] is only used here. This global socio-economic beast operates in the manner of Greek thought, logic, commerce, and education.
“His feet were as the feet of a bear,” means, “the means of advancement for this international body are the Persian people,” that is, this global government is foundationed in Iran. This is the same picture presented in Daniel 11:1-3 and Zechariah 5. Regarding the application here, Daniel 11:1 clearly states that in the first Year of Returning (Darius) [9 April 2005 to 29 March 2006], a Mede arose in Persia, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the man who will head the rising global organism represented by this beast. Feet, means of movement or steps taken, see notes on Revelation 1:15 and 10:1. Bear, see notes on Enoch LXXXIX:10.
“His mouth as the mouth of a lion,” that is, this organism speaks in the mysteries and confusion of ancient Babylon, in contrast to speaking the revelations and instruction of Yehuveh. Mouth is discussed in the note on Revelation 9:19. Lion is discussed in notes on Enoch LXXXIX:10, Revelation 9:8 and 10:3. Babylon is further described in the note on Revelation 14:8.
“The dragon gave him his power,” but not willingly. Gave, from G1325, indicates a transfer, either willing or forced. Daniel 11:4 pictures the Iranian-led global government forcing their way into position through “violently casting out pieces” [weather they are people or missiles], a global leadership position not willingly granted it by the governments over which it gains domination.
“His seat,” or throne. See discussion of G2362, notes on Revelation 4:2.
“Great authority,” from exousia [G1849] as discussed in Revelation 2:26. Daniel 11:5 states that “his dominion shall be a great dominion.”
Gael Bataman
Originally Written: 21 March 2008
Latest Update: 31 May 2008
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