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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Revelation 13:2 - 13:2
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Like unto a leopard (homoion pardalei). Associative-instrumental case of pardalis, old word for panther, leopard, here only in N.T. The leopard (leo, pard) was considered a cross between a panther and a lioness.
As the feet of a bear (hōs arkou). Old word, also spelled arktos, here only in N.T. From Dan 7:4. No word in the Greek for “feet” before “bear.”
As the mouth of a lion (hōs stoma leontos). From Dan 7:4. This beast combines features of the first three beasts in Dan 7:2. 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 (edōken autōi ho drakōn). First aorist active indicative of didōmi (to give) and dative case autōi (the beast). The dragon works through this beast. The beast is simply Satan’s agent. Satan claimed this power to Christ (Mat 4:9; Luk 4:6) and Christ called Satan the prince of this world (Joh 12:31; Joh 14:30; Joh 16:11). So the war is on.