Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Revelation 13:2

ἄρκου. Text. Rec[441] reads ἄρκτου, so do some cursives.

[441] Rec. Textus Receptus as printed by Scrivener.

λέοντος. Tisch[442] reads λεόντων with א syr[443] and Victorin.

[442] Tischendorf: eighth edition; where the text aud notes differ the latter are cited.
[443] Syriac.

2. τὸ θηρίον δ εἶδον κ.τ.λ. The fourth beast in Daniel 7 is not described as like any ordinary animal: here he is described as combining the likeness of the other three. We may draw the inference mentioned on Revelation 13:1, that this beast is not the fourth, but a combination of all four: but on the simpler view the description is not less appropriate. The Rome of St John’s day was “like unto” a Greek empire, and at the same time embodied elements derived from Babylon and from Persia. And if we watch the “spirit of Antichrist” that is working in our day, we shall see it in the various forms of Hellenic aestheticism, of Persian luxury, and of Chaldean scientific necessarianism. It remains for this spirit to mount the imperial throne of Rome, when he who now letteth is taken out of the way.

καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ δράκων. It is the Devil’s interest and policy to disguise his working under the forms of the world: at present, he has actually persuaded many to disbelieve in his existence.

τὴν δύναμιν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐξουσίαν μεγάλην. For δύναμιν and ἐξουσίαν see on Revelation 12:10, for θρόνον on Revelation 2:13. Antichrist, or the Antichristian empire, bears just the same relation to the Devil as the true Christ to God.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Revelation 13:2

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