New Testament
Revelation 13:1
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 13:1, the author describes a vision of a beast emerging from the sea, symbolizing chaos and evil.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Then I stood on the shore of the sea and watched a beast rise up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns, with a crown on each horn, and on its heads was a name of blasphemy.
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 13:1, the author describes a vision of a beast emerging from the sea, symbolizing chaos and evil. The beast has seven heads and ten horns, which represent power and authority. Each horn is adorned with a crown, indicating dominion, while the heads bear names of blasphemy, suggesting opposition to God. This imagery reflects the struggle between good and evil, highlighting the beast's role as an antagonist in the spiritual battle. The sea often symbolizes the tumultuous world and its nations, from which this beast arises. The description serves to warn believers about the forces that oppose God and the challenges they will face. Understanding this passage helps to grasp the broader themes of Revelation, including the ultimate victory of God over evil and the importance of remaining faithful amidst persecution and trials.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 13:1 to your life
This verse encourages believers to remain vigilant against forces that oppose their faith. It serves as a reminder to stay grounded in God's truth and to recognize the spiritual battles that may arise in their lives. Trusting in God's ultimate victory can provide strength during challenging times.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 13:1 mean?
Revelation 13:1 describes a vision of a beast rising from the sea, symbolizing chaos and evil. The beast's seven heads and ten horns represent power and authority, while the names of blasphemy on its heads indicate opposition to God.
What is the significance of the beast in Revelation 13:1?
The beast in Revelation 13:1 symbolizes the forces of evil and chaos that oppose God. Its features, like the seven heads and ten horns, illustrate the power and dominion of these forces in the spiritual battle between good and evil.
What does the sea represent in Revelation 13:1?
In Revelation 13:1, the sea often symbolizes the tumultuous world and its nations. The beast emerging from the sea signifies the chaotic and evil influences that arise from this worldly context.
What does the term 'blasphemy' mean in Revelation 13:1?
In Revelation 13:1, 'blasphemy' refers to the names on the beast's heads that show disrespect or opposition to God. This highlights the beast's role as an antagonist in the spiritual struggle.

The Book of Revelation
Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
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