What does Revelation 13:1 mean?

John saw a beast rising from the sea: the sixth of seven major figures described in this part of Revelation. Bible geography would identify this as the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, the beast rises from the region of the Mediterranean. The beast is literally human, but the term "beast" is used for good reason. The Greek word thērion conjures up characteristics such as violent, ferocious, savage, and wild.

The beast John saw had ten horns and seven heads with diadems on the horns. The picture recalls the description of ten kings represented by the toes on the image Daniel interpreted to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:41). Revelation 17:12 tells us the ten horns are ten kings. The seven heads likely represent the seven hills of Rome.

The blasphemous names on the beast's heads are not identified, but they may indicate that the beast, the powerful ruler in the Mediterranean region, commits blasphemy. This blasphemy may be what 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ascribes to the man of lawlessness. He "opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God."

This first beast is the end-times figure often referred to as Antichrist, or "the" Antichrist. This is the political and social leader serving the interests of Satan during the events of the tribulation.