What does Revelation 13:4 mean?
This verse provides a stark assessment of religion and spirituality in the end times. The dragon, described in earlier passages, is Satan. In other words, Devil-worship will accompany the rise of the beast from the sea. Worshippers will recognize that Satan empowered the beast, but they will also worship the beast. This worship is the deification of a man. The worshippers assume that the beast is so powerful that no one can fight against it.This end-times figure, commonly called Antichrist, will grasp all power in his hands and will oppose and exalt himself against every so-called god or object of worship. He will even proclaim himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:4). Like the Caesars of old, he places himself in the role of God and demands worship.
It is not hard to believe worship will be ascribed to a man. To some extent, this trend is apparent today as people virtually worship charismatic religious leaders. Some even hand over all their property to a religious leader, or ingest poison if asked to do so. The Antichrist will be empowered by Satan—possibly even being supernaturally healed (Revelation 13:3)—making it even more likely that people would respond in worship.
Revelation 13:1–4 focuses on the rise of the first ''beast'' seen in this chapter. This one rises from the sea. Biblical geography suggests this refers to the Mediterranean Sea. This ''beast'' represents a powerful ruler in the Mediterranean region. The description of the beast here shares elements used in Daniel 7:23–24, which there belonged to the four beasts that appeared in Daniel's dream. The beast from the sea receives his power from the dragon, who is shown in Revelation 12 to persecute Israel and the righteous remnant. This first beast is the figure more popularly known as Antichrist.
This chapter exposes two evil men, ''beasts'' who serve the Devil. The first beast arises from the sea, presumably the Mediterranean. The second beast arises from the land, possibly Israel. The first beast dominates the final form of the Roman Empire and sets himself up as a god to be worshiped. This first figure is the one most often labelled as ''Antichrist.'' The second beast acts as prophet, priest, and king in Israel. As such, he imitates Christ, but he is a False Prophet. This corrupted religious leader sets up an image of the first beast in the temple and commands everyone to worship it. The false prophet executes those who refuse to worship the image. Further, he causes everyone to receive the name or the number of the first beast on the right hand or on the forehead. Without this identifying mark, no one can buy or sell. The number of the beast is 666.
