Revelation 13:1

And I stood. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “and he stood.” If this reading is adopted, it would be better to connect the clause “and he stood upon the sand of the sea” with ch. 12:17, as is done in certain Greek editions and English versions (see RSV). The “he” would refer to the dragon, who stands upon the seashore awaiting the emergence of the beast, whom it is his purpose to invest with his power and authority (ch. 13:2). If the reading “I stood” is adopted, John is simply describing the vantage point from which he saw the beast ascending.

Sand of the sea. The sea here doubtless represents peoples, nations, tongues (see on Rev. 17:1, 2, 8 cf. on Dan. 7:2).

A beast. For the significance of beasts in symbolic prophecy see on Dan. 7:3. For the identification of the beast see on Rev. 13:2.

Out of the sea. This beast arises “out of the sea.” The beast of v. 11 comes “out of the earth.” The one arises where there are multitudes of peoples (see above on “sand of the sea”); the other arises where the population is sparse (see on v. 11).

Seven heads. Some identify these heads with those on the dragon, as well as with those on the beast of ch. 17 (see on ch. 12:3). Others see in these heads the various political organizations through which the new beast works after the dragon with his seven heads relinquishes “his power, and his seat, and great authority” (ch. 13:2). For a comment on the number seven see on ch. 1:11.

Ten horns. Some identify these horns with those on the dragon (see on ch. 12:3). Others limit the application of these horns to nations through which the power represented by the beast exercised its will and authority (see on ch. 12:3).

Crowns. Gr. diadēmata, “kingly crowns” (see on ch. 12:3). These crowns on the horns confirm the identification of the horns as political powers.

Name. Textual evidence is divided (cf. p. 10) between this and the reading “names.”

Blasphemy. Gr. blasphēmia, meaning “railing,” “slander,” when directed against men, and impious speech when directed against God. The latter sense is doubtless predominant here. The name or names are represented as being on the heads. They doubtless represent the blasphemous titles assumed by the beast (see on Dan. 7:25).