“And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads” (Revelation 13:1 ESV).
For many, the word “antichrist” evokes a wide array of scary, media-driven images. Unfortunately, this only serves to obscure the substance of this verse. Therefore, we would do well to leave those fictional elements behind in order to focus our attention on the message of this passage.
As mentioned earlier, the prefix “anti” means “against” or “in place of.” The term “antichrist” will thus find its ultimate definition in the period described here in Revelation 13:1. At that time, a man will emerge whose life will be one of total and unrelenting submission to the power and influence of sin. He will become a living, breathing personification of “the antichrist” in every sense of the word.
The Biblical book of 2 Thessalonians discusses the rise of this individual as well…
“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 NIV).
As we’ll see, this man will be defined by his opposition to Christ as well as his efforts to supplant him. This passage offers a further description by informing us that this beast arises from the sea. The book of the Biblical prophet Isaiah may shed light on this detail, for it tells us, “…the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud” (Isaiah 57:20 NIV). That characterization is certainly true of the beast who emerges here in Revelation 13:1.
Next, we’re told, “It had ten horns, seven heads, and ten crowns on its horns” (GW). In this context, “horns” are synonymous with power. The reference to seven heads serves to associate him with Satan, who appeared earlier in chapter twelve as a seven-headed dragon. These horns likely allude to national powers, for each horn features a crown (or diadem) that speaks of political leadership or royalty.
Finally, we’re also told that each head featured a blasphemous name. So this person’s spiritual allegiance is unquestionable, for blasphemy refers to the act of cursing, slandering, demonstrating contempt, and/or lack of reverence for God.