Revelation 13:5-6
What is written? (ESV)
And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.
What does it say?
The beast was permitted to boast and blaspheme for a limited amount of time. It blasphemed against God, His name, and His dwelling—that is, those dwelling in heaven.
What is its immediate context?
The book of Revelation is what John saw and was told to write down (1:1-2). Using “in the Spirit” as a structural marker, the book can be sectioned into four visions in particular:
- Vision One (1:9-3:22) – Jesus speaking to the seven churches
- Vision Two (4:1-16:21) – Seven seals, seven trumpets, seven bowls of wrath; “one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls” introduces the last two (and therefore possibly connected):
- Vision Three (17:1-21:8) – Babylon the Harlot
- Vision Four (21:9-22:5) – Jerusalem the Bride
In the midst of this second vision, we are introduced to a dragon (or serpent) that is “furious with the woman” and makes war on her offspring, aka “those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (12:17) The dragon is worshipped and gives power and authority to a beast that is also worshipped. (13:4)
How Revelation 13:5-6 is applied across Bible answers
Where is the dwelling of God the Father?
God's dwelling is in heaven.
