Revelation 13:6
It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This passage reveals that the beast’s blasphemy isn’t just against God’s name or His heavenly dwelling, but specifically targets "those who tabernacle in heaven." This highlights that the ultimate offense is the persecution and denigration of God's people, whether they are believers on earth whose true home is heaven, or the saints already dwelling there.
This passage describes a fearsome beast, empowered by the dragon, who rises from the sea and spews out blasphemies. After a devastating blow to one of its heads that miraculously heals, the whole world is amazed and follows this beast. This beast, representing a powerful anti-God system, then opens its mouth to declare war against God himself, His heavenly dwelling, and all who reside there.
The beast doesn't just attack; it targets specific aspects of God's reality. What are these targets, and why are they significant?
Revelation 13:6 paints a grim picture of the beast's agenda: 'to blaspheme his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.' This isn't random aggression. It's a calculated assault on the very essence of God's presence and His people.
The Divine Name
Blaspheming God's name means attacking His reputation, His character, and His authority. It's an attempt to strip away the reverence and honor due to Him alone.
God's Dwelling
'His dwelling' can refer to several things:
In all these senses, attacking God's dwelling is an attack on where God makes Himself known and present.
Those Who Dwell in Heaven
This refers to God's people – believers on earth whose true 'citizenship is in heaven' (Philippians 3:20), as well as the angels and saints already in God's presence. The beast seeks to revile, persecute, and destroy those who belong to God.
The Greek word for 'dwell' here is rich with meaning. It's not just about residing, but about a specific kind of presence and connection.
The original language behind 'dwell' carries a deeper sense than mere existence. The word literally means 'to tabernacle' or 'to pitch one's tent.' This connection is crucial.
A Tent in the Wilderness
Understand the original words
blasphemia · Greek Noun
An act of irreverent defiance or contemptuous speech directed against God or holy things; a usurpation of divine prerogatives.
onoma · Greek Noun
The covenant name of the Creator, representing His divine nature, character, and ultimate authority in the universe.
The blasphemies described in Revelation 13:6 are directed against God's name, His dwelling (the Church on earth and heaven), and His people, reflecting the intense pressures and opposition faced by early Christians from imperial powers and later from corrupt religious authorities.
c. 1st century AD
Early Christian Communities Flourish
Christianity begins to spread throughout the Roman Empire, with believers forming distinct communities often facing suspicion and persecution.
c. AD 64
Nero's Persecution of Christians
Emperor Nero scapegoats Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, leading to brutal and widespread persecution and martyrdom.
c. AD 95
Domitian's Persecution
Emperor Domitian intensifies persecution against Christians and Jews who refuse to worship him as divine.
c. AD 96— this verse
Writing of Revelation
The Book of Revelation is believed to have been written during a period of intense persecution, possibly under Emperor Domitian's reign, by the Apostle John while in exile on the island of Patmos.
This passage describes a 'little horn' that would speak words against the Most High and wear out the saints, echoing the blasphemous intent against God and His people seen in Revelation 13:6.
2 Thessalonians 2:4This verse identifies the 'man of lawlessness' who '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 parallels the beast's arrogance and claim to divine authority.
Isaiah 14:13-14The prophecy against the king of Babylon, 'You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high... I will make myself like the Most High,”' captures the essence of the arrogant, God-defying spirit that the beast embodies.
John 10:29-30Jesus declares, 'My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.' This highlights the ultimate security of believers, who dwell in God's protection, against whom the beast's blasphemies are directed.
ellicottRevelation 13:6: "And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."
(6) And he opened his mouth . . . —Translate, And he opened his mouth unto blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that tabernacle in the heaven. Much of the beauty of the thought is lost by the translation “them that dwell;” the word is tabernacle. The saints, to whom the name of the Lord is a strong tower, and who h…
pulpitRevelation 13:6: "And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."
Verse 6. - And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his Name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven; for blasphemies against God. The balance of authority is in favour of omitting "and" (before "them"), thus making (as in the Revised Version) the last clause in apposition with the preceding: his Name and his tabernacle,…
This passage reveals that the beast’s blasphemy isn’t just against God’s name or His heavenly dwelling, but specifically targets "those who tabernacle in heaven." This highlights that the ultimate offense is the persecution and denigration of God's people, whether they are believers on earth whose true home is heaven, or the saints already dwelling there.
This passage describes a fearsome beast, empowered by the dragon, who rises from the sea and spews out blasphemies. After a devastating blow to one of its heads that miraculously heals, the whole world is amazed and follows this beast. This beast, representing a powerful anti-God system, then opens its mouth to declare war against God himself, His heavenly dwelling, and all who reside there.
This passage describes a fearsome beast, empowered by the dragon, who rises from the sea and spews out blasphemies. After a devastating blow to one of its heads that miraculously heals, the whole world is amazed and follows this beast. This beast, representing a powerful anti-God system, then opens its mouth to declare war against God himself, His heavenly dwelling, and all who reside there.
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Think of the Old Testament tabernacle – a portable dwelling for God in the wilderness. It represented God's presence among His people as they journeyed.
Heavenly Citizenship
Similarly, believers on earth are described as 'tabernacling' in this world, yet their true 'citizenship is in heaven' (Philippians 3:20). Their ultimate home and allegiance are with God.
The Beast's Counterfeit
When the beast blasphemes 'those who tabernacle in heaven,' it targets those who are pitched in this world but whose hearts and hopes are in God's heavenly realm. It's an attack on the people of God, who are living as temporary residents with an eternal destiny.
c. AD 313
Edict of Milan
Emperor Constantine issues the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire and effectively ending widespread state-sponsored persecution of Christians.
c. 4th-6th centuries AD
Rise of Papal Authority
Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire, the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) gradually consolidates significant religious and even temporal authority.
"It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven." — This passage reveals that the beast’s blasphemy isn’t just against God’s name or His heavenly dwelling, but specifically targets "those who tabernacle in heaven." This highlights that the ultimate of…
