ἄρκτος (arktos)
arktos
bear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun arktos simply means "bear," appearing just once in the New Testament within Revelation 13:2. In this vivid apocalyptic vision, the beast rising from the sea is described as having feet like a bear, linking its terrifying nature to the raw power and ferocity associated with this large mammal.
This usage echoes the Old Testament tradition, where the Septuagint translates the Hebrew word for bear (dov) using arktos. The imagery draws on the animal’s reputation for strength and aggression, serving as a symbolic component of a composite monster that combines traits from various dangerous creatures to represent oppressive political power.
Translators consistently render this term as "bear" without attempting metaphorical expansion, allowing the concrete image to convey its intended sense of brutal force. The word’s singular occurrence highlights how specific animal symbolism functions in Revelation to paint a picture of chaotic and overwhelming opposition to divine authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Revelation 13:2, John describes a beast rising from the sea with feet like a bear. This image draws on ancient understanding of the animal’s raw strength and ferocity to symbolize oppressive political power. It is not merely a random detail but a deliberate echo of Old Testament prophecies about empires that rise with brutal force against God’s people.
When we encounter such vivid imagery in Scripture, it reminds us that history is real and often difficult. The Christian faith does not shy away from the harsh realities of power and injustice. Instead, it places them within a larger narrative where divine authority ultimately prevails over chaotic opposition. This assurance allows believers to face uncertainty with grounded hope.
Understanding this word helps us see how biblical authors used familiar natural elements to communicate spiritual truths. The bear’s strength represents the tangible threats faced by early Christians, yet the text assures us that these forces are temporary and subject to God’s sovereign plan. We can find comfort in knowing that no earthly power is beyond His reach.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a bear’s1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄρκου1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 13:2
The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.
This verse uses the word to describe the beast's feet, linking its terrifying nature to the raw power and ferocity associated with this large mammal.