θηρίον (thērion)
thērion
wild animal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 39 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word thērion refers to a wild animal or beast, appearing frequently in the New Testament with a focus on danger and ferocity. While it can describe literal creatures—such as the wild beasts surrounding Jesus in Mark 1:13 or the snake on Malta in Acts 28:5—it carries significant symbolic weight in Revelation. There, it becomes a title for political powers that oppose God, most notably the beast rising from the sea in Revelation 13.
Etymologically, thērion is a diminutive form of thēr, meaning "beast" or "prey." This linguistic root suggests something hunted or dangerous rather than merely large. The sources note that while it often translates the Hebrew chayyah (living creature) in the Septuagint, its New Testament usage emphasizes hostility. It distinguishes itself from domestic animals by representing untamed, predatory force.
Translators typically render thērion as "beast" or "wild beast," though the context determines whether the reference is biological or apocalyptic. In Revelation 13:2, for instance, the beast combines traits of various animals to symbolize a composite empire. The term thus bridges the physical reality of dangerous wildlife and the theological concept of oppressive power, showing how ancient readers understood both nature and tyranny.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word thērion describes a wild animal, distinct from domesticated livestock by its untamed nature and potential for danger. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from literal wildlife to powerful political symbols. For instance, Mark records Jesus being with these creatures in the wilderness, suggesting a restoration of peace even in hostile environments. This usage reminds us that God’s presence extends into places we might consider dangerous or chaotic.
However, the term carries heavier weight in Revelation, where it symbolizes oppressive systems and powers that stand against God. Here, thērion represents human tyranny dressed in spiritual deception, challenging believers to discern between worldly authority and divine truth. Understanding this distinction helps us navigate our own contexts, recognizing when cultural or political forces demand allegiance that belongs only to Christ.
Ultimately, the word invites reflection on where we place our trust. Whether facing literal threats or systemic injustice, the biblical narrative assures us that these powers are temporary. The same God who sustains creation holds ultimate authority over all earthly kingdoms, offering hope and stability to those who remain faithful.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 39 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- beast29×
- beast,5×
- a beast3×
- creature2×
- beasts2×
- beast.2×
- wild beasts1×
- wild animals;1×
- of beasts1×
- beasts,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θηρίον17×
- θηρίου11×
- θηρίῳ6×
- θηρίου,3×
- θηρίων2×
- θηρίου.2×
- θηρίον,2×
- θηρία2×
- θηρίων·1×
- θηρία,1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 1:13
He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals; and the angels were serving him.
This verse highlights the unusual peace between Jesus and wild animals in the wilderness, symbolizing a restored harmony in creation.
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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.
The beast here combines traits of a leopard, bear, and lion to represent a composite empire empowered by the dragon.
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Revelation of John 13:18
Here is wisdom. He who has understanding, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is six hundred sixty-six.
This passage calls for spiritual discernment regarding the number of the beast, linking political power to divine judgment.
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Titus 1:12
One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons.”
Paul uses the term metaphorically to describe the moral corruption and deceitfulness of certain Cretan leaders.