Lexical Summary arkos: Bear Original Word: ἄρκτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bear. Probably from arkeo; a bear (as obstructing by ferocity) -- bear. see GREEK arkeo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a bear NASB Translation bear (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 715: ἄρκτοςἄρκτος, ἄρκτου, ὁ, ἡ, or (so G L T Tr WH) ἄρκος, ἄρκου, ὁ, ἡ, a bear: Revelation 13:2. (From Homer down.) Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 715 (ἄρκου, genitive of ἄρκτος) appears once in the Greek New Testament, at Revelation 13:2, where the Apostle John employs the image of a bear’s feet in describing the composite beast that rises from the sea. Though rare in the Greek canon, the bear is well known in the wider biblical record and serves as a vivid emblem of ferocity, judgment, and irresistible power. Natural History and Cultural Setting Bears, likely the Syrian brown bear (Ursus arctos syriacus), once roamed the forests and highlands of the Levant. Scripture assumes common familiarity with the animal’s strength (David’s encounters, 1 Samuel 17:34–37), swiftness in attack (Amos 5:19), and fierce maternal instinct (Hosea 13:8). These traits shaped everyday speech and informed prophetic metaphor. Old Testament Background 1 Samuel 17:34–37 records David’s slaying of a bear while shepherding, underscoring both the danger bears posed and the Lord’s power to deliver. 2 Kings 2:24 relates two she-bears mauling youths who mocked Elisha, dramatizing divine vindication of prophetic authority. Proverbs 17:12 warns, “Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly,” highlighting the peril of unrestrained rage. Hosea 13:8 pictures God’s wrath: “Like a bear deprived of her cubs, I will attack them and rip them open.” Daniel 7:5 presents the second beast “raised up on one of its sides” and likened to a bear, pre-figuring aggressive empire. John later echoes this verse in Revelation. Usage in Revelation Revelation 13:2: “The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.” John fuses Daniel’s four beasts into one end-time monstrosity. The feet “of a bear” accentuate brutal force and tenacity. Whereas Daniel’s bear symbolizes a single historical empire, John’s composite figure portrays the final global system empowered by Satan. By invoking bear-like feet—steady, crushing, relentless—John signals that the persecuting power of this kingdom will be as inescapable as the paw of a raging bear. Symbolic Themes 1. Ferocity in Judgment: Bears appear when divine justice is executed suddenly and decisively (2 Kings 2:24; Hosea 13:8). Historical-Theological Significance The singular New Testament occurrence draws the reader back to Daniel, uniting prophetic threads under the theme of eschatological conflict. The bear motif testifies to the consistency of Scripture: prophecies given in the sixth century BC find their culmination in the Revelation of Jesus Christ. It also affirms the sovereignty of God over bestial empires; even the most ferocious powers serve the outworking of His redemptive plan. Ministry and Pastoral Application • Discernment of World Powers: Believers are called to recognize that behind geopolitical forces lies spiritual reality. The bear-like feet of the beast warn against complacency when confronted with state-sponsored persecution. Conclusion While Strong’s Greek 715 surfaces only once in the New Testament, the scriptural tapestry surrounding the bear enriches our understanding of divine judgment, human empires, and the believer’s hope. From David’s pasture to John’s apocalyptic vision, the bear stands as a God-given symbol of strength under His ultimate control, prompting faith, vigilance, and worship. Forms and Transliterations άρκοι αρκός άρκος αρκου ἄρκου άρκτον άρκτος άρκτου άρκω arkou árkouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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