The Revelation of St. John (1558) - Page 20

⚠The left edge of the page is slightly obscured by the binding, though the text remains legible.

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The left edge of the page is slightly obscured by the binding, though the text remains legible.

The seven-headed, horned beast, blaspheming God and afflicting the saints, is worshiped by men, Revelation 13.
original Latin: "Bestia septem, capitum, cornuta, blasphemans Deum, & affligens sanctos, ab hominibus adoratur, Apo. 13."

The seven-headed beast blasphemes God / and torments the saints / it is worshiped by men. Revelation 13.
original German: "Das sibenkopfﬁg thier lestert Gott/ vnd peiniget die heiligen / wirt von menschen angebettet. Apoc. 13."

This illustration and text depict the "Beast from the Sea" described in the first half of Revelation 13. In the visual theology of the Reformation era, this creature was often interpreted as a symbol of corrupt earthly or religious power that stands in opposition to the divine.

The "seven heads" and "ten horns" mirror the Dragon from the previous chapter, suggesting a shared nature. The woodcut shows various figures—including those in positions of power like kings and clergy—bowing down to the creature. This act of "adoration" or worship was a key theme for 16th-century readers, who used these biblical warnings to critique what they saw as idolatry or the illegitimate authority of the Papacy. The "blasphemy" mentioned refers to the Beast speaking arrogant words against God, claiming divine status for itself.