SEV Biblia, Chapter 13:4
Y adoraron al dragn que había dado la potestad a la bestia, y adoraron a la bestia, diciendo: ¿Quin es semejante a la bestia, y quin podr lidiar con l?
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Revelation 13:4
Verse 4. And they worshipped the dragon] Worshipping the dragon here evidently means the voluntary religious subjection of the members of the Latin Church to the revived western empire, because of the eminent part it has taken in the support of their faith. And they worshipped the beast] Not only the dragon or revived western empire was worshipped; the beast, the whole Latin empire, is a partaker in the adoration. The manner in which it is worshipped consists in the subjects of it:- Saying, Who is like unto the beast?] Is it not the only holy power in the universe? Is it possible for any person not a subject of it to be saved? Who is able to make war with him?] Can any nation successfully fight with it? Is not the Roman empire, which is its principal bulwark, invictissimum, most invincible? Invictissimus, most invincible, was the peculiar attribute of the emperors of Germany. See modern Universal History, vol. xxxii., p. 197.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 4. And they worshipped the dragon , etc.] The devil, in the idols, images, angels, and saints departed, to whom they give adoration, as did the Gentiles, whose successors they are, and whose name they bear; (see 1 Corinthians 10:20); which gave power unto the beast , as in ( Revelation 13:2); and they worshipped the beast ; not only in a civil way, being subject to him as their temporal lord, to whom they give homage; obedience, and tribute, but in a religious way; for antichrist sits in the temple to be worshipped as God, showing himself that he is God, and receives adorations from his creatures, the cardinals, and others; but woe to them that worship this beast; (see Revelation 14:9-11). Saying, who [is] like unto the beast ? using such expressions as are used of God himself, implying that there is none like him, ( Exodus 15:11) ( <19B305> Psalm 113:5 Isaiah 40:18,25), yea, they ascribe deity to him, calling him our Lord God the pope, God, and a God on earth; (see Gill on Thessalonians 2:4). Who is able to make war with him ? And indeed, such was his power and strength once, that he was more than a match for emperors and kings; and those were badly off that engaged in a war with him, when his power was such, that he could depose one, and set up other, kick the crowns of kings, tread upon the necks of emperors, oblige them to hold his stirrup, while mounted his horse, and keep them barefoot at his gate for days together, waiting for admittance; of all which there are instances.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-10 - The apostle, standing on the shore, saw a savage beast rise out of the sea; a tyrannical, idolatrous, persecuting power, springing up out of the troubles which took place. It was a frightful monster! It appear to mean that worldly, oppressing dominion, which for many ages, eve from the times of the Babylonish captivity, had been hostile to the church. The first beast then began to oppress and persecute the righteous for righteousness' sake, but they suffered most under the fourth beast of Daniel, (the Roman empire,) which has afflicted the saints with many cruel persecutions. The source of its power was the dragon. It was set up by the devil, and supported by him. The woundin the head may be the abolishing pagan idolatry; and the healing of the wound, introducing popish idolatry, the same in substance, only in new dress, but which as effectually answers the devil's design. The world admired its power, policy and success. They paid honour an subjection to the devil and his instruments. It exercised inferna power and policy, requiring men to render that honour to creature which belongs to God alone. Yet the devil's power and success ar limited. Christ has a chosen remnant, redeemed by his blood, recorde in his book, sealed by his Spirit; and though the devil and antichris may overcome the body, and take away the natural life, they cannot conquer the soul, nor prevail with true believers to forsake their Saviour, and join his enemies. Perseverance in the faith of the gospe and true worship of God, in this great hour of trial and temptation which would deceive all but the elect, is the character of thos registered in the book of life. This powerful motive and encouragemen to constancy, is the great design of the whole Revelation.
Greek Textus Receptus
και 2532 προσεκυνησαν 4352 5656 τον 3588 δρακοντα 1404 ος 3739 εδωκεν 1325 5656 εξουσιαν 1849 τω 3588 θηριω 2342 και 2532 προσεκυνησαν 4352 5656 το 3588 θηριον 2342 λεγοντες 3004 5723 τις 5101 ομοιος 3664 τω 3588 θηριω 2342 τις 5101 δυναται 1410 5736 πολεμησαι 4170 5658 μετ 3326 αυτου 846
Vincent's NT Word Studies
4. Which gave (ov edwken). The correct reading is oti "because he gave." Who is like unto the beast? A parody on a similar ascription to God. See Isa. xl. 18, 25; xlvi. 5; Psalm cxiii. 5; Micah vii. 18; Jer. xlix. 19. Compare ch. xviii. 18.
