Lexical Summary pardalis: Leopard Original Word: πάρδαλις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance leopard. Feminine of pardos (a panther); a leopard -- leopard. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a panther, leopard NASB Translation leopard (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3917: πάρδαλιςπάρδαλις, παρδαλισεως, ἡ, from Homer down; the Sept. for נָמֵר; a pard, panther, leopard; a very fierce Asiatic and African animal, having a tawny skin marked with large black spots (cf. Tristram, Nat. Hist. etc., p. 111ff; BB. DD. under the word): Revelation 13:2. STRONGS NT 3917a: παρεδρεύωπαρεδρεύω; (from πάρεδρος, sitting beside (cf. παρά, IV. 1)); to sit beside, attend constantly (Latinassidere) (Euripides, Polybius, Diodorus, others): τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ, to perform the duties pertaining to the offering of sacrifices and incense (to wait upon), 1 Corinthians 9:13, L T Tr WH (for Rec. προσεδρεύω). Strong’s Greek 3917 designates the leopard in Revelation 13:2, where John writes, “The beast I saw was like a leopard, with feet like those of a bear, and a mouth like that of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority” (Berean Standard Bible). Though the term appears only here in the Greek New Testament, the image of the leopard threads through the whole canon, serving as a vivid emblem of speed, stealth, and lethal strength. Old Testament Background 1. Daniel 7:6 pictures the third kingdom of Daniel’s vision “like a leopard,” four-winged and four-headed, highlighting the rapid expansion and divided nature of the Hellenistic empire that followed Alexander the Great. In the Septuagint these verses frequently employ the same Greek word John later uses, tying Revelation’s imagery back to earlier prophetic patterns. Prophetic Imagery The leopard typically symbolizes three qualities: These themes converge in Revelation, where the Antichrist’s system is portrayed as a fast-moving, deceptively attractive, and spiritually entrenched power. Leopard Motif in Revelation 13:2 John’s composite beast fuses elements from Daniel 7, suggesting a final empire embodying the worst traits of its predecessors. The leopard-like body stresses velocity in spreading deception and dominance. Yet the passage situates even this terrifying creature under divine permission: it receives authority, but only until the sovereign purposes of God are fulfilled (Revelation 13:5–7; 17:17). Theological Significance 1. Human inability: Like the unchangeable spots, fallen humanity cannot erase sin by self-effort. Practical Ministry Applications • Watchfulness—Believers are urged to discern systems that look graceful yet devour faith (Matthew 7:15; 1 Peter 5:8). Typological Connections to Christ and the Gospel The leopard spotlessness motif contrasts with the spotless Lamb (1 Peter 1:19). Where the leopard cannot lose its blemishes, Christ is without blemish, offering His righteousness to those marred by sin. Thus the very image that underlines human helplessness magnifies the sufficiency of atonement. Historical and Cultural Notes In the ancient Near East leopards roamed from Africa through Asia Minor. Their grace and ferocity made them symbols of royal power and occasionally companions in Greek and Roman triumphs. For John's readers in Asia Minor—situated along trade routes that featured exotic animals in arenas—the metaphor was immediate and unsettling. Summary Strong’s Greek 3917 gathers the biblical witness surrounding the leopard into a single, climactic picture of end-time opposition to God. Yet every context—whether Daniel’s vision, Hosea’s warning, or John’s apocalypse—ultimately points beyond the leopard’s threat to the unassailable reign of the Lamb, calling the church to hope, holiness, and unwavering trust. |
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