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G715 · Greek · New Testament
ἄρκος
Arkos
Noun, feminine
Bear

Definition

The Greek arkos (ἄρκος) means 'bear' — the large carnivorous mammal. It appears in Revelation 13:2 where the beast from the sea has 'feet like those of a bear' — combining lion-like mouth, bear-like feet, and leopard-like appearance. This composite beast draws on Daniel's vision of four great beasts representing world empires (Dan 7).

Usage & Theological Significance

The bear in biblical imagery is a symbol of terrifying, unstoppable power. David killed both lion and bear to protect his flock (1 Sam 17:34-36) — a foreshadowing of Christ, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life. In Proverbs 17:12, a 'bereaved bear' is one of the most dangerous forces in nature. Daniel's bear-like empire (Medo-Persia, Dan 7:5) was told to devour much flesh. In Revelation 13, the composite beast — bearing dragon-authority, leopard speed, bear strength, and lion speech — represents the totality of anti-God human empire. The answer to such power is not counter-power but the Lamb who conquers through suffering (Rev 5:5-6). The Lion of Judah overcomes not as a bear but as a slain Lamb.

Key Bible Verses

Revelation 13:2 The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion.
Daniel 7:5 And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth.
1 Samuel 17:34 Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock.
Amos 5:19 It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to meet a bear, as though he entered his house and rested his hand on the wall only to have a snake bite him.
Revelation 5:5 Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.

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