1 Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, and on its horns were ten diadem crowns, and on its heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast that I saw was like a leopard, but its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority to rule. 3 One of the beast’s heads appeared to have been killed, but the lethal wound had been healed. And the whole world followed the beast in amazement; 4 they worshiped the dragon because he had given ruling authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast too, saying: “Who is like the beast?” and “Who is able to make war against him?” 5 The beast was given a mouth speaking proud words and blasphemies, and he was permitted to exercise ruling authority for forty-two months.

8 then give me strength; reveal to me, my Lord, the exact interpretation of this terrifying vision, and so bring full consolation to my soul. 9 For you have already judged me worthy to be shown the end of the present age.’ 10 He said to me: ‘Here is the interpretation of your vision. 11 The eagle you saw rising from the sea represents the fourth kingdom in the vision seen by your brother Daniel. 12 But he was not given the interpretation which I am now giving you or have already given you. 13 The days are coming when the earth will be under an empire more terrible than any before. 14 It will be ruled by twelve kings, one after another. 15 The second to come to the throne will have the longest reign of all the twelve.