What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
The Book of Revelation introduces the First Beast, known as one of the most terrifying creatures among the many monsters mentioned. It is depicted with seven heads, ten horns, and various animal body parts. Revelation 13:1-2 provides a detailed description of this fearsome beast.
"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority."
"Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon," (Revelation 13:11). Yes, there is a Second Beast. And this one was a showstopper, "causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people."
It was also responsible for engraving a number on every individual, known as the number of the beast. "Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name," (Revelation 13:16-17).
The plague of locusts in Egypt is described in The Book of Exodus. "They covered all the ground until it was black. They devoured all that was left after the hail—everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees. Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt."
In the book of Revelation, there is a description of locusts that is even more terrifying. "Their faces resembled human faces. Their hair was like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth." Additionally, they possessed stings similar to scorpions, although they were prohibited from killing. Rather, their purpose was to inflict torment for a period of five months.
When discussing giants in the Bible, the tale of David and Goliath is often the first to come to mind. However, Goliath is not the sole giant mentioned in the scriptures.
The Amorites are mentioned multiple times in the text. Amos 2:9 provides a description of one of them: "Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was as strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit above and his roots beneath."
This Old Testament beast of chaos was a monster sea serpent created by God. Although there is a mention of a sea monster in Revelation, it's not clear whether it has any link to Leviathan.
However, according to Isaiah 27:1, God, in His divine power, eliminated it. "In that day the Lord will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, With His fierce and great and mighty sword, Even Leviathan the twisted serpent; And He will kill the dragon who lives in the sea."
Behemoth, similar to Leviathan, was also brought into existence by God during the early days. While Leviathan ruled the sea, Behemoth wandered the land.
Job 40:15-24 provides a descriptive account of this creature. “Behold, Behemoth, which I made as I made you; he eats grass like an ox. Behold, his strength in his loins, and his power in the muscles of his belly. He makes his tail stiff like a cedar; the sinews of his thighs are knit together. His bones are tubes of bronze, his limbs like bars of iron."
Daniel, a prophet who wrote the Book of Daniel in the Bible, had a peculiar vision. He saw four beasts rise from the sea. The account of this extraordinary vision can be found in Daniel 7:1-28.
Daniel said: "And four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. The first was like a lion and had eagle's wings. Then as I looked its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and the mind of a man was given to it. And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.'"
Cherubim, also known as cherubs, are commonly portrayed as adorable and plump baby angels. However, their Biblical depiction contrasts greatly with this. According to the holy book, they are actually fearsome creatures. The cherub guarding the Garden of Eden wielded a flaming sword, adding to their intimidating nature.
However, the description in Ezekiel 1:5-11 takes it a step further by stating that they possess four faces! "[...] they had a human likeness, but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings. [...] The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle."
Dragons are ancient malevolent creatures, deeply ingrained in mythologies for thousands of years. Christian tales, including the famous account of Saint George slaying a dragon, persistently resonate across numerous cultures.
The Bible also makes references to dragons. A notable mention is found in Revelation 20:2, where it states: "And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years."
Vampires? Yes, somewhat. Certain verses have been linked to vampirism. For example, Proverbs 30:14 states: "There are those whose teeth are swords, whose fangs are knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, the needy from among mankind."
Blood is an important concept in the Bible, with a clear message about not consuming it. Deuteronomy 12:23 warns: "Only be sure that you do not eat the blood, for the blood is the life, and you shall not eat the life with the flesh."
Werewolves are a long-standing concept, with a similar description in Daniel 4:33, although not explicitly named in the Bible.
It reads: "Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles' feathers, and his nails were like birds' claws."
The Nephilim, who were the result of the union between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of humans," remain mysterious beings.
The Nephilim are often referred to as giant beings that wandered the earth. Some theories speculate that they are the offspring of fallen angels or Cain. These strange creatures continue to captivate readers of the Bible.
This creature from mythology is referenced three times in the Book of Isaiah. It is a combination of a cockerel and a snake, similar to a small dragon.
The King James Bible translation references unicorns nine times. They are depicted as strong creatures in Numbers 23:22 and 24:8. Isiah 34:6-7 provides further understanding of their nature.
It states: "The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea. And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness."
In Numbers 22:21, an unusual creature is mentioned - a talking donkey. Balaam, while riding the donkey, encountered an angel, causing the donkey to halt. Balaam responded by striking the donkey three times, and miraculously, God granted the animal the ability to speak!
The Ophanim, considered holy angels in Judaism, can also be quite intimidating. As described in Ezekiel 1:15, they possess four faces and many eyes.
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Curious? Take a look at the following gallery to explore the most frightening creatures mentioned in the Bible.
Terrifying creatures that appear in the Bible
Vampires, werewolves, and many more!
LIFESTYLE Religion
The Bible contains various unusual creatures, some of which can be quite terrifying. While we may be familiar with certain monsters that appear elsewhere in history, others are not what we imagine. For example, if you believe cherubim to be cute and chubby baby angels, you're in for a surprise. And if the first beast in the Book of Revelation wasn't frightening enough, the second beast will give you nightmares.
Curious? Take a look at the following gallery to explore the most frightening creatures mentioned in the Bible.