No one can know presently who the beast is. Some things to understand regarding the beast is that scripture states that he is a fallen angel who is called abaddon/Apollyon (destroyer) and is currently in the Abyss. His human counterpart will be the man of lawlessness, the antichrist.
The beast of the field as the signified number of natural unconverted man is "666" He was created on day 6 .
The phrase "Beast of the field" is used in relation to the dust or clay of the field that man was formed of .Adam is identified as one of the beast of the field. Cain who refused to hear the word of God was marked (666) as a restless wander receiving no rest that could of come from hearing God if he would of believed. This is when we do not harden our hearts in unbelief. It was a punishment more that Cain could bear. Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear" (verse 4:13 of Genesis ) . The punishment that Christ bore in our place who bore our sin on the cross.
And
out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to
every beast of the field;
but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. Genesis 2:19 20
The antichrists which were many at the time 1 John 2 was written are those who insist we need a man seen to teach us. . This shows they are not walking by faith but are walking by sight after the literal, as that seen.
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the
antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us[
e]—eternal life.
I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you,
and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as
his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—
just as it has taught you, abide
in him.1 John 2:22-27
A excellent example of the working of the antichrists (plural) as many is show with Peter under the influence of the spirit of the antichrist (singular)Satan . Peter was forgiven of his blasphemy in respect to the Son of man seen . It will not be forgiven in respect to the Holy Spirit not seen ,.He lone sits in the unseen place of faith not seen the eternal .Even the Son of man, Jesus refused to stand in that Holy place as master teacher... but gave glory unto the Father unseen and said only God is good.
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto
Peter, Get thee behind me,
Satan: thou art an
offence unto me: for thou savourest
not the things that be of God,
but those that be of men. Mathew 16:22-23
For thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.... reveals the beast .