Revelation 13:3

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

And {G2532} I saw {G1492} one {G3391} of his {G846} heads {G2776} as it were {G5613} wounded {G4969} to {G1519} death {G2288}; and {G2532} his {G846} deadly {G2288} wound {G4127} was healed {G2323}: and {G2532} all {G3650} the world {G1093} wondered {G2296}{G2296} after {G3694}{G1722} the beast {G2342}.

One of the heads of the beast appeared to have received a fatal wound, but its fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth followed after the beast in amazement.

One of the heads of the beast appeared to be mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast.

And I saw one of his heads as though it had been smitten unto death; and his death-stroke was healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast;

Commentary

Revelation 13:3 describes a pivotal moment in John’s vision of the end times, focusing on the mysterious beast that rises from the sea. This verse highlights a remarkable recovery from a severe injury, which leads to widespread astonishment and allegiance from the world.

Context

This verse follows the introduction of a terrifying ten-horned, seven-headed beast in Revelation 13:1-2, which is described as having power, a throne, and great authority given to it by the dragon (Satan). The beast is widely interpreted as symbolizing a powerful, oppressive, and anti-God political or religious system, or a specific individual (often identified with the Antichrist) who embodies such a system. The "heads" typically represent kingdoms or rulers throughout history. The wounding and subsequent healing of one of these heads signifies a profound event that dramatically impacts global perception and allegiance.

Key Themes

  • Counterfeit Resurrection: The healing of the "deadly wound" is a central theme, mimicking Christ's own death and resurrection. This miraculous recovery serves as a deceptive sign, designed to awe and mislead humanity, presenting the beast as an invincible, divinely-backed figure or system.
  • Global Deception and Worship: The world's reaction—"all the world wondered after the beast"—underscores the immense power of this deception. This event leads to widespread admiration, awe, and ultimately, worship of the beast and the dragon who empowers it, as seen in Revelation 13:4. It highlights humanity's susceptibility to powerful signs and wonders, especially when they appear to defy death or insurmountable odds.
  • Satanic Authority and Power: The beast's ability to recover from such a wound is not inherent but is a manifestation of the dragon's (Satan's) power. This demonstrates the deceptive nature of evil, which often uses signs and wonders to gain followers, as also warned in 2 Thessalonians 2:9 concerning the "man of lawlessness."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wounded to death" comes from the Greek esphagmenēn eis thanaton, which literally means "slaughtered unto death" or "slain unto death." This emphasizes the severity and apparent finality of the injury, making the subsequent healing even more astonishing. The word for "wondered" (Greek: ethaumasen opisō) implies a sense of awe, amazement, and following with admiration, highlighting the profound impact of this event on the world's inhabitants.

Practical Application

Revelation 13:3 serves as a crucial warning for believers across all generations. It calls for:

  • Discernment: Christians are urged to exercise extreme discernment, recognizing that not all powerful manifestations or apparent miracles are from God. The Bible teaches us to "test the spirits whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1).
  • Steadfast Faith: In a world easily swayed by impressive displays and popular opinion, believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith in the true Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who truly died and rose again, not through imitation but through divine power.
  • Awareness of Deception: This verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the enemy's use of deception in the last days. It reminds us that appearances can be deceiving, and true authority comes from God alone.

Understanding this verse helps us recognize the tactics of deception and strengthens our resolve to follow Christ, who alone holds the keys of death and hell.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 17:8

    The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

  • Revelation 13:14

    And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

  • Revelation 17:17

    For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

  • Revelation 17:10

    And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, [and] the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

  • Ezekiel 30:24

    And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh's arms, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded [man].

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:9

    [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:12

    That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
← Back