Revelation 13:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Revelation 13:3 unveils a chilling scene from John's apocalyptic vision, depicting one of the heads of the terrifying beast suffering a seemingly fatal wound, only for it to be miraculously healed. This astonishing recovery elicits widespread awe and allegiance from "all the world," signifying a pivotal moment of global deception and the beast's ascendancy to power, drawing humanity into worship of this formidable, anti-God entity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader prophetic narrative of [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast from the Sea and the Beast from the Earth"), which introduces two powerful beasts that serve the dragon (Satan). The first beast, rising from the sea (often interpreted as representing global political power or a succession of empires), is described in [Revelation 13:1-2](/revelation/13-1-2 "Revelation 13:1-2 - Description of the Beast from the Sea") with ten horns and seven heads, embodying immense authority and blasphemous claims. The "deadly wound" and its subsequent healing in [Revelation 13:3](/revelation/13-3 "Revelation 13:3 - The Beast's Healed Wound") serve as a dramatic turning point, validating the beast's power in the eyes of the world and setting the stage for its global worship, as explicitly stated in [Revelation 13:4](/revelation/13-4 "Revelation 13:4 - Worship of the Beast and Dragon"). This event is crucial for understanding the beast's deceptive influence and the world's capitulation to its authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's vision in Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution of Christians, likely under the Roman Empire, possibly during the reign of Emperor Domitian (late 1st century AD). The imagery of a multi-headed beast would have resonated with contemporary audiences familiar with powerful empires and their oppressive rule, often symbolized by monstrous figures in ancient Near Eastern literature (e.g., Daniel's visions in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts")). The concept of a "deadly wound" and miraculous recovery might also subtly allude to historical events, such as the perceived "death" and "resurrection" of the Roman Empire after periods of instability or the "Nero Redivivus" myth, which suggested Emperor Nero, who persecuted Christians, would return from the dead. The world's "wondering" (Greek: _thaumazō_) after the beast reflects the ancient world's susceptibility to awe-inspiring displays of power and the tendency to deify rulers, a practice common in the Roman Imperial cult.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 13:3](/revelation/13-3 "Revelation 13:3 - The Beast's Healed Wound") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical eschatology. Foremost is the theme of **Deception and Counterfeit Miracles**, where the beast's apparent resurrection serves as a satanic parody of Christ's genuine resurrection, designed to mislead humanity. This ties into the broader theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, highlighting Satan's cunning use of signs and wonders to gain allegiance, as warned in [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10](/2_thessalonians/2-9-10 "2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 - The Lawless One's Deceptive Power"). Another key theme is **Global Apostasy and Worship**, as "all the world wondered after the beast," illustrating humanity's susceptibility to powerful displays and the eventual widespread turning away from God to worship the beast and its empowering dragon, fulfilling prophecies of widespread deception in the last days (e.g., [Matthew 24:24](/matthew/24-24 "Matthew 24:24 - False Christs and False Prophets")). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Satanic Authority and Power**, demonstrating the dragon's ability to empower the beast to perform seemingly impossible feats, albeit within the sovereign boundaries of God's ultimate plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wounded (Greek, _spházō'_):** This verb (G4969) means "to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)." Its use here emphasizes the extreme severity and apparent finality of the injury. It's not merely a scratch or a bruise, but a wound that implies a violent, sacrificial-like killing, making its healing all the more astonishing and deceptive.
* **Death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to die," _thánatos_ (G2288) refers to "death (literally or figuratively)." In this context, "wounded to death" (Greek: _eis thánaton_) signifies that the wound was indeed fatal, leading to a state of death. This word choice underscores the gravity of the beast's injury and sets up the dramatic contrast with its subsequent "healing," mimicking a resurrection from the dead.
* **Wondered (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** This verb (G2296) means "to wonder; by implication, to admire." The world's reaction of "wondering" (Greek: _ethaumasen_) signifies not just surprise, but a profound sense of awe, amazement, and admiration that leads to following and allegiance. It denotes a captivated astonishment that results in a shift of loyalty and worship towards the beast, highlighting the immense power of this deceptive sign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death":** John's vision begins with a striking image of one of the beast's heads, which had been previously described as having seven heads, suffering a catastrophic injury. The phrase "as it were wounded to death" (Greek: _hōs esphagmenēn eis thánaton_) suggests an injury so severe that it appeared to be a mortal blow, a slaughter unto death. This implies a complete incapacitation or even demise of a significant aspect or manifestation of the beast's power, whether a specific empire, ruler, or system. The apparent finality of this wound is crucial for the subsequent deception.
* **"and his deadly wound was healed":** This clause describes the miraculous and astonishing reversal of the beast's fatal injury. The "deadly wound" (Greek: _plēgē tou thanátou_) signifies a wound that caused death. The healing (Greek: _etherapeúthē_) of such a wound is presented as an impossible feat, a resurrection from the brink of oblivion. This "healing" is not a natural recovery but a supernatural intervention, empowered by the dragon, designed to mimic Christ's resurrection and thus deceive the world into believing the beast possesses divine power and invincibility.
* **"and all the world wondered after the beast":** The immediate and profound global reaction to this "resurrection" is one of utter astonishment and admiration. The phrase "all the world" (Greek: _holē hē gē_) emphasizes the universal scope of this deception, indicating that people from every nation and culture are captivated by this event. Their "wondering" (Greek: _ethaumasen opisō_) goes beyond mere surprise; it implies a profound awe that leads to following and allegiance, setting the stage for the world's worship of the beast and the dragon, as described in the subsequent verse.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 13:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "beast" symbolizing a powerful, oppressive, anti-God political or religious system, or a specific individual (Antichrist) embodying such a system. Its "heads" symbolize various kingdoms or rulers throughout history, and the "deadly wound" and its healing symbolize a profound, seemingly insurmountable setback followed by a miraculous, deceptive recovery. This recovery functions as a **Counterfeit/Parody** of Christ's resurrection, a central theme in Revelation. Just as Christ's resurrection validated His divine authority, the beast's "resurrection" is a satanic imitation designed to validate its false authority and deceive humanity. The phrase "all the world wondered after the beast" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the widespread and overwhelming nature of the beast's influence and the global scale of deception, indicating that virtually everyone is swayed by this astonishing event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The healing of the beast's deadly wound in Revelation 13:3 is a profound theological statement on the nature of evil and deception in the end times. It highlights Satan's strategy of imitation and counterfeit, attempting to mimic God's power and Christ's resurrection to draw worship and allegiance away from the true Creator. This event serves as a powerful warning against being swayed by impressive signs and wonders that lack divine origin, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment rooted in biblical truth. The world's "wondering" and subsequent following of the beast underscore humanity's susceptibility to powerful, deceptive displays, especially when they appear to defy natural laws or offer a false sense of hope or invincibility. Ultimately, this passage contrasts the beast's temporary, deceptive "resurrection" with the eternal, authentic resurrection of Jesus Christ, who truly conquered death and holds ultimate authority.

* [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10](/2_thessalonians/2-9-10 "2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 - The Lawless One's Deceptive Power")
* [Matthew 24:24](/matthew/24-24 "Matthew 24:24 - False Christs and False Prophets")
* [Revelation 17:8](/revelation/17-8 "Revelation 17:8 - The Beast That Was, Is Not, and Is To Come")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 13:3 serves as a timeless warning, urging believers across generations to cultivate profound spiritual discernment and unwavering fidelity to Christ. In a world increasingly captivated by sensationalism, power, and apparent miracles, this verse reminds us that not all impressive displays originate from God. The beast's "resurrection" is a powerful testament to the enemy's capacity for sophisticated deception, designed to allure and mislead. Therefore, Christians are called to "test the spirits" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")) and to anchor their faith not in fleeting signs but in the unchanging truth of God's Word and the authentic power of Jesus Christ. Our allegiance must remain solely with the Lamb of God, who truly died and rose again by His own divine power, not through a satanic imitation. This passage compels us to critically evaluate all claims of authority and miraculous power, ensuring that our worship and loyalty are reserved for the One who truly conquered death and holds the keys to eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the world's reaction to the beast's healing challenge my own discernment regarding powerful displays or popular movements?**
* **In what ways might I be susceptible to deception, and how can I strengthen my spiritual defenses against it?**
* **How does the contrast between the beast's counterfeit resurrection and Christ's genuine resurrection deepen my appreciation for Jesus' unique authority and power?**
* **What practical steps can I take to remain steadfast in my faith when faced with compelling, yet deceptive, influences in the world?**

### FAQ

**What does the "deadly wound" of the beast symbolize?**

Answer: The "deadly wound" of the beast, which is subsequently healed, symbolizes a significant, seemingly fatal setback or period of decline for the oppressive, anti-God power represented by the beast. This could refer to a historical empire that appeared to collapse but then revived, or a specific political/religious system that suffers a major blow but miraculously recovers. The healing of this wound is presented as a miraculous event, orchestrated by Satan, designed to awe and deceive "all the world" into believing the beast is invincible and worthy of worship, mimicking Christ's own death and resurrection. It underscores the deceptive power that the beast will wield to gain global allegiance, as further elaborated in [Revelation 13:12](/revelation/13-12 "Revelation 13:12 - The Second Beast's Authority").

**Why does "all the world wonder after the beast" after its wound is healed?**

Answer: The world "wondering" (Greek: _ethaumasen_) after the beast signifies a profound sense of awe, amazement, and admiration that leads to following and allegiance. This reaction is primarily due to the beast's miraculous recovery from a seemingly fatal wound. In a world accustomed to death as final, such a "resurrection" would appear to be a display of unparalleled power, perhaps even divine power. This event serves as a powerful, deceptive sign, convincing humanity that the beast possesses extraordinary, invincible authority. This widespread astonishment and subsequent allegiance fulfill the narrative of global deception, where humanity is swayed by powerful signs and wonders rather than by the truth of God, as also seen in [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10](/2_thessalonians/2-9-10 "2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 - The Lawless One's Deceptive Power").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 13:3, with its depiction of the beast's counterfeit resurrection, serves as a stark contrast that ultimately magnifies the true, unparalleled supremacy of Jesus Christ. While the beast's "deadly wound" is healed through satanic power to deceive the world, Christ's death on the cross was a genuine, sacrificial act for the sins of humanity, and His resurrection was a triumphant, divine victory over sin and death, not an imitation. Jesus truly "was dead, and behold, [He is] alive forevermore" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ's Authority Over Death and Hades")), holding "the keys of Hades and of Death." The beast's fleeting, deceptive recovery pales in comparison to Christ's eternal, authentic resurrection, which guarantees salvation and eternal life for all who believe ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). This passage implicitly calls believers to discern between the temporary, deceptive power of the enemy and the everlasting, life-giving power of our resurrected Lord, reminding us that true worship and allegiance belong only to the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy ([Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - The Lamb is Worthy")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.