Revelation 13:9

KJV

If any man have an ear, let him hear.

KJV (with Strong's)

If any man {G1536} have {G2192} an ear {G3775}, let him hear {G191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who have ears, let them hear!

Berean Standard Bible

He who has an ear, let him hear:

American Standard Version

If any man hath an ear, let him hear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 13:9, "If any man have an ear, let him hear," serves as a profound and urgent call to spiritual discernment and attentiveness, strategically interjected within John's vivid description of the beast's global power and deceptive influence. It signals that the preceding and subsequent prophetic revelations demand more than mere intellectual comprehension; they require a receptive heart and spiritual insight to grasp their gravity and respond appropriately to the escalating spiritual battle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears as a solemn, parenthetical interjection immediately following the description of the first beast's universal power and worship in [Revelation 13:1-8](/revelation/13-1-8 "Revelation 13:1-8 - The Beast from the Sea"). The preceding verses detail how the beast, empowered by the dragon (Satan), is given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation, and how all who dwell on the earth, whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life, will worship him. The call to "hear" in [Revelation 13:9](/revelation/13-9 "Revelation 13:9 - Call to Hear") therefore functions as a critical moment for the reader to pause and deeply consider the implications of the beast's blasphemous power and the widespread deception that will characterize the end times, before the narrative continues with the description of the second beast in [Revelation 13:11-18](/revelation/13-11-18 "Revelation 13:11-18 - The Beast from the Earth"). It underscores that the spiritual stakes are incredibly high, demanding profound spiritual engagement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's original audience, living under the oppressive shadow of the Roman Empire, would have intimately understood the pressures of imperial cults and emperor worship, which often demanded allegiance that conflicted with Christian faith. The beast imagery in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Two Beasts") would have resonated with their experiences of state-sponsored idolatry and persecution, particularly during periods like Domitian's reign, where refusal to worship the emperor could lead to severe consequences. The phrase "If any man have an ear, let him hear" is a common biblical idiom, frequently employed by Jesus in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 13:9](/matthew/13-9 "Matthew 13:9 - Jesus' Call to Hear Parables")) and by the Spirit to the seven churches in [Revelation chapters 2 and 3](/revelation/2-3 "Revelation 2-3 - Messages to the Seven Churches"). This recurring motif draws from ancient wisdom traditions, emphasizing that true understanding of profound truths requires more than physical hearing; it demands spiritual receptivity and a heart willing to obey.

* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 13:9](/revelation/13-9 "Revelation 13:9 - Call to Hear") significantly contributes to several major themes within the book of Revelation and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **Spiritual Discernment**, highlighting that comprehension of these complex prophetic truths requires divine insight beyond mere intellectual processing. It serves as an **Urgent Warning**, signaling the critical importance and high stakes of understanding the nature of evil and deception in the end times. The verse also underscores **Personal Responsibility**, implying that those who possess the capacity for spiritual understanding are accountable for truly hearing and acting upon what is revealed, rather than passively observing. Lastly, it reinforces the necessity of **Careful Prophetic Interpretation**, urging readers to engage deeply with the symbolic language and events described, particularly concerning the antichrist figure and global apostasy, echoing the call for understanding found throughout the prophetic books.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Greek, _eí tis'_):** This phrase, literally "if any," functions as a conditional particle and indefinite pronoun, indicating "whoever," "if anyone," or "if a person." Its use here makes the call to hear a personal and individual invitation, suggesting that not everyone will possess the spiritual capacity or willingness to truly comprehend the preceding revelation about the beast. It implies a distinction between those who are spiritually receptive and those who are not.
* **have (Greek, _échō'_):** This verb signifies "to hold," "to possess," or "to have" in a broad sense, encompassing physical possession, ability, or a state of being. In this context, it refers to the possession of a spiritual faculty – the "ear" – indicating an inherent or cultivated capacity for spiritual receptivity and understanding. It's not merely about the physical organ, but the spiritual readiness to grasp truth.
* **ear (Greek, _oûs'_):** While literally referring to the physical organ of hearing, in biblical usage, "ear" frequently serves as a metaphor for the faculty of understanding, comprehension, and spiritual receptivity. To "have an ear" means to possess the spiritual sensitivity and willingness to listen attentively and discern divine truth, particularly in the face of deception.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb means not merely to perceive sound, but to listen attentively, to understand, and implicitly, to obey or respond. When combined with "ear," it emphasizes a profound spiritual listening that leads to insight, conviction, and appropriate action, rather than just the passive reception of information. It denotes a hearing that results in comprehension and a change in behavior or perspective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If any man have an ear":** This clause functions as a conditional statement, identifying those to whom the subsequent imperative is addressed. It presupposes that not everyone possesses this "ear"—this spiritual capacity or willingness to discern. It points to an internal state of readiness or receptivity that is essential for understanding the profound and challenging truths about the beast and the end times. It's a call to those who are spiritually attuned, distinguishing them from those who might hear physically but remain spiritually deaf.
* **"let him hear":** This is an imperative command, a direct and urgent call to action. For those who possess the spiritual "ear," the command is to actively and deeply listen, understand, and heed the warnings and revelations that have just been given regarding the beast's power and deception. It implies that true hearing leads to a discerning response, a recognition of the spiritual realities at play, and a commitment to stand firm in faith against the forces of evil.

#### Literary Devices
The verse "If any man have an ear, let him hear" employs several significant literary devices. It is a classic **Idiom** or **Proverbial Expression**, frequently used by Jesus in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 11:15](/matthew/11-15 "Matthew 11:15 - Call to Hear")) and consistently applied in Revelation's messages to the churches (e.g., [Revelation 2:7](/revelation/2-7 "Revelation 2:7 - Hear What the Spirit Says")). This repetition imbues the phrase with a sense of established authority and profound importance. The use of the **Imperative Mood** in "let him hear" underscores the urgency and personal responsibility involved in receiving and acting upon divine truth. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is central, as the "ear" transcends its physical meaning to represent spiritual receptivity, discernment, and the capacity to understand God's revelation. Its placement immediately after the description of the beast's universal worship functions as a **Parenthetical Interjection**, deliberately breaking the narrative flow to draw special attention to the critical need for spiritual insight in the face of overwhelming deception. This abrupt pause compels the reader to reflect on the gravity of the spiritual battle and the necessity of a discerning spirit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 13:9 connects deeply to the biblical emphasis on spiritual discernment, particularly in the context of eschatological events and the pervasive nature of evil. It highlights that God's truth, especially concerning the schemes of the adversary, is not always obvious or universally accepted, requiring an internal spiritual capacity to apprehend. This "ear to hear" is a divine gift, often cultivated through a humble and receptive heart, and is crucial for navigating periods of intense deception and spiritual warfare. The verse underscores the active role of the believer in engaging with divine revelation, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a profound, Spirit-led understanding that shapes one's response to the world's pressures and deceptions. It is a call to vigilance, reminding believers that spiritual warfare is real and requires keen insight to stand firm.

* [Matthew 13:9](/matthew/13-9 "Jesus' Call to Hear Parables")
* [Revelation 2:7](/revelation/2-7 "Hear What the Spirit Says to the Churches")
* [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Lord Has Not Given a Heart to Understand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers in any age, and particularly in times marked by increasing moral confusion and spiritual deception, Revelation 13:9 serves as an enduring call to cultivate profound spiritual alertness. In a world saturated with information, conflicting ideologies, and subtle forms of idolatry, it is paramount to develop a discerning spirit that can distinguish truth from error, light from darkness, and God's voice from the myriad of competing voices. This requires more than casual listening; it demands intentional, prayerful engagement with God's Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding and sensitize our hearts. We are called to critically evaluate the narratives presented by culture, media, and even religious claims, holding them up to the unwavering standard of Scripture. True hearing culminates in obedience and a steadfast commitment to Christ, enabling us to resist the allure of worldly power, comfort, or acceptance, and to stand firm in faith even when it means opposition. This verse challenges us to ask whether we truly have an "ear" for God's truth, and if so, whether we are actively "hearing" and responding to His warnings and guidance in our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I cultivate a spiritually discerning "ear" in a noisy world filled with conflicting messages and ideologies?**
* **What specific deceptions or worldly pressures might I be susceptible to today, and how can I actively "hear" God's truth concerning them?**
* **In what ways does my "hearing" of God's Word lead to tangible obedience, transformed character, and courageous action in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why does Revelation 13:9 say "If any man have an ear" instead of "everyone"?**

Answer: The phrasing "If any man have an ear" (Greek: _eí tis échō oûs_) is a deliberate rhetorical device that implies a spiritual capacity or willingness beyond mere physical hearing. It's a call to those who are spiritually receptive to truly grasp the profound and challenging truths about the beast and end-time deception. Not everyone possesses this spiritual "ear" or is willing to use it. This selective address distinguishes between those who will merely hear the words and those who will truly understand, discern, and respond to the gravity of the message. It echoes similar calls by Jesus, who often spoke in parables, explaining that some were given to understand, while others, though they heard, did not perceive (e.g., [Matthew 13:13-15](/matthew/13-13-15 "Matthew 13:13-15 - Parable of the Sower Explanation")). It underscores that spiritual truth requires spiritual receptivity.

**Is this verse only for understanding prophecy?**

Answer: While [Revelation 13:9](/revelation/13-9 "Revelation 13:9 - Call to Hear") is indeed placed within a highly prophetic context, the underlying principle of "having an ear to hear" applies broadly to all divine revelation, not just eschatology. It is a universal call for spiritual receptivity to God's Word in its entirety. This includes understanding His moral commands, His historical acts, His wisdom literature, and His personal invitations. The ability to truly "hear" God's voice is foundational to a life of faith, leading to wisdom, discernment, and obedience in all aspects of life, not just in interpreting end-time events. It highlights the general need for spiritual insight to comprehend God's truths and apply them, whether in times of peace or tribulation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 13:9, with its urgent call to spiritual discernment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Jesus Christ. The "ear to hear" is not merely an innate human faculty, but a spiritual gift bestowed and activated by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends (e.g., [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Advocate")). Only through Christ, who is the Truth (e.g., [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), can believers truly "hear" and comprehend the deceptive schemes of the beast and the antichrist spirit at work in the world. He is the Good Shepherd whose sheep hear His voice and follow Him, and He gives them eternal life, ensuring they will never perish and no one will snatch them out of His hand (e.g., [John 10:27-28](/john/10-27-28 "John 10:27-28 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). Christ's victory on the cross disarmed the principalities and powers (e.g., [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")), assuring believers that while they must discern and endure, they will ultimately overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (e.g., [Revelation 12:11](/revelation/12-11 "Revelation 12:11 - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb")). Thus, having an "ear to hear" in Revelation 13:9 is fundamentally a call to remain intimately connected to Christ, the source of all truth and the ultimate victor over all deception.

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 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

Revelation 2:11

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2:29

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.