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Commentary on Revelation 13 verses 1–10
We have here an account of the rise, figure, and progress of the first beast; and observe, 1. From what situation the apostle saw this monster. He seemed to himself to stand upon the sea-shore, though it is probable he was still in a rapture; but he took himself to be in the island Patmos, but whether in the body or out of the body he could not tell. 2. Whence this beast came - out of the sea; and yet, by the description of it, it would seem more likely to be a land-monster; but the more monstrous every thing about it was the more proper an emblem it would be to set forth the mystery of iniquity and tyranny. 3. What was the form and shape of this beast. It was for the most part like a leopard, but its feet were like the feet of a bear and its mouth as the mouth of a lion; it had seven heads, and ten horns, and upon its heads the name of blasphemy: the most horrid and hideous monster! In some part of this description here seems to be an allusion to Daniel's vision of the four beasts, which represented the four monarchies, Dan 7:1-3, etc. One of these beasts was like a lion, another like a bear, and another like a leopard; this beast was a sort of composition of those three, with the fierceness, strength, and swiftness, of them all; the seven heads and the ten horns seem to design its several powers; the ten crowns, its tributary princes; the word blasphemy on its forehead proclaims its direct enmity and opposition to the glory of God, by promoting idolatry. 4. The source and spring of his authority - the dragon; he gave him his power, and seat, and great authority. He was set up by the devil, and supported by him to do his work and promote his interest; and the devil lent him all the assistance he could. 5. A dangerous wound given him, and yet unexpectedly healed, Rev 13:3. Some think that by this wounded head we are to understand the abolishing of pagan idolatry; and by the healing of the wound the introducing of the popish idolatry, the same in substance with the former, only in a new dress, and which as effectually answers the devil's design as that did. 6. The honour and worship paid to this infernal monster: All the world wondered after the beast; they all admired his power, and policy, and success, and they worshipped the dragon that gave power to the beast, and they worshipped the beast; they paid honour and subjection to the devil and his instruments, and thought there was no power able to withstand them: so great were the darkness, degeneracy, and madness of the world! 7. How he exercised his infernal power and policy: He had a mouth, speaking great things, and blasphemies; he blasphemed God, the name of God, the tabernacle of God, and all those that dwell in heaven; and he made war with the saints, and overcame them, and gained a sort of universal empire in the world. His malice was principally levelled at the God of heaven, and his heavenly attendants - at God, in making images of him that is invisible, and in worshipping them; - at the tabernacle of God, that is, say some, at the human nature of the Lord Jesus Christ, in which God dwells as in a tabernacle; this is dishonoured by their doctrine of transubstantiation, which will not suffer his body to be a true body, and will put it into the power of every priest to prepare a body for Christ; - and against those that dwell in heaven, the glorified saints, by putting them into the place of the pagan demons, and praying to them, which they are so far from being pleased with that they truly judge themselves wronged and dishonoured by it. Thus the malice of the devil shows itself against heaven and the blessed inhabitants of heaven. These are above the reach of his power. All he can do is to blaspheme them; but the saints on earth are more exposed to his cruelty, and he sometimes is permitted to triumph over them and trample upon them. 8. The limitation of the devil's power and success, and that both as to time and persons. He is limited in point of time; his reign is to continue forty-and-two months (Rev 13:5), suitable to the other prophetical characters of the reign of antichrist. He is also limited as to the persons and people that he shall entirely subject his will and power; it will be only those whose names are not written in the Lamb's book of life. Christ had a chosen remnant, redeemed by his blood, recorded in his book, sealed by his Spirit; and though the devil and antichrist might overcome their bodily strength, and take away their natural life, they could never conquer their souls, nor prevail with them to forsake their Saviour and revolt to his enemies. 9. Here is a demand of attention to what is here discovered of the great sufferings and troubles of the church, and an assurance given that when God has accomplished his work on mount Zion, his refining work, then he will turn his hand against the enemies of his people, and those who have killed with the sword shall themselves fall by the sword (Rev 13:10), and those who led the people of God into captivity shall themselves be made captives. Here now is that which will be proper exercise for the patience and faith of the saints - patience under the prospect of such great sufferings, and faith in the prospect of so glorious a deliverance.
But, to come now to Moses, why, I wonder, did he merely at the time when Joshua was battling against Amalek, pray sitting with hands expanded, when, in circumstances so critical, he ought rather, surely, to have commended his prayer by knees bended, and hands beating his breast, and a face prostrate on the ground; except it was that there, where the name of the Lord Jesus was the theme of speech-destined as He was to enter the lists one day singly against the devil-the figure of the cross was also necessary, (that figure) through which Jesus was to win the victory? Why, again, did the same Moses, after the prohibition of any "likeness of anything," set forth a brazen serpent, placed on a "tree," in a hanging posture, for a spectacle of healing to Israel, at the time when, after their idolatry, they were suffering extermination by serpents, except that in this case he was exhibiting the Lord's cross on which the "serpent" the devil was "made a show of," and, for every one hurt by such snakes-that is, his angels -on turning intently from the peccancy of sins to the sacraments of Christ's cross, salvation was outwrought? For he who then gazed upon that (cross) was freed from the bite of the serpents.
Every one will receive a recompense worthy of his deeds. Those who are willing to harm their neighbor will be captured by the devil and will undergo the death of his soul by the satanic sword. For, as the great James says, they are made slaves of that one by whom they have been conquered through their works. But those who have a pure faith and unshakeable endurance in trials will be indelibly written in the book of life. With such may the all-merciful God also find us partakers who consider “that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed" to the saints and who walk valiantly the narrow way, so that, finding at the end of it glory in the coming age and rest and paradise, we might reign with Christ, with whom to the Father be all thanksgiving and worship with the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
If anyone has an ear, let him hear. Whenever Scripture interposes this saying, it seeks an attentive listener due to the obscurity of the matter. So that the momentary kingdom of the devil is not regarded highly, it meets human thoughts by saying: He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity, that is, the devil and the beast, who now seem to capture the nations with their snares, will themselves soon be captives.
If anyone, he says, has a mind able to comprehend the things said, let him hear the things said and know that the one ready to take others captive will be taken captive by the beast and will voluntarily defect to it; for receiving no assistance from God, he will be carried off to utter evil.
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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. 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 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. 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 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) and by the Spirit to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. 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 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
Verse Breakdown
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) and consistently applied in Revelation's messages to the churches (e.g., Revelation 2:7). 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.
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
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). It underscores that spiritual truth requires spiritual receptivity.
Is this verse only for understanding prophecy?
Answer: While Revelation 13:9 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). Only through Christ, who is the Truth (e.g., John 14:6), 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). Christ's victory on the cross disarmed the principalities and powers (e.g., Colossians 2:15), 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). 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.