King James Version

What Does Revelation 13:14 Mean?

Revelation 13:14 in the King James Version says “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 b... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 13:14 · KJV


Context

12

And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

13

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

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.

15

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed . life: Gr. breath

16

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand , or in their foreheads: to receive: Gr. to give them


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The deception of earth-dwellers through signs demonstrates spiritual warfare's nature. The command to make an image recalls Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue (Daniel 3), forcing worship under threat of death. This represents state-enforced idolatry supported by religious deception. Reformed theology affirms that unregenerate hearts are vulnerable to Satan's deceptions, while the elect, though tested, cannot be ultimately deceived (Matthew 24:24). The 'wound by a sword and did live' refers to the first beast's apparent resurrection, counterfeiting Christ to attract worship. False religion always mimics truth to deceive.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman emperors erected statues demanding worship throughout the empire. Refusing to offer incense to Caesar's image brought persecution. The beast's revival (13:3) may allude to Nero's death and rumors of his return. This vision prepared Christians to recognize state-enforced idolatry supported by religious authorities as Satanic, regardless of popular acceptance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Satan use counterfeit versions of truth (like the beast's false resurrection) to deceive people today?
  2. What pressures do you face to conform to cultural 'images' demanding allegiance contrary to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 35 words
καὶ1 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πλανᾷ2 of 35

deceiveth

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

τοὺς3 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατοικοῦσιν4 of 35

them that dwell

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ5 of 35

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς6 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆς7 of 35

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

διὰ8 of 35

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὰ9 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σημεῖα10 of 35

the means of those miracles

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

11 of 35

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐδόθη12 of 35

had power

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ13 of 35

he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ποιῆσαι14 of 35

that they should make

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἐνώπιον15 of 35

in the sight

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ16 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θηρίῳ17 of 35

of the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

λέγων18 of 35

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τοῖς19 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατοικοῦσιν20 of 35

them that dwell

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ21 of 35

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς22 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆς23 of 35

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ποιῆσαι24 of 35

that they should make

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

εἰκόνα25 of 35

an image

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

τῷ26 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θηρίῳ27 of 35

of the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal

28 of 35

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἔχει29 of 35

had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὴν30 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πληγὴν31 of 35

the wound

G4127

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

τῆς32 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαχαίρας,33 of 35

by a sword

G3162

a knife, i.e., dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment

καὶ34 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔζησεν35 of 35

did live

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 13:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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