King James Version

What Does Revelation 13:3 Mean?

Revelation 13:3 in the King James Version says “And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered afte... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. wounded: Gr. slain

Revelation 13:3 · KJV


Context

1

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. name: or, names

2

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

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. wounded: Gr. slain

4

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. to continue: or, to make war


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of beast from sea and earth - antichrist's power, false prophet, mark of the beast employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 13:3 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
καὶ1 of 26

And

G2532

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

εἶδον2 of 26

I saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

μίαν3 of 26
G1520

one

τῶν4 of 26
G3588

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

κεφαλῶν5 of 26

heads

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

αὐτοῦ6 of 26

his

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

ὡς7 of 26

as it were

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐσφαγμένην8 of 26

wounded

G4969

to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)

εἰς9 of 26

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

θανάτου10 of 26

deadly

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

καὶ11 of 26

And

G2532

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

12 of 26
G3588

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

πληγὴ13 of 26

wound

G4127

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

τοῦ14 of 26
G3588

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

θανάτου15 of 26

deadly

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ16 of 26

his

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

ἐθεραπεύθη17 of 26

was healed

G2323

to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)

καὶ18 of 26

And

G2532

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

ἐθαυμάσθη19 of 26

wondered

G2296

to wonder; by implication, to admire

ἐν20 of 26
G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὅλη21 of 26

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τῇ22 of 26
G3588

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

γῆ23 of 26

the world

G1093

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

ὀπίσω24 of 26

after

G3694

to the back, i.e., aback (as adverb or preposition of time or place; or as noun)

τοῦ25 of 26
G3588

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

θηρίου26 of 26

the beast

G2342

a dangerous animal


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 13:3 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 13:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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