What does Revelation 13:12 mean?

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. Revelation 13:12

Explanation

Revelation 13:12 speaks about the actions of the second beast, often referred to as the “false prophet,” described earlier in the chapter. This verse suggests that the second beast possesses the authority of the first beast (commonly associated with the Antichrist), and uses its influence to lead people to worship the first beast. The mention of the first beast’s “deadly wound” that was healed is generally interpreted as a pseudo-resurrection event, an imitation of Christ’s resurrection, intended to deceive and gather followers.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is traditionally believed to have been written by John of Patmos toward the end of the first century A.D. It was a time of significant persecution for early Christians, especially under the Roman Empire. The book is apocalyptic literature, full of vivid imagery and symbolism often representing events, figures, and themes of spiritual and political significance of its time.

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations of Revelation 13:12 span a wide spectrum. Some view the verse as prophecy regarding end-time events, with the “beasts” symbolizing future political or religious leaders who will deceive the masses. Others see it as historical allegory, with the beasts potentially representing specific figures or systems in the Roman Empire. Dispensationalist theologians might interpret the “wound” as an actual future event, while more symbolic interpretations could see it as representing a revival of a defeated or diminished evil power.

Practical Applications

For contemporary believers, this verse can serve as a caution against being led astray by false leaders or systems that demand allegiance or worship. It is an encouragement for discernment in spiritual and secular matters and a reminder to stay true to the teachings of Christ and not be deceived by those who may mimic truth and authority for corrupt ends.

Cross-References

• Revelation 13:3 – “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.”
• Revelation 19:20 – “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
• Revelation 20:10 – “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• “exerciseth” (ποιεῖ, poiei): meaning “to do,” “to practice,” or “to perform.”
• “power” (ἐξουσίαν, exousian): often translates to “authority” or “jurisdiction.”
• “worship” (προσκυνέω, proskuneo): signifies an act of reverent homage, to bow or prostrate oneself in respect.
• “wound” (πληγὴν, plegen): may mean “plague,” “stripe,” or “blow,” indicating injury, with a connotation that it may be lethal.
• “healed” (θεραπεύω, therapeuo): to cure, heal, or restore to health.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn with ancient myths that involve figures who suffer a fatal wound but are restored, such as the stories of dying and rising gods that were common in Near Eastern and Mediterranean religions. Figures like Osiris in Egyptian mythology or Adonis in Greek tradition have elements of death and return to life which resonate with the archetype of resurrection, although the contexts are very different compared to the Christian narrative.

Scientific Perspectives

While Revelation is rich in symbolism and thus is usually outside the scope of direct scientific analysis, the concept of a “deadly wound” being healed can be metaphorically aligned with how certain ideologies or systems that were thought to be defunct can reemerge. This is analogous to phenomena observed in social dynamics or in psychology, where certain patterns or behaviors can resurface after periods of dormancy.

commentaries

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary suggests that the second beast, with all the authority of the first beast, aims to promote idolatry, seducing people to worship the image of the first beast. Henry emphasizes the deceptive powers of the beast in performing miracles and wonders to mislead.
• The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary notes that the healed wound is likely symbolic of the revived power and influence of a once-diminished empire or authority. The second beast’s role is to consolidate power back to the first beast.
• The IVP New Testament Commentary Series points out the coercive and oppressive actions of the second beast, emphasizing that it leads the earth’s inhabitants away from true worship and towards idolatry of the first beast.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary discusses the second beast’s role in mimicking the resurrection power of Christ to deceive and how the narrative warns of a false religious system working in tandem with a political power to enforce idolatry.