What does Revelation 13:9 mean?

If any man have an ear, let him hear. Revelation 13:9

Explanation

Revelation 13:9 “If any man have an ear, let him hear.”

This verse is a call to attention, suggesting that the message following is of significant importance and should be heeded with care. The phrase “If any man have an ear, let him hear” is metaphorical and indicates that the hearer should not only listen but also understand and internalize the message. It can be interpreted as an admonition to be spiritually attentive and discerning, particularly in the face of trials or deceptive teachings. This line often precedes an important revelation or a warning about judgment and consequences for one’s actions.

Historical Context

The book of Revelation was penned by the Apostle John circa 95 AD while he was in exile on the island of Patmos. This was a period of intense persecution for Christians under the Roman Empire. The broader passage within which Revelation 13:9 is found describes a vision of two beasts, which represent political power and false prophecy antagonistic to God. In this climate, the warning to “hear” would resonate with the intended audience as an urgent message to remain faithful despite external pressures and confusing doctrines.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this phrase in Revelation can be interpreted through different lenses:

• Traditional Dispensationalism views this verse as a prelude to prophetic events during the End Times and a call for discernment among believers.
• Historicists might regard this as a reference to specific periods in church history and a reminder for spiritual vigilance.
• Preterists could interpret this passage as pertaining to events that were soon to happen in the context of the early Christian church, particularly the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
• Idealists could see this as an ongoing and symbolic message for all believers, warning against spiritual complacency.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, the verse serves as a reminder to be attentive to spiritual truths and resilient in the face of misleading doctrines or moral challenges. It could be applied to personal study, where one is encouraged to listen to and reflect on spiritual teachings, or in a broader sense, to be mindful of societal trends and messages that may be at odds with Christian ethics.

Cross-References

• Matthew 11:15 – “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
• Mark 4:9 – “And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
• Revelation 2:7 – “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
• Revelation 2:29 – “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

Language Study

The key phrase “If any man have an ear, let him hear” in the original Greek is:

• “εἴ τις ἔχει οὖς, ἀκουσάτω” (ei tis echei ous, akousatō)

“εἴ τις” (ei tis) means “if anyone” emphasizing the universal call to heed the message. “ἔχει” (echei) is the present active indicative of “ἔχω” (echo) which means “to have or possess.” “οὖς” (ous) refers to the physical “ear,” but in this context suggests the ability to hear, implying a deeper spiritual perception. “ἀκουσάτω” (akousatō) is the aorist active imperative of “ἀκούω” (akouo), meaning “let him hear,” commanding immediate and careful attention.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Other ancient religions and cultures have similar calls to attentiveness. For instance, in Hinduism, there is a concept called “Shravana,” hearing or listening as a means to acquire spiritual knowledge. In Buddhism, the right listening is an essential part of the Eightfold Path. This concept of deep attentive listening to spiritual truths transcends across various cultures and religious practices, highlighting the universal importance of discernment.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the call to hear can be connected with the study of cognition and perception. Researchers in psychology and neurology examine how people discern and process auditory information, as well as how cognitive biases can interfere with accurately interpreting and acting on that information. There is an interesting parallel in the biblical call for discerning listening and the cognitive effort required to filter and understand sensory input amidst noise effectively.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries provide various expert interpretations of Revelation 13:9:

• Some commentaries, like those by Matthew Henry or John Gill, highlight the necessity of prudence and wisdom to understand the prophetic symbolism in Revelation.
• The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary emphasizes application, suggesting that the verse serves as an admonition both to perceive the description’s meaning and to prepare for the events it foretells.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament suggests that the phrase calls the reader to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in interpreting the visions John describes, recognizing that such understanding is a divine gift.
• The ESV Study Bible notes that similar calls for attentive hearing in Revelation indicate that the following message will be essential and potentially challenging to accept without genuine contemplation and spiritual insight.