The Meaning of Revelation 13:3 Explained

Revelation 13:3

KJV: 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.

YLT: And I saw one of its heads as slain to death, and its deadly stroke was healed, and all the earth did wonder after the beast,

Darby: and one of his heads was as slain to death, and his wound of death had been healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast.

ASV: And I saw one of his heads as though it had been smitten unto death; and his death-stroke was healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  I saw  one  of his  heads  as it were  wounded  to  death;  and  his  deadly  wound  was healed:  and  all  the world  wondered  {5625;2296:5656} after  the beast. 

What does Revelation 13:3 Mean?

Study Notes

world
ge = earth. John 7:7 , .
Kosmos, Summary: In the sense of the present world-system, the ethically bad sense of the word, refers to the "order," "arrangement," under which Satan has organized the world of unbelieving mankind upon his cosmic principle of force, greed, selfishness, ambition, and pleasure. Matthew 4:8 ; Matthew 4:9 ; John 12:31 ; John 14:30 ; John 18:36 ; Ephesians 2:2 ; Ephesians 6:12 ; 1 John 2:15-17 . This world- system is imposing and powerful with armies and fleets; is often outwardly religious, scientific, cultured, and elegant; but, seething with national and commercial rivalries and ambitions, is upheld in any real crisis only by armed force, and is dominated by Satanic principles.
wounded to death
Fragments of the ancient Roman empire have never ceased to exist as separate kingdoms. It was the imperial form of government which ceased; the one head wounded to death. What we have prophetically in Revelation 13:3 is the restoration of the imperial form as such, though over a federated empire of ten kingdoms; the "head" is "healed," i.e. restored; there is an emperor again--the Beast.
world
ge = earth. John 7:7 , .
world
Kosmos, Summary: In the sense of the present world-system, the ethically bad sense of the word, refers to the "order," "arrangement," under which Satan has organized the world of unbelieving mankind upon his cosmic principle of force, greed, selfishness, ambition, and pleasure. Matthew 4:8 ; Matthew 4:9 ; John 12:31 ; John 14:30 ; John 18:36 ; Ephesians 2:2 ; Ephesians 6:12 ; 1 John 2:15-17 . This world- system is imposing and powerful with armies and fleets; is often outwardly religious, scientific, cultured, and elegant; but, seething with national and commercial rivalries and ambitions, is upheld in any real crisis only by armed force, and is dominated by Satanic principles.

Verse Meaning

Since the beast"s heads represent nations ( Revelation 13:1), Revelation 13:3 seems to be saying that one of the nations under Satan"s authority perished, but then it revived. Another possibility is that the beast himself died and then experienced resurrection. [1]

Context Summary

Revelation 13:1-18 - The Beast And His Worshipers
The horns symbolize power; the heads, intelligence; and the beast, an earthly kingdom. The dragon must stand for Satan, who has wrought his greatest achievements through earthly potentates and systems. It is through the world-power that the spleen and hatred of hell have been vented on the saints. What a comfort to know that the duration of such power is limited to 42 symbolic months, that is, 1,260 days (or years). If you are enduring hatred and persecution, be of good cheer, for your name is written in the Lamb's book of life, Revelation 13:8. This may well compensate us amid the most violent opposition.
The beast arising from the earth, Revelation 13:11-18, may represent the persecutions of papal Rome as contrasted with those of pagan Rome in the previous verses. Or this symbol may represent some of those modern devices by which men's hearts are turned from God, such as the new semi-religious schools of thought that strive for the empire of men's minds, or the customs of modern trade, Revelation 13:17. Be these as they may, the one outstanding lesson for us all is that the child of God is always in collision with the spirit of His age. [source]

Chapter Summary: Revelation 13

1  A beast rises out of the sea with seven heads and ten horns, to whom the dragon gives his power
11  Another beast comes out of the earth,
14  causes an image to be made of the former beast,
15  and that men should worship it,
16  and receive his mark

Greek Commentary for Revelation 13:3

And I saw [και]
No verb (ειδον — eidon) in the old MSS., but clearly understood from Revelation 13:2. [source]
As though it had been smitten [ως εσπαγμενην]
Perfect passive participle of σπαζω — sphazō as in Revelation 5:6, accusative singular agreeing with μιαν — mian (one of the heads), object of ειδον — eidon understood, “as though slain” (so the word means in seven other instances in the book). There is a reference to the death and new life of the Lamb in Revelation 5:6.And his death-stroke was healed (και η πληγη αυτου ετεραπευτη — kai hē plēgē autou etherapeuthē). First aorist passive indicative of τεραπευω — therapeuō “The stroke of death” (that led to death). Apparently refers to the death of Nero in June 68 a.d. by his own hand. But after his death pretenders arose claiming to be Nero redivivus even as late as 89 (Tacitus, Hist. i. 78, ii. 8, etc.). John seems to regard Domitian as Nero over again in the persecutions carried on by him. The distinction is not always preserved between the beast (Roman Empire) and the seven heads (emperors), but in Revelation 17:10 the beast survives the loss of five heads. Here it is the death-stroke of one head, while in Revelation 13:12, Revelation 13:14 the beast himself receives a mortal wound.Wondered after the beast First aorist passive (deponent) indicative of ταυμαζω — thaumazō to wonder at, to admire, as in Revelation 17:8. For this pregnant use of οπισω — opisō see John 12:9; Acts 5:37; Acts 20:30; 1 Timothy 5:15. “All the earth wondered at and followed after the beast,” that is Antichrist as represented by Domitian as Nero redivivus. But Charles champions the view that Caligula, not Nero, is the head that received the death-stroke and recovered and set up statues of himself for worship, even trying to do it in Jerusalem. [source]
And his death-stroke was healed [και η πληγη αυτου ετεραπευτη]
First aorist passive indicative of τεραπευω — therapeuō “The stroke of death” (that led to death). Apparently refers to the death of Nero in June 68 a.d. by his own hand. But after his death pretenders arose claiming to be Nero redivivus even as late as 89 (Tacitus, Hist. i. 78, ii. 8, etc.). John seems to regard Domitian as Nero over again in the persecutions carried on by him. The distinction is not always preserved between the beast (Roman Empire) and the seven heads (emperors), but in Revelation 17:10 the beast survives the loss of five heads. Here it is the death-stroke of one head, while in Revelation 13:12, Revelation 13:14 the beast himself receives a mortal wound. [source]
Wondered after the beast [εταυμαστη οπισω του τηριου]
First aorist passive (deponent) indicative of ταυμαζω — thaumazō to wonder at, to admire, as in Revelation 17:8. For this pregnant use of οπισω — opisō see John 12:9; Acts 5:37; Acts 20:30; 1 Timothy 5:15. “All the earth wondered at and followed after the beast,” that is Antichrist as represented by Domitian as Nero redivivus. But Charles champions the view that Caligula, not Nero, is the head that received the death-stroke and recovered and set up statues of himself for worship, even trying to do it in Jerusalem. [source]
I saw [εἶδον]
Omitted in the best texts. [source]
Wounded [ἐφαγμένην]
Lit., slain. See on Revelation 5:6. The Rev. smitten is questionable. The word occurs eight times in Revelation, and in seven of these it must be rendered slain or slaughtered. Professor Milligan rightly observes that the statement is the counterpart of that in Revelation 5:6, where we read of the lamb as though it had been slaughtered. In both cases there had been actual death, and in both revival. The one is a mocking counterpart of the other. [source]
Deadly wound [πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου]
Lit., stroke of death. Rev., death-stroke. [source]
After the beast [ὀπίσω τοῦ θηρίου]
A pregnant construction for wondered at and followed after. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Revelation 13:3

John 1:14 As [ὡς]
A particle of comparison. Compare Revelation 5:6, “a lamb as though it had been slain;” also Revelation 13:3. [source]
Revelation 12:1 A great sign [σημειον μεγα]
The first of the visions to be so described (Revelation 13:3; Revelation 15:1), and it is introduced by ωπτη — ōphthē as in Revelation 11:19; Revelation 12:3, not by μετα ταυτο — meta tauto or by ειδον — eidon or by ειδον και ιδου — eidon kai idou as heretofore. This “sign” is really a τερας — teras (wonder), as it is so by association in Matthew 24:24; John 4:48; Acts 2:22; Acts 5:12. The element of wonder is not in the word σημειον — sēmeion as in τερας — teras but often in the thing itself as in Luke 21:11; John 9:16; Revelation 13:13.; Revelation 15:1; Revelation 16:14; Revelation 19:20. [source]
Revelation 13:12 To worship the first beast [ινα προσκυνησουσιν το τηριον το πρωτον]
Sub-final clause with ινα — hina after ποιει — poiei seen in John 11:37; Colossians 4:16; Revelation 3:9, usually with the subjunctive, but here with the future indicative as in Revelation 3:9. Note the accusative after προσκυνεω — proskuneō as in Revelation 13:8. Here the death-stroke of one of the heads (Revelation 13:3) is ascribed to the beast. Clearly the delegated authority of the provincial priests of the emperor-worship is rigorously enforced, if this is the correct interpretation. [source]
Revelation 17:8 And is about to come up out of the abyss [και μελλει αναβαινειν εκ της αβυσσου]
That is, he is going to come to life again.And to go into perdition (και εις απωλειαν υπαγει — kai eis apōleian hupagei). So (and he goes into perdition) the best MSS. read rather than the infinitive υπαγειν — hupagein Most interpreters see here an allusion to the “Nero redivivus ” expectancy realized in Domitian, who was ruling when John wrote and who was called Nero redivivus.Shall wonder First future passive (deponent) of ταυμαζω — thaumazō with which compare εταυμαστη — ethaumasthē in Revelation 13:3. John had wondered Singular ονομα — onoma like πτωμα — ptōma in Revelation 11:8. See Revelation 13:8 for the same description of those who worship the beast, and see note for discussion of details.When they behold Genitive plural of the present active participle of βλεπω — blepō agreeing with ων — hōn (genitive relative) rather than with οι κατοικουντες — hoi katoikountes (nominative just before ων — hōn).How that (οτι — hoti). “Namely that.”He was, and is not, and shall come Repetition of what is in Revelation 17:7 with παρεσται — parestai (future of παρειμι — pareimi from which παρουσια — parousia comes) in place of μελλει — mellei “parody of the divine name” (Charles) in Revelation 1:4, Revelation 1:8; Revelation 4:8, “as the hellish antitype of Christ.” The Neronic Antichrist has also a παρουσια — parousia f0). [source]
Revelation 17:8 Shall wonder [ταυμαστησονται]
First future passive (deponent) of ταυμαζω — thaumazō with which compare εταυμαστη — ethaumasthē in Revelation 13:3. John had wondered Singular ονομα — onoma like πτωμα — ptōma in Revelation 11:8. See Revelation 13:8 for the same description of those who worship the beast, and see note for discussion of details.When they behold Genitive plural of the present active participle of βλεπω — blepō agreeing with ων — hōn (genitive relative) rather than with οι κατοικουντες — hoi katoikountes (nominative just before ων — hōn).How that (οτι — hoti). “Namely that.”He was, and is not, and shall come Repetition of what is in Revelation 17:7 with παρεσται — parestai (future of παρειμι — pareimi from which παρουσια — parousia comes) in place of μελλει — mellei “parody of the divine name” (Charles) in Revelation 1:4, Revelation 1:8; Revelation 4:8, “as the hellish antitype of Christ.” The Neronic Antichrist has also a παρουσια — parousia f0). [source]
Revelation 17:12 As kings [ως βασιλεις]
Compared to kings (see ως — hōs in Revelation 1:10; Revelation 4:6; Revelation 9:7; Revelation 13:3; Revelation 14:3; Revelation 16:21) without identification with the emperors, though succeeding them with “quasi-imperial powers” with the beast.For one hour (μιαν ωραν — mian hōran). Accusative of extent of time, and that a brief time (Revelation 18:10, Revelation 18:16, Revelation 18:19) in comparison with the beast (Revelation 13:2). [source]
Revelation 5:6 As though it had been slain [ως εσπαγμενον]
Perfect passive predicate participle of σπαζω — sphazō old word, in N.T. only in Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 6:4, Revelation 6:9; Revelation 13:3; Revelation 18:24; 1 John 3:12. ως — Hōs (as if) is used because the Lamb is now alive, but (in appearance) with the marks of the sacrifice. The Christ as the Lamb is both sacrifice and Priest (Hebrews 9:12.; Hebrews 10:11). [source]
Revelation 5:6 In the midst [εν μεσωι]
See Revelation 4:6 for this idiom. It is not quite clear where the Lamb was standing in the vision, whether close to the throne or in the space between the throne and the elders (perhaps implied by “came” in Revelation 5:7, but nearness to the throne is implied by Revelation 14:1; Acts 7:56; Hebrews 10:11).A Lamb (αρνιον — arnion). Elsewhere in the N.T. ο αμνος — ho amnos is used of Christ (John 1:29, John 1:36; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19 like Isaiah 53:7), but in the Apocalypse το αρνιον — to arnion occurs for the Crucified Christ 29 times in twelve chapters.Standing Second perfect active (intransitive of ιστημι — histēmi) neuter accusative singular (grammatical gender like αρνιον — arnion), though some MSS. read εστηκως — hestēkōs (natural gender masculine and nominative in spite of ειδον — eidon construction according to sense).As though it had been slain (ως εσπαγμενον — hōs esphagmenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of σπαζω — sphazō old word, in N.T. only in Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 6:4, Revelation 6:9; Revelation 13:3; Revelation 18:24; 1 John 3:12. ως — Hōs (as if) is used because the Lamb is now alive, but (in appearance) with the marks of the sacrifice. The Christ as the Lamb is both sacrifice and Priest (Hebrews 9:12.; Hebrews 10:11).Having Construction according to sense again with masculine nominative participle instead of εχοντα — echonta (masculine accusative singular) or εχον — echon (neuter accusative singular). Seven horns Fulness of power (the All-powerful one) is symbolized by seven.Seven eyes (οπταλμους επτα — ophthalmous hepta). Like Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 4:10 and denotes here, as there, omniscience. Here they are identified with the seven Spirits of Christ, while in Revelation 1:4 the seven Spirits are clearly the Holy Spirit of God (Revelation 3:1), and blaze like torches (Revelation 4:5), like the eyes of Christ (Revelation 1:14). The Holy Spirit is both Spirit of God and of Christ (Romans 8:9).Sent forth Perfect passive predicate participle of αποστελλω — apostellō masculine plural (agreeing with οι — hoi and οπταλμους — ophthalmous in gender), but some MSS. have απεσταλμενα — apestalmena agreeing with the nearer πνευματα — pneumata f0). [source]
Revelation 5:6 Standing [εστηκος]
Second perfect active (intransitive of ιστημι — histēmi) neuter accusative singular (grammatical gender like αρνιον — arnion), though some MSS. read εστηκως — hestēkōs (natural gender masculine and nominative in spite of ειδον — eidon construction according to sense).As though it had been slain (ως εσπαγμενον — hōs esphagmenon). Perfect passive predicate participle of σπαζω — sphazō old word, in N.T. only in Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 6:4, Revelation 6:9; Revelation 13:3; Revelation 18:24; 1 John 3:12. ως — Hōs (as if) is used because the Lamb is now alive, but (in appearance) with the marks of the sacrifice. The Christ as the Lamb is both sacrifice and Priest (Hebrews 9:12.; Hebrews 10:11).Having Construction according to sense again with masculine nominative participle instead of εχοντα — echonta (masculine accusative singular) or εχον — echon (neuter accusative singular). Seven horns Fulness of power (the All-powerful one) is symbolized by seven.Seven eyes (οπταλμους επτα — ophthalmous hepta). Like Zechariah 3:9; Zechariah 4:10 and denotes here, as there, omniscience. Here they are identified with the seven Spirits of Christ, while in Revelation 1:4 the seven Spirits are clearly the Holy Spirit of God (Revelation 3:1), and blaze like torches (Revelation 4:5), like the eyes of Christ (Revelation 1:14). The Holy Spirit is both Spirit of God and of Christ (Romans 8:9).Sent forth Perfect passive predicate participle of αποστελλω — apostellō masculine plural (agreeing with οι — hoi and οπταλμους — ophthalmous in gender), but some MSS. have απεσταλμενα — apestalmena agreeing with the nearer πνευματα — pneumata f0). [source]

What do the individual words in Revelation 13:3 mean?

And one of the heads of it [was] as having been slain to death the wound of death was healed marveled all earth after the beast
Καὶ μίαν ἐκ τῶν κεφαλῶν αὐτοῦ ὡς ἐσφαγμένην εἰς θάνατον πληγὴ τοῦ θανάτου ἐθεραπεύθη ἐθαυμάσθη ὅλη γῆ ὀπίσω τοῦ θηρίου

μίαν  one 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: εἷς  
Sense: one.
κεφαλῶν  heads 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root: κεφαλή  
Sense: the head, both of men and often of animals.
αὐτοῦ  of  it 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ὡς  [was]  as 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ὡς 
Sense: as, like, even as, etc.
ἐσφαγμένην  having  been  slain 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: σφάζω  
Sense: to slay, slaughter, butcher.
θάνατον  death 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: θάνατος 
Sense: the death of the body.
πληγὴ  wound 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: πληγή  
Sense: a blow, stripe, a wound.
θανάτου  death 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θάνατος 
Sense: the death of the body.
ἐθεραπεύθη  was  healed 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: θεραπεύω  
Sense: to serve, do service.
ἐθαυμάσθη  marveled 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἐκθαυμάζω 
Sense: to wonder, wonder at, marvel.
γῆ  earth 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: γῆ  
Sense: arable land.
ὀπίσω  after 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ὀπίσω 
Sense: back, behind, after, afterwards.
θηρίου  beast 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: θηρίον  
Sense: an animal.