Revelation 13:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίαν
the power
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
the power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
3 of 32
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποιεῖ
causeth
G4160
ποιεῖ
causeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 32
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 32
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιεῖ
causeth
G4160
ποιεῖ
causeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 32
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
the earth
G1093
γῆν
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
14 of 32
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατοικοῦντας
them which dwell
G2730
κατοικοῦντας
them which dwell
Strong's:
G2730
Word #:
17 of 32
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 32
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
προσκυνήσωσιν
worship
G4352
προσκυνήσωσιν
worship
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
21 of 32
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὗ
whose
G3739
οὗ
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
26 of 32
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐθεραπεύθη
was healed
G2323
ἐθεραπεύθη
was healed
Strong's:
G2323
Word #:
27 of 32
to wait upon menially, i.e., (figuratively) to adore (god), or (specially) to relieve (of disease)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πληγὴ
wound
G4127
πληγὴ
wound
Strong's:
G4127
Word #:
29 of 32
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
30 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 14:9And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,Revelation 19:20And 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 14:11And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.2 Thessalonians 2:4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Historical Context
The imperial cult in Asia Minor required emperor worship, enforced by local priests and officials. The 'second beast' (false prophet, 16:13) represents religious authorities promoting state idolatry. Economic and social pressure compelled participation. This vision warned Christians that religious systems endorsing state worship are Satanic, regardless of apparent legitimacy or tradition.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you discern when religious authorities promote worship of earthly powers rather than Christ alone?
- What modern systems combine political authority with religious endorsement to pressure conformity to ungodly standards?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The second beast exercises the first beast's authority, promoting emperor worship. This represents false religious systems supporting tyrannical political power. The phrase 'causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship' shows how religious deception serves state idolatry. Reformed theology recognizes the danger when church and state merge in promoting false worship. The healing of the deadly wound (v. 3) that amazes the world demonstrates how Satan counterfeits Christ's resurrection to deceive. All authority ultimately derives from God, but here is usurped for Satanic purposes.