Revelation 13:13
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιῇ
he doeth
G4160
ποιῇ
he doeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
2 of 18
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
σημεῖα
wonders
G4592
σημεῖα
wonders
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
3 of 18
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
μεγάλα
great
G3173
μεγάλα
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
4 of 18
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιῇ
he doeth
G4160
ποιῇ
he doeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 18
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 18
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανοῦ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
12 of 18
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
the earth
G1093
γῆν
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
15 of 18
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
Cross References
Revelation 16:14For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.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.Matthew 24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.Revelation 20:9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.1 Kings 18:38Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.Revelation 11:5And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.Mark 13:22For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.2 Timothy 3:8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
Historical Context
Ancient magic and wonder-working were common, with practitioners claiming divine power. The imperial cult staged spectacular public events to awe populations into worship. This vision warned that impressive religious displays don't confirm truth. First-century Christians needed discernment to resist pressure from apparently miraculous endorsements of false teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you develop discernment to test miraculous claims against Scripture rather than accepting them based on their impressiveness?
- What modern religious movements emphasize signs and wonders while teaching doctrine contrary to Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Great signs, including fire from heaven, demonstrate Satan's ability to perform counterfeit miracles. This echoes Elijah's contest with Baal's prophets (1 Kings 18:38) and Moses' confrontation with Pharaoh's magicians (Exodus 7:11). Jesus warned that false prophets would show great signs to deceive even the elect if possible (Matthew 24:24). Reformed theology affirms that miracles alone don't validate truth—teaching must align with Scripture. The deception works because signs impress the spiritually undiscerning who prioritize experience over doctrine. Only Spirit-given discernment protects against such deception.