New Testament

Revelation 13:14

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

He deceived the people living on earth through the signs he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast. He told them to build an image honoring the beast who had been wounded by the sword and yet survived.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

What Revelation 13:14 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 13:14, we see a powerful figure, often referred to as the second beast, who uses miraculous signs to deceive the inhabitants of the earth. This deception is aimed at convincing people to create an image of the first beast, which had previously suffered a fatal wound but miraculously survived. The act of making an image signifies a form of worship and allegiance to this beast, highlighting the danger of false idols and the manipulation of faith. The passage warns of the influence of deceptive powers that can lead people away from true worship and into idolatry. It serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment in our beliefs and the need to remain vigilant against forces that seek to mislead us through signs and wonders that may appear convincing but are ultimately rooted in deception.

How to apply Revelation 13:14 to your life

This verse encourages us to be cautious about what we choose to worship and to seek truth in our faith. We should be aware of influences that may lead us away from genuine worship of God. Staying grounded in scripture and prayer can help us discern truth from deception.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Andrew bringing his brother Simon to Jesus

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Peter

Excavated stone ruins below the high ancient walls at the south end of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Jerusalem

David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Revelation 13:14

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Revelation 13:14

At a Glance — the Book of Revelation

Author
John the apostle
Written
Around AD 95
Genre
Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience
The seven churches of Asia Minor

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 13:14 mean?

Revelation 13:14 describes a figure known as the second beast who deceives people on earth by performing miraculous signs. This deception leads them to create an image of the first beast, which symbolizes a form of false worship and allegiance.

What is the significance of the image in Revelation 13:14?

The image mentioned in Revelation 13:14 represents idolatry and the worship of the first beast. It highlights the danger of being misled into honoring false idols instead of true worship of God.

Who is the first beast in Revelation 13:14?

The first beast in Revelation 13:14 is often interpreted as a powerful figure or system that opposes God and is associated with deception and persecution. This beast is described as having suffered a fatal wound yet miraculously survived.

How can we apply Revelation 13:14 to our lives today?

Revelation 13:14 encourages us to be discerning about what we worship and to remain vigilant against influences that may lead us astray. Staying rooted in scripture and prayer helps us identify truth from deception in our faith.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.