New Testament
Revelation 13:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 13:3, the imagery of a beast with a head that appears to have been fatally wounded but then healed symbolizes a powerful force or leader that seems to have overcome a significant crisis or defeat.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
One of the beast's heads appeared to have suffered a fatal wound, but the wound had been healed. The whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 13:3, the imagery of a beast with a head that appears to have been fatally wounded but then healed symbolizes a powerful force or leader that seems to have overcome a significant crisis or defeat. This miraculous recovery captivates the attention of people worldwide, leading them to admire and follow the beast. The healing of the wound suggests a deceptive revival, where what seems to be a fatal blow is turned into a source of awe and allegiance. This passage highlights the theme of false hope and the allure of power, as people are drawn to what appears to be a miraculous event, often overlooking the underlying truth. The beast represents forces that oppose God, and the world's reaction illustrates humanity's tendency to be swayed by spectacle rather than righteousness. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of following charismatic leaders without discernment, especially when they present themselves as saviors despite their true nature. Explore related deception.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 13:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to be discerning about whom we follow and what we admire. In a world filled with charismatic leaders and powerful movements, we must seek wisdom and truth, ensuring our allegiance is to God rather than to deceptive forces that may appear miraculous but lead us away from righteousness.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 13:3 mean?
Revelation 13:3 describes a beast with a head that appears to have been fatally wounded but is miraculously healed. This symbolizes a powerful leader or force that seems to overcome a significant defeat, drawing admiration and allegiance from people worldwide.
What is the significance of the beast's healed wound in Revelation 13:3?
The healed wound of the beast in Revelation 13:3 represents a deceptive revival, where a seemingly fatal blow turns into a source of awe. It highlights how people can be easily swayed by appearances and miraculous events, often overlooking the true nature of what they follow.
What themes are present in Revelation 13:3?
Revelation 13:3 presents themes of deception, false hope, and the allure of power. It warns about the dangers of being captivated by charismatic leaders and movements that may lead individuals away from righteousness.
How does Revelation 13:3 relate to following leaders?
Revelation 13:3 serves as a cautionary reminder to be discerning about whom we follow. It emphasizes the importance of seeking truth and wisdom, rather than being drawn in by spectacle or charisma that may lead us astray.

The Book of Revelation
Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.
Unlock the full Revelation summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Revelation — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 22 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Revelation summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.