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.

REVELATION 13:12KJV
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Revelation 13:12 (KJV)

What does Revelation 13:12 mean?

Revelation 13:12 describes a second beast using the first beast’s authority to direct the world’s worship toward the first beast. The healed wound matters because the beast that was struck is now presented as alive and worthy of that worship.

The speaker is John, who is describing what he sees. Following the second beast’s appearance in verse 11, “before him” places its exercise of power in the first beast’s presence. The sentence connects its use of authority with its aim: getting the earth’s inhabitants to worship the first beast.

The Greek behind Revelation 13:12

  • “power” — ἐξουσία (exousia): This word carries the sense of authority or the right to act. It suggests more than raw strength: the second beast exercises the first beast’s authority.
  • “causeth” — ποιέω (poieō): This word can mean “make” or “cause.” Here it describes bringing about the worship of the first beast, though the word alone does not specify the means.
  • “deadly” — θάνατος (thanatos): This word means “death.” The phrase “deadly wound” presents the injury as one associated with death, making its healing striking.

Why Revelation 13:12 matters

  • The two beasts have distinct roles in this verse. The second beast acts, while the first beast receives the worship.
  • The verse describes a worldwide reach. “The earth and them which dwell therein” shows how broadly the second beast directs its activity.
  • The healed wound is part of the wider scene of admiration for the first beast. Revelation 13:3–4 connects the wound’s healing with the world’s amazement and worship.

Where else these words appear

“wound” Greek G4127 · used in 20 verses

  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
  • Revelation 15:8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

“beast” Greek G2342 · used in 38 verses

  • Mark 1:13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
  • Revelation 13:3 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.
  • Revelation 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

“dwell” Greek G2730 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • Acts 7:48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
  • Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

“healed” Greek G2323 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Matthew 19:2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
  • Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,