What does Revelation 13:3 mean?
This verse tells us the beast seemed to have a fatal wound, but it was healed. This has resulted in much speculation, since John's descriptions here are meant to be taken in such a symbolic fashion. Since the first beast is the end-times figure known as the Antichrist, this statement can mean more than one thing.Perhaps this wound refers to the fall of the Roman Empire, and the healing refers to the Empire's revival. The Roman Empire had six forms of government: kings, consuls, dictators, decemvirs, tribunes, and emperors. The sixth form under the Caesars ended, but it will reappear in the tribulation and control roughly the same territory as it did prior to collapse. This would correspond to a highly symbolic "wounding" and subsequent healing.
Others see this as a reference to the Antichrist being physically stricken with a mortal wound and being raised from the dead by Satan. Some speculators even think a revived Judas will be this beast, though this is not a well-supported view. However, literally raising the dead seems to be a divine prerogative—this verse being the only hint that Satan might be allowed to perform such an act. If the Devil cannot raise the dead, he may be able to heal the beast who receives an otherwise mortal wound, saving him from death. This would certainly lead people to worship or follow this political leader.
However this plays out in the real world, the entire world will marvel at the revival of the Roman Empire or at the head of the empire.
Revelation 13:1–4 focuses on the rise of the first ''beast'' seen in this chapter. This one rises from the sea. Biblical geography suggests this refers to the Mediterranean Sea. This ''beast'' represents a powerful ruler in the Mediterranean region. The description of the beast here shares elements used in Daniel 7:23–24, which there belonged to the four beasts that appeared in Daniel's dream. The beast from the sea receives his power from the dragon, who is shown in Revelation 12 to persecute Israel and the righteous remnant. This first beast is the figure more popularly known as Antichrist.
This chapter exposes two evil men, ''beasts'' who serve the Devil. The first beast arises from the sea, presumably the Mediterranean. The second beast arises from the land, possibly Israel. The first beast dominates the final form of the Roman Empire and sets himself up as a god to be worshiped. This first figure is the one most often labelled as ''Antichrist.'' The second beast acts as prophet, priest, and king in Israel. As such, he imitates Christ, but he is a False Prophet. This corrupted religious leader sets up an image of the first beast in the temple and commands everyone to worship it. The false prophet executes those who refuse to worship the image. Further, he causes everyone to receive the name or the number of the first beast on the right hand or on the forehead. Without this identifying mark, no one can buy or sell. The number of the beast is 666.
