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Book of Revelation - Chapter 13 - Verse 14

13:14
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.

Meaning

This verse from the Book of Revelation describes a powerful figure who deceives the people of the earth by performing miracles in plain view of a beast. The deception leads the people to create an image in honor of the beast, which had suffered a serious wound but miraculously survived. This passage is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of false prophets and the manipulation of power for deceitful purposes. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of discernment and critical thinking in the face of charismatic leaders who may use deceitful tactics to gain control over others. The verse underscores the idea that not all miracles or displays of power are to be trusted, and that humanity must remain vigilant against those who seek to manipulate beliefs and actions for their own destructive ends.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Revelation, the false prophet deceives the people of the earth by performing miraculous signs in the presence of the beast. These miracles are intended to lead people into idolatry, as the false prophet instructs them to create an image in honor of the beast. The language used here points to the power of deception and manipulation that false prophets can wield over people. The call to create an image of the beast symbolizes the worship of worldly powers and false idols, drawing parallels to the dangers of placing our trust in anything other than God. Through this verse, we are reminded of the importance of discernment and staying true to our faith in the face of deception and temptation.

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