Revelation 13:9
What does Revelation 13:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Revelation 13:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Revelation 13:9 means
“If any man hath an ear, let him hear” is a solemn call to attentive, obedient listening. It signals that what has been said—and what will follow—demands more than curiosity. The vision is not a puzzle for speculation but a warning to shape loyalties and endurance. Hearing here means receiving the truth about deceptive power, the Lamb’s keeping of His people, and the cost of faithfulness. It invites personal reckoning: Will we be swayed by signs and coercion, or anchored in the Lamb’s life? This refrain underlines responsibility; God reveals so that His people may be wise, discerning, and steadfast when the pressure to conform becomes fierce.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If any man hath an ear, let him hear.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If any man have an ear, let him hear.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If any man hath an ear, let him hear.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If any man has ears, let him give ear.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if any one hath an ear--let him hear:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If any man have an ear, let him hear.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If any one has an ear, let him hear.
Context
Placed after the contrast of verse 8, this brief call functions as a hinge between description and exhortation. Having shown that only those in the Lamb’s book resist, John pauses to urge serious attention. What follows in verse 10 will spell out the realities of captivity and death and define the patience and faith of the saints. The flow shifts from global spectacle to personal application, reminding readers to take these truths to heart.
v.8And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, every one whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain.
v.9This passage
v.10If any man is for captivity, into captivity he goeth: if any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.
- Revelation 2:29
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
- Revelation 2:17
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.
- Revelation 2:11
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
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