What is the meaning of Revelation 13:9?

He

• The speaker here is the exalted Christ, who is revealing these words to John (Revelation 1:12-18).

• In Revelation 13, He pauses the description of the beast to issue this familiar exhortation, showing personal authority over the whole prophetic message (Revelation 22:16).

• By using the singular “He,” Christ stresses that the call is addressed to each individual, not just to the church collectively, echoing His consistent pattern in the earlier letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).

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who has an ear

• This phrase assumes every human being is equipped with the capacity to listen to God’s word (Proverbs 20:12).

• It intentionally invites anyone—whether a first-century believer facing Roman persecution or a future tribulation saint—to lean in for spiritual understanding (Matthew 11:15; Mark 4:9).

• Even amid the terrifying rise of the beast in Revelation 13, the Holy Spirit affirms that genuine hearing is still possible; the beast’s blasphemies cannot drown out God’s voice (John 10:27-28).

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let him hear

• “Hear” means more than registering sound; it calls for obedient response (James 1:22-25).

• In context, believers are urged to heed the warning that worldly powers will demand worship, and they must stand firm even unto death (Revelation 13:7-10).

• The call also comforts: God foresees the tribulation, and those who truly hear will be kept in His eternal care (Luke 8:15; Revelation 14:12-13).

• Practical outworking:

– Evaluate every message by Scripture, not by miracles or political power (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).

– Stay alert to deception, knowing steadfast endurance is possible because “the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

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summary

Revelation 13:9 is a direct, personal summons from Christ. By saying, “He,” He singles out each listener. By adding, “who has an ear,” He reminds us that everyone is capable of receiving His truth. And with “let him hear,” He commands active, obedient faith, especially when counterfeit powers arise. Those who truly hear will resist deception, persevere through trial, and rest secure in the Lamb’s ultimate victory.