Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Revelation 13:12. It’s a pretty complex verse, but I'll explain it in plain language. Here’s what it means: This verse describes a period of time where a powerful and deceptive system is being established – essentially a "first beast." Let’s unpack the parts: “And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him” : This means that this “first beast” has been given significant control and authority. It's not just a single thing; it’s a whole system of influence and power. Think of it like a huge, organized force. “and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” : This is the core of the verse. It says this “first beast” is actively forcing people to worship something – specifically, the "first beast." The word "cause" suggests it's not just allowing worship, but actively driving it. And crucially, it’s saying that this first beast has a "deadly wound" that was previously healed. Let’s break down what this means in a broader sense: This is often interpreted as referring to the Antichrist – a figure who will rise and sow chaos and deception. Here's how it connects to historical events: The Antichrist: The "first beast" is generally understood to be a political leader or system of power that opposes Christ and seeks to undermine God’s rule. Historically, this has been associated with Roman emperors who sought to establish their own authority over the empire. “Deadly Wound” : This refers to a past event – perhaps a period of widespread corruption, rebellion, or oppression – where the powerful rulers were allowed to practice evil without consequence. The “wound” is healed, meaning that this system has been suppressed or weakened, but it's not completely gone. Worshiping the First Beast : This isn’t necessarily about literal worship of a specific person. It signifies a surrender of faith and a willingness to accept false beliefs and authority. It means aligning oneself with this deceptive system, even if they don’t fully understand it. In short, the verse warns against complacency and encourages people to remain vigilant and resist deception. It's a call to watch out for those who are trying to manipulate people into accepting a false reality. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many different interpretations. Different theologians and biblical scholars have offered varying explanations over time. --- To help me give you an even better explanation, could you tell me: What specifically are you interested in learning about this verse? (e.g., its historical context, potential meaning, or a specific interpretation?)