13:15 13:15

Revelation 13:16

13:17 13:17

Bible Versions

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
And {G2532} he causeth {G4160} all {G3956}, both small {G3398} and {G2532} great {G3173},{G2532} rich {G4145} and {G2532} poor {G4434},{G2532} free {G1658} and {G2532} bond {G1401}, to {G2443}{G846} receive {G1325} a mark {G5480} in {G1909} their {G846} right hand {G1188}{G5495}, or {G2228} in {G1909} their {G846} foreheads {G3359}:
Also it forces everyone — great and small, rich and poor, free and slave — to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead
And the second beast required all people small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead,
And he causeth all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the bond, that there be given them a mark on their right hand, or upon their forehead;

Commentary on Revelation 13:16 (KJV)

Revelation 13:16 is a pivotal verse in eschatological prophecy, describing the enforcement mechanism for the worship of the beast. It details how a universal system will compel all people to receive a specific "mark" to participate in society, highlighting themes of control, allegiance, and the ultimate spiritual battle.

Context

This verse follows the description of the second beast, often identified as the false prophet, who emerges from the earth in Revelation 13:11. This second beast performs great wonders, even causing fire to come down from heaven (Revelation 13:13), to deceive humanity and encourage worship of the first beast (the Antichrist). Verse 16 specifies the method by which this worship and allegiance will be enforced: a universal, compulsory mark.

Key Themes

  • Universal Compulsion: The phrase "all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond" emphasizes that no one will be exempt from this decree. This signifies a global, pervasive system of control that transcends social, economic, and hierarchical boundaries.
  • The Mark of Allegiance: The "mark" serves as a visible sign of loyalty and submission to the beast's authority. In ancient times, marks on the hand or forehead could signify ownership (e.g., of slaves), military service, or religious devotion. Here, it signifies allegiance to the anti-Christian system.
  • Economic and Social Control: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent verse, Revelation 13:17, clarifies that this mark is necessary for buying and selling, implying complete economic and social coercion. Without it, individuals will be unable to participate in daily life, forcing a stark choice.
  • Spiritual Warfare: This mark stands in stark contrast to the seal of God placed on the foreheads of His servants (Revelation 7:3), signifying divine ownership and protection. The mark of the beast is a satanic counterfeit, demanding ultimate loyalty away from God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "mark" is charagma (χάραγμα), which originally referred to an engraved or imprinted stamp, such as on a coin, a document, or an idol. It denotes an official seal or insignia. In this context, it signifies a distinctive brand or impression indicating ownership, allegiance, and authority. It is more than just a symbol; it is an enforcement mechanism.

Practical Application

While the precise nature of the mark of the beast is a subject of ongoing debate, the underlying principles of Revelation 13:16 offer timeless insights:

  • Discernment: Believers are called to be spiritually discerning, recognizing systems or ideologies that demand ultimate allegiance, seeking to replace God's authority.
  • Faithfulness Under Pressure: The verse highlights the immense pressure believers may face to conform to worldly systems. It underscores the importance of unwavering faithfulness to Christ, even when it means facing severe social or economic consequences, as described in Revelation 14:9-11.
  • Ultimate Allegiance: At its core, this prophecy is about where one's ultimate loyalty lies: with God or with the forces opposing Him. It serves as a stark reminder that true worship and obedience belong only to the Creator.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 20:4

    And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

  • Revelation 19:20

    And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

  • Revelation 7:3

    Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

  • Ezekiel 9:4

    And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

  • Revelation 14:9

    And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

  • Revelation 14:11

    And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

  • Deuteronomy 6:8

    And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
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