Revelation 13:16

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Revelation 13:16 describes the universal and compulsory enforcement of allegiance to the beast, orchestrated by the second beast (the false prophet). This verse details how all people, regardless of social standing, will be compelled to receive a distinctive "mark" on their right hand or forehead, signifying their submission to the beast's authority and setting the stage for a system of total control over human activity and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial point in the unfolding narrative of Revelation 13, which introduces two beasts. The first beast, emerging from the sea, represents a powerful political and religious entity that receives its authority from the dragon (Satan) and demands worship from all the earth ([Revelation 13:1-8](/revelation/13-1-8 "Revelation 13:1-8 - The Beast from the Sea")). The second beast, arising from the earth, acts as the first beast's propagandist and enforcer, performing deceptive signs and wonders, even calling down fire from heaven ([Revelation 13:11-15](/revelation/13-11-15 "Revelation 13:11-15 - The Beast from the Earth")). Verse 16 specifies the precise mechanism by which this universal worship and allegiance will be enforced, directly preceding the economic implications detailed in [Revelation 13:17](/revelation/13-17 "Revelation 13:17 - The Mark for Economic Activity").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, marks on the body were not uncommon. Slaves often bore marks indicating ownership, soldiers might have tattoos signifying their allegiance to a commander or deity, and devotees of certain cults (e.g., the cult of Isis or Serapis) would receive marks as a sign of their devotion. Roman emperors also had their images on coins, which were necessary for commerce. The forehead and hand were prominent places for such marks, making them highly visible. This practice contrasts sharply with the Jewish tradition of binding the commandments to the hand and forehead as a sign of devotion to God ([Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Deuteronomy 6:8 - Command to Bind God's Law")), highlighting a satanic parody of divine ownership and covenant.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation. It underscores the theme of **Universal Compulsion and Control**, as "all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond" are targeted, demonstrating the pervasive reach of the beast's system. It highlights the theme of **Allegiance and Worship**, where the mark serves as a visible sign of submission to the beast, directly opposing the worship due to God alone. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, presenting the mark of the beast as a counterfeit to the [seal of God placed on His servants](/revelation/7-3 "Revelation 7:3 - The Sealing of God's Servants"), forcing a stark choice between divine and satanic authority. The subsequent verse also introduces the theme of **Economic and Social Coercion**, as the mark becomes essential for participation in daily life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mark (Greek, _cháragma'_):** From the same root as a pointed stake or palisade, this word refers to an engraved or imprinted stamp, such as on a coin, a document, or an idol. It denotes an official seal, insignia, or distinctive brand. In this context, it signifies a visible impression indicating ownership, allegiance, and authority, functioning as a badge of servitude to the beast.
* **causeth (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb means "to make or do" in a very wide application, often implying active causation or instigation. Here, it indicates that the second beast actively brings about or compels the reception of the mark, emphasizing its role as the enforcer of the first beast's agenda. It's not a passive reception but an enforced action.
* **receive (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** While primarily meaning "to give," _dídōmi_ can also mean "to receive" in certain contexts, especially when used with a dative of person or implying the granting of something to oneself. Here, it signifies that the mark is given to them, implying that they are the recipients, whether willingly or under duress. The active "causing" by the beast leads to the passive "receiving" by the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he causeth all":** This clause identifies the agent of compulsion as the second beast, the false prophet, who actively orchestrates the universal mandate. The word "all" (Greek, _pâs_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this decree, indicating that no one will be exempt from its reach or pressure.
* **"both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond":** This is a merism, a literary device using two contrasting parts to represent a whole. It signifies every social, economic, and hierarchical stratum of humanity. From the most powerful to the most vulnerable, from the wealthiest to the most destitute, and from those with social liberty to those in servitude, all are subjected to this command, underscoring its global and inescapable nature.
* **"to receive a mark":** This specifies the object of the compulsion: a unique "mark" (Greek, _cháragma_). This mark is not merely symbolic but a tangible identifier, a stamp of allegiance to the beast's system. It is something physically applied or embedded, signifying a definitive commitment.
* **"in their right hand, or in their foreheads":** These locations are highly significant. The "right hand" is associated with action, labor, commerce, and power. The "forehead" is linked to intellect, thought, belief, and public identification. Placing the mark in these locations implies total control over a person's actions (what they do) and their allegiance (what they believe or publicly declare), making it impossible to escape the system's demands in both public and private life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Merism** is prominently used in the phrase "small and great, rich and poor, free and bond," which serves to emphasize the universal scope of the beast's decree, encompassing every segment of humanity without exception. **Symbolism** is central, with the "mark" itself symbolizing allegiance, ownership, and identification with the beast's anti-God system. The specific locations of the mark—the **right hand** and **forehead**—are also symbolic, representing control over one's actions, labor, and economic participation (hand), as well as one's thoughts, beliefs, and public confession (forehead). This creates a stark **Contrast** with the seal of God on the foreheads of His servants, highlighting the spiritual battle between divine ownership and satanic usurpation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 13:16 underscores the profound theological truth that ultimate allegiance is demanded by either God or His adversaries. The mark of the beast represents a final, overt declaration of loyalty to an anti-God system, a counterfeit of divine ownership. It highlights the pervasive nature of evil's desire for worship and control, seeking to subjugate every aspect of human life—economic, social, and spiritual. This compulsion forces humanity into a definitive choice, revealing where true devotion lies and setting the stage for God's righteous judgment against those who reject His sovereignty.

* [Revelation 14:9-11](/revelation/14-9-11 "Consequences of Taking the Mark")
* [Revelation 7:3](/revelation/7-3 "The Sealing of God's Servants")
* [Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Command to Bind God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 13:16 serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle for human allegiance. While the precise fulfillment of the "mark" remains a subject of eschatological debate, the underlying principles are timeless. Believers are called to cultivate profound spiritual discernment, recognizing and resisting any system, ideology, or cultural pressure that demands ultimate loyalty or compromises their devotion to Christ. This verse challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship and the importance of unwavering faithfulness, even when faced with significant social, economic, or physical consequences. Our ultimate identity and security are found not in conformity to worldly systems, but in our unreserved commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ, whose "mark" is imprinted on our hearts by the Holy Spirit. We must be prepared to stand firm, knowing that true freedom lies in serving God alone, regardless of the world's demands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might contemporary society subtly pressure individuals to conform to values or systems that conflict with biblical principles?**
* **How can believers cultivate the spiritual discernment necessary to identify and resist such pressures in their daily lives?**
* **What does it mean to have Christ's "mark" on one's heart, and how does this internal reality prepare us for external challenges?**

### FAQ
**What is the "mark" mentioned in Revelation 13:16?**

Answer: The "mark" (Greek, _cháragma_) is described as a visible stamp or impression that signifies allegiance to the beast and his system. While its ultimate literal form is debated, its function is clear: it is a sign of ownership and loyalty to the anti-God power. The subsequent verse, [Revelation 13:17](/revelation/13-17 "The Mark for Economic Activity"), clarifies that this mark is necessary for economic participation ("no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark"). The placement on the "right hand" or "forehead" symbolizes control over a person's actions, labor, and public confession of allegiance. Theologically, it stands in stark opposition to the [seal of God](/revelation/7-3 "The Sealing of God's Servants") placed on His faithful servants.

**Who is "he" that causes all to receive the mark?**

Answer: The pronoun "he" refers to the second beast introduced in [Revelation 13:11](/revelation/13-11 "The Beast from the Earth"), often identified as the False Prophet. This beast emerges from the earth and acts as the chief propagandist and enforcer for the first beast (the Antichrist). He performs great signs and wonders, even causing fire to come down from heaven ([Revelation 13:13](/revelation/13-13 "Fire from Heaven")), to deceive humanity and compel them to worship the first beast and receive his mark. His role is to consolidate power and enforce allegiance to the anti-God system through deception and coercion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 13:16 describes the ultimate expression of humanity's rebellion against God and the coercive power of the antichrist system, it simultaneously highlights the profound contrast with the true King, Jesus Christ. The beast seeks to compel worship through external marks and economic control, but Christ's kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and His reign is established through voluntary surrender and transformed hearts. The "mark" of Christ's followers is not an external brand for commerce, but an internal seal of the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 1:13](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")) and a transformed mind that aligns with God's truth ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")). Unlike the beast who demands allegiance through fear and control, Christ invites discipleship through love and self-sacrifice ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")). Those who refuse the beast's mark demonstrate their ultimate allegiance to the Lamb ([Revelation 14:4](/revelation/14-4 "Revelation 14:4 - Followers of the Lamb")), choosing the freedom found in Christ over the bondage of worldly systems ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). In the face of the beast's universal compulsion, Christ offers universal salvation and the promise that those who fear God rather than man will ultimately triumph ([Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")).

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.

Cross-References

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.