Revelation 13:17

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

And {G2532} that no {G3363} man {G5100} might {G1410} buy {G59} or {G2228} sell {G4453}, save he {G1508} that had {G2192} the mark {G5480}, or {G2228} the name {G3686} of the beast {G2342}, or {G2228} the number {G706} of his {G846} name {G3686}.

preventing anyone from buying or selling unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.

so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark—the name of the beast or the number of its name.

and that no man should be able to buy or to sell, save he that hath the mark, even the name of the beast or the number of his name.

Revelation 13:17 (KJV) describes a crucial aspect of the beast's power in the end times: its ability to control economic activity. This verse reveals that without a specific identifier—the mark, the name of the beast, or the number of his name—individuals will be unable to participate in the basic necessities of commerce.

Context of Revelation 13:17

This verse is situated within the dramatic apocalyptic visions of Revelation chapter 13, which introduces two powerful beasts. The first beast, emerging from the sea, represents a global political and religious power that demands worship (Revelation 13:7). The second beast, coming out of the earth (often interpreted as a false prophet), acts to enforce the worship of the first beast. It performs great wonders and deceives humanity, compelling them to make an image to the first beast and receive its mark. Verse 17 directly follows the command for all people to receive this mark on their right hand or forehead (Revelation 13:16), highlighting the severe consequences for non-compliance.

Key Themes in Revelation 13:17

  • Economic Control and Coercion: The most immediate theme is the beast's absolute control over buying and selling. This demonstrates a comprehensive system designed to compel allegiance through financial hardship, threatening the very survival of those who resist.
  • The Mark of Allegiance: The "mark," "name of the beast," or "number of his name" are identifiers signifying submission to the beast's authority. This contrasts sharply with the seal of God placed on His servants, emphasizing a spiritual battle for allegiance.
  • Persecution and Endurance: For those who refuse the mark, economic exclusion means severe persecution, potentially leading to starvation or death. This sets the stage for the call to patient endurance for the saints.
  • Spiritual Warfare: Beyond economic policy, this system represents a spiritual test. It forces a choice between loyalty to God and conformity to a worldly, anti-God system.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "mark" is charagma (χάραγμα), which literally means an "impression," "stamp," or "engraving." It was commonly used for the imprint on coins, a brand on animals, or an official seal on documents. This implies a visible, undeniable sign of ownership or allegiance. The phrase "number of his name" points forward to the cryptic number 666 mentioned in the very next verse, often interpreted through Gematria, a system where letters have numerical values.

Practical Application and Reflection

While interpretations of Revelation 13:17 vary—some literal, some symbolic—its core message remains profoundly relevant. The verse serves as a powerful warning against compromising one's faith for worldly security or convenience. It highlights the dangers of systems that demand absolute allegiance and restrict freedom, especially economic freedom, as a means of control. For believers, it underscores the importance of:

  • Unwavering Allegiance to Christ: The ultimate choice is between serving God and serving a worldly system, no matter the cost.
  • Trust in God's Provision: Even in times of severe economic hardship or exclusion, believers are called to trust that God will provide for their needs (Matthew 6:33).
  • Discerning Worldly Systems: The passage encourages vigilance against any power structure that seeks to usurp God's authority and compel worship or loyalty.
  • Enduring Faith: It's a call to perseverance for those who would face tribulation for their faith, reminding them of the ultimate victory and reward for those who refuse the mark.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 13:16

    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:

  • 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.

  • Revelation 15:2

    And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

  • 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 13:18

    Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number [is] Six hundred threescore [and] six.

  • Revelation 22:4

    And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads.

  • Revelation 3:12

    Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

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