Revelation 13:8

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

And {G2532} all {G3956} that dwell {G2730} upon {G1909} the earth {G1093} shall worship {G4352} him {G846}, whose {G3739} names {G3686} are {G1125} not {G3756} written {G1125} in {G1722} the book {G976} of life {G2222} of the Lamb {G721} slain {G4969} from {G575} the foundation {G2602} of the world {G2889}.

Everyone living on earth will worship it except those whose names are written in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb slaughtered before the world was founded.

And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain.

And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, every one whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain.

Commentary

Commentary on Revelation 13:8 (KJV)

Revelation 13:8 presents a stark contrast in the tumultuous vision of the end times: those who worship the beast versus those whose names are eternally secured in God's plan. This verse underscores the global influence of the antichrist system and the divine foreknowledge that distinguishes true believers.

Context

This verse appears in Revelation chapter 13, which introduces two significant symbolic figures: the "beast from the sea" and the "beast from the earth." The beast from the sea is typically understood to represent a powerful political or antichrist empire, characterized by blasphemy, authority, and persecution. The beast from the earth, often seen as a false prophet, facilitates the worship of the first beast. Revelation 13:8 highlights the culmination of this deception, where nearly all inhabitants of the earth are swayed to idolatrous worship, with a crucial exception—those divinely chosen and recorded in the Book of Life.

Key Themes

  • Universal Deception and Worship: The verse emphasizes the widespread nature of the beast's influence, indicating a time when the majority of humanity will fall prey to its deceptive power and false worship. This highlights the intense spiritual battle of the last days.
  • The Book of Life and Divine Election: The "Book of Life" serves as a celestial register containing the names of those destined for salvation. The phrase "whose names are not written" clearly identifies those who will succumb to the beast's sway, while implicitly affirming the security of those who belong to God. This speaks to God's sovereign choice and foreknowledge, a theme also found in Ephesians 1:4.
  • The Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World: This profound theological statement emphasizes that Christ's atoning sacrifice was not an afterthought but an integral part of God's eternal plan for redemption, conceived even before creation. The Lamb's sacrifice (John 1:29) is the basis upon which names are inscribed in the Book of Life, securing salvation for believers across all ages.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" is pivotal. It can be interpreted in two ways: that the Lamb was slain *in God's eternal decree* before creation, or that the names were written in the book *from the foundation of the world* (of the Lamb slain). The KJV rendering strongly suggests the former, emphasizing the timeless nature of God's redemptive plan. The Greek word for "slain" (esphagmenou) denotes a violent, sacrificial death, underscoring the profound cost of our salvation.

Practical Application

For believers, Revelation 13:8 offers both a warning and profound comfort. It warns of the deceptive powers that will seek to lead humanity astray, urging discernment and steadfastness in faith. Simultaneously, it provides immense assurance:

  • Security in God's Plan: Our salvation is not a mere accident or a last-minute decision, but part of God's eternal, unchangeable purpose, rooted in the pre-ordained sacrifice of Christ.
  • Call to Perseverance: In a world increasingly influenced by systems hostile to God, this verse encourages believers to remain faithful and resist the pressures to conform to worldly worship.
  • The Centrality of Christ's Sacrifice: The verse reminds us that the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is the central figure of God's redemptive history, whose sacrifice is effective for all eternity.

Understanding this verse reinforces the importance of knowing Jesus Christ personally, as He is the only way to have one's name written in the Book of Life.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 1:19 (126 votes)

    But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

  • 1 Peter 1:20 (126 votes)

    Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

  • Ephesians 1:4 (113 votes)

    According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

  • Matthew 25:34 (93 votes)

    Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  • Revelation 17:8 (74 votes)

    The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

  • Revelation 3:5 (55 votes)

    He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

  • Titus 1:2 (51 votes)

    In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;