### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **métōpon**, represented by `{{G3359}}`, refers to the **forehead**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. In scripture, it serves exclusively as a symbolic location for displaying a name, mark, or seal, signifying allegiance and identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the book of Revelation, `{{G3359}}` is consistently used to denote a place of visible marking that separates humanity into two distinct groups. On one side, the servants of God are identified by a **seal** placed on their **foreheads** for protection [[Revelation 7:3]] or by having the Father's **name** written there [[Revelation 14:1]]. Ultimately, seeing God's face corresponds with having His name on their **foreheads** [[Revelation 22:4]]. Conversely, followers of the beast are marked on their **forehead** or hand ([[Revelation 13:16]], [[Revelation 14:9]]), and refusing this mark is a characteristic of those who reign with Christ [[Revelation 20:4]]. A **name** is also written on the **forehead** of "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT" [[Revelation 17:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the actions and symbols associated with the forehead:
* `{{G5480}}` **cháragma** (mark): This word, meaning a "scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude)," is the **mark** of the beast that people receive on their **foreheads** or hands [[Revelation 13:16]].
* `{{G4973}}` **sphragís** (seal): As a "signet... a mark of privacy, or genuineness," this is the **seal** of God that His servants have in their **foreheads**, distinguishing them from those who are to be hurt [[Revelation 9:4]].
* `{{G4972}}` **sphragízō** (to seal): This verb, meaning "to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation," describes the act of sealing God's servants in their **foreheads** [[Revelation 7:3]].
* `{{G3686}}` **ónoma** (name): This word for "name" appears written on the **foreheads** of both the faithful, who bear the Father's **name** [[Revelation 14:1]], and on the woman, BABYLON THE GREAT [[Revelation 17:5]].
* `{{G1125}}` **gráphō** (to write): Meaning to "describe, write," this verb details how a **name** is placed upon the **forehead** ([[Revelation 14:1]], [[Revelation 17:5]]).
* `{{G5495}}` **cheír** (hand): The **hand** is mentioned as an alternative location for receiving the mark of the beast, often paired with the **forehead** ([[Revelation 13:16]], [[Revelation 20:4]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3359}}` is concentrated in its prophetic symbolism within the book of Revelation.
* **Mark of Allegiance:** The forehead serves as the primary location for displaying one's ultimate loyalty. This is shown by bearing either God's **seal** [[Revelation 7:3]] or the beast's **mark** [[Revelation 14:9]].
* **Sign of Ownership and Protection:** Those who are sealed on the forehead are explicitly identified as "the servants of our God" [[Revelation 7:3]]. This seal protects them from divine judgment that falls upon others [[Revelation 9:4]].
* **Condition for Judgment or Reward:** Refusing to receive the mark on the **forehead** is a key identifier of the saints who were beheaded for their witness and who will reign with Christ [[Revelation 20:4]]. Conversely, receiving the mark is tied to the worship of the beast [[Revelation 14:9]].
* **Display of Character and Identity:** The name written on the forehead reveals true identity, whether it is the Father's name on His followers [[Revelation 14:1]] or the title identifying the "MOTHER OF HARLOTS" [[Revelation 17:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3359}}` is used in Scripture not as a simple anatomical term, but as a crucial symbolic space. Occurring exclusively in Revelation, the **forehead** is the battlefield for divine and demonic marking, a public display of ownership, allegiance, and identity. It starkly contrasts those who are sealed by God for salvation and protection with those who are marked for judgment, making it a key element in understanding end-times prophecy.
TRV