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Revelation 14:9

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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,

And {G2532} the third {G5154} angel {G32} followed {G190} them {G846}, saying {G3004} with {G1722} a loud {G3173} voice {G5456}, If any man {G1536} worship {G4352} the beast {G2342} and {G2532} his {G846} image {G1504}, and {G2532} receive {G2983} his mark {G5480} in {G1909} his {G846} forehead {G3359}, or {G2228} in {G1909} his {G846} hand {G5495},

Another angel, a third one, followed them and said in a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives the mark on his forehead or on his hand,

And a third angel followed them, calling out in a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image, and receives its mark on his forehead or on his hand,

And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, If any man worshippeth the beast and his image, and receiveth a mark on his forehead, or upon his hand,

Commentary

Commentary on Revelation 14:9 (KJV)

Revelation 14:9 is a pivotal verse in the apocalyptic narrative, marking the third of three angelic proclamations that warn humanity about impending judgment and the stark choice between allegiance to God and submission to an opposing power. This verse issues a severe warning against worshipping "the beast and his image" and receiving "his mark in his forehead, or in his hand."

Context

This verse is situated amidst a series of visionary announcements in Revelation 14. Preceding it, the 144,000 faithful stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion, symbolizing God's redeemed people. The first angel proclaims the everlasting gospel and calls for the worship of God, the Creator. The second angel announces the fall of Babylon. The third angel's message, starting with this verse, provides the most terrifying warning, detailing the eternal consequences for those who reject God and align with the "beast" system described earlier in Revelation.

Key Themes

  • Worship and Allegiance: The central theme is the object of worship. Humanity is presented with an ultimate choice: to worship God or to worship the beast. This choice dictates one's eternal destiny. The phrase "worship the beast and his image" signifies complete devotion and loyalty to an anti-God system.
  • The Beast and His Mark: The "beast" here refers to the political and religious power described in Revelation 13, which demands universal allegiance. The "image" is likely a manifestation or representation of this beast that people are compelled to worship. The "mark in his forehead, or in his hand" (often referred to as the mark of the Beast) symbolizes ownership and allegiance. The forehead typically represents one's thoughts, beliefs, and public confession, while the hand represents one's actions, labor, and participation in the world's economic and social systems.
  • Divine Warning: This loud proclamation by the third angel underscores God's justice and mercy. It serves as a final, urgent warning, ensuring that humanity is fully aware of the dire consequences of choosing to follow the beast rather than God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "worship" is proskyneo (προσκυνέω), which means to bow down, prostrate oneself, or show reverence, often implying adoration and submission. The term "mark" is charagma (χάραγμα), which can refer to an imprint, stamp, or engraving, akin to an imperial seal or a brand. In this context, it signifies an identifying sign of allegiance.

Practical Application and Reflection

While the exact fulfillment of "the beast" and "the mark" is a subject of ongoing theological discussion, the spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges believers to consider their ultimate allegiance in a world that often demands conformity and compromises of faith. It calls for:

  • Discernment: To critically evaluate worldly systems, ideologies, and pressures that might subtly or overtly demand loyalty that belongs only to God.
  • Faithfulness: To remain steadfast in worship and obedience to God, even in the face of opposition or societal pressure.
  • Courage: To stand firm in one's convictions, understanding that choosing God may come with earthly costs, but promises eternal rewards.

The stark warning of Revelation 14:9 prepares the reader for the severe consequences that await those who choose allegiance to this anti-God system, emphasizing the gravity of spiritual choices in the end times.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Revelation 14:11 (6 votes)

    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 14:6 (6 votes)

    ¶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

  • Revelation 14:8 (6 votes)

    And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

  • Revelation 13:3 (3 votes)

    And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

  • Revelation 13:6 (3 votes)

    And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

  • Revelation 13:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

  • Revelation 13:17 (2 votes)

    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.