What is the mark of the beast?
The mark of the beast is described in Revelation 13:16-18 as a mark received "in their right hand, or in their foreheads," without which no one may buy or sell, linked to the number 666. Christians interpret it in several ways, but agree it represents allegiance to a power opposed to God.
Revelation 13 describes a second beast who compels people to worship the first: "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: 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" (Revelation 13:16-17). John adds, "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 13:18). Revelation 14:9-11 gives a solemn warning against worshipping the beast and receiving his mark. The mark stands in deliberate contrast to the seal God places on his servants "in their foreheads" (Revelation 7:3; 14:1), and some see an echo of Deuteronomy 6:8, where God's words were to be bound "upon thine hand" and "between thine eyes." Christians interpret the mark in several ways. Futurists understand it as a literal mark to be imposed by a coming Antichrist before Christ's return, and there is much speculation about how that might happen. Preterists see its main fulfillment in the first century, noting that the name "Nero Caesar" written in Hebrew letters adds up to 666, and that some ancient manuscripts read 616, which matches another spelling of the same name. Historicists, including many Protestant Reformers, identified the beast with powers that opposed the church over the course of history. Idealists read the mark as a symbol of loyalty to any worldly system that demands the devotion due to God alone. Whatever the view, Revelation's call is clear: God's people are to remain faithful to Christ even when it is costly, and those who refused the mark are pictured as having "lived and reigned with Christ" (Revelation 20:4).
Key Passages
A mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads
Revelation 13:16-1816 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: 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. 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.
Warning against receiving the mark
Revelation 14:9-119 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, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 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.
The servants of God sealed in their foreheads
Revelation 7:33 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
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