The Mark of the Beast
Revelation 13 foretells a forced mark for buying and selling under the beast.
Revelation describes a second beast that compels all classes of men to receive a mark in their right hand or in their forehead, without which no one may buy or sell. The number of the beast is the number of a man — six hundred threescore and six.
The Prophecy
"And he causeth all...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."
"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."
"If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark...The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God..."
An economic and religious sign
The mark is both economic (no buying or selling without it) and religious (worship of the beast). It marks allegiance to antichrist.
A terrible warning
Revelation 14 contains the strongest warning in Scripture against receiving the mark — eternal torment for those who do.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the mark of the beast appeared?
No — it awaits fulfillment in the tribulation under the antichrist's authority.
What is the number 666?
Revelation 13:18 calls it 'the number of a man' — the antichrist's identifying mark, the full meaning of which will be clear to believers living then.
What happens to those who take the mark?
Revelation 14:9-11 warns of irreversible judgment — taking the mark is open allegiance to the beast against Christ.
Related Bible Prophecies
The Antichrist and the Man of Sin
A final lawless one to be destroyed by the brightness of Christ's coming.
The Great Tribulation
Unequalled trouble before the coming of Christ.
The Battle of Armageddon
The kings of the earth gathered against the Lord at His coming.
The Great White Throne Judgment
The dead, small and great, judged from the books that are opened.
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