King James Version

What Does Revelation 13:16 Mean?

Revelation 13:16 in the King James Version says “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand , or in th... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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: to receive: Gr. to give them

Revelation 13:16 · KJV


Context

14

And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

15

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed . life: Gr. breath

16

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: to receive: Gr. to give them

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:... This verse from Revelation's vision of beast from sea and earth - antichrist's power, false prophet, mark of the beast employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 13:16 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 35 words
καὶ1 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ποιεῖ2 of 35

he causeth

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

πάντας3 of 35

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοὺς4 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μικροὺς5 of 35

both small

G3398

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

καὶ6 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς7 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μεγάλους8 of 35

great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ9 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς10 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλουσίους11 of 35

rich

G4145

wealthy; figuratively, abounding with

καὶ12 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς13 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πτωχούς14 of 35

poor

G4434

akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i

καὶ15 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς16 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐλευθέρους17 of 35

free

G1658

unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia

καὶ18 of 35

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τοὺς19 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δούλους20 of 35

bond

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

ἵνα21 of 35

to

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

δώσῃ22 of 35

receive

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῶν23 of 35

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

χάραγμα24 of 35

a mark

G5480

a scratch or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue)

ἐπὶ25 of 35

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς26 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χειρὸς27 of 35
G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτῶν28 of 35

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τῆς29 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δεξιᾶς30 of 35

their right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

31 of 35

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἐπὶ32 of 35

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῶν33 of 35
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μέτωπων34 of 35

foreheads

G3359

the forehead (as opposite the countenance)

αὐτῶν35 of 35

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 13:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 13:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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