King James Version

What Does Revelation 13:17 Mean?

Revelation 13:17 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 13:17 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

Read Revelation 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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.

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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 13:17 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 · 25 words
καὶ1 of 25

“And”

G2532

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

ἵνα2 of 25

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μή3 of 25
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τις4 of 25
G5100

some or any person or object

δύνηται5 of 25

“might”

G1410

to be able or possible

ἀγοράσαι6 of 25

“buy”

G59

properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem

ἢ7 of 25

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

πωλῆσαι8 of 25

“sell”

G4453

to barter (as a pedlar), i.e., to sell

εἰ9 of 25
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ10 of 25
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ὁ11 of 25
G3588

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

ἔχων12 of 25

“that had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὸ13 of 25
G3588

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

χάραγμα14 of 25

“the mark”

G5480

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

ἢ15 of 25

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τὸ16 of 25
G3588

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

ὀνόματος17 of 25

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ18 of 25
G3588

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

θηρίου19 of 25

“of the beast”

G2342

a dangerous animal

ἢ20 of 25

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

τὸν21 of 25
G3588

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

ἀριθμὸν22 of 25

“the number”

G706

a number (as reckoned up)

τοῦ23 of 25
G3588

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

ὀνόματος24 of 25

“name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

αὐτοῦ25 of 25

“of his”

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 13:17 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 13:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 15:2Revelation 13:16Revelation 14:11Revelation 22:4Revelation 13:18Revelation 14:9

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