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:

REVELATION 13:16KJV
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Revelation 13:16 (KJV)

What does Revelation 13:16 mean?

Revelation 13:16 describes a future time when a powerful figure will require every person—regardless of their social or economic status—to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead. This mark is presented as something everyone, without exception, must accept in order to participate in society.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision given to him while he is exiled on the island of Patmos. The "he" in this verse refers to the second beast, often called the "false prophet," who acts on behalf of the first beast (a symbol of a powerful, oppressive ruler or system). The situation is one of total control, where all people—"small and great, rich and poor, free and bond"—are forced into compliance, showing the reach and authority of this figure.

The Greek behind Revelation 13:16

  • The word for "mark" is χάραγμα (charagma), which means an engraved, stamped, or branded mark. In the context of Revelation, this suggests something visible and deliberate, not accidental or hidden.
  • The phrase "in their right hand, or in their foreheads" uses the Greek ἐπὶ (epi), meaning "on" or "upon," which can indicate placement on the surface rather than inside. This detail highlights the public, outward nature of the mark.
  • The list "small and great, rich and poor, free and bond" uses the Greek words μικρός (mikros), μέγας (megas), πλούσιος (plousios), πτωχός (ptōchos), ἐλεύθερος (eleutheros), and δοῦλος (doulos), emphasizing that no group is exempt from this requirement.

Why Revelation 13:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the mark is not limited to a specific group but is intended for all people, regardless of status or background, showing the totalizing power of the beast.
  • The public placement of the mark—on the hand or forehead—suggests a visible sign of allegiance or control, not something hidden or merely symbolic.
  • Understanding this verse helps frame the rest of Revelation 13, where the mark becomes a key issue for buying, selling, and participating in daily life, highlighting the pressure to conform.

Where else these words appear

“foreheads” Greek G3359 · used in 8 verses

  • Revelation 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
  • Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.
  • Revelation 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

“mark” Greek G5480 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
  • Revelation 14:9 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,
  • Revelation 16:2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

“free” Greek G1658 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 17:26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
  • Galatians 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

“rich” Greek G4145 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
  • 1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;