Revelation 13:16
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:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιεῖ
he causeth
G4160
ποιεῖ
he causeth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
2 of 35
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μικροὺς
both small
G3398
μικροὺς
both small
Strong's:
G3398
Word #:
5 of 35
small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεγάλους
great
G3173
μεγάλους
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
8 of 35
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχούς
poor
G4434
πτωχούς
poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
14 of 35
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλευθέρους
free
G1658
ἐλευθέρους
free
Strong's:
G1658
Word #:
17 of 35
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλους
bond
G1401
δούλους
bond
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
20 of 35
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
δώσῃ
receive
G1325
δώσῃ
receive
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
22 of 35
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
23 of 35
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
χάραγμα
a mark
G5480
χάραγμα
a mark
Strong's:
G5480
Word #:
24 of 35
a scratch or etching, i.e., stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
25 of 35
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρὸς
G5495
χειρὸς
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
27 of 35
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
28 of 35
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
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεξιᾶς
their right hand
G1188
δεξιᾶς
their right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
30 of 35
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
32 of 35
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
33 of 35
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 20:4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.Revelation 7:3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.Revelation 19:20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.Revelation 19:18That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.Revelation 19:5And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.Exodus 13:9And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.Deuteronomy 6:8And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.Deuteronomy 11:18Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.Ezekiel 9:4And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.Revelation 20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 13:16 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.