The mark of the beast is a future form of identification or allegiance required by the Antichrist during the tribulation period. It is described in Revelation 13:16–17:
“He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
This mark is not symbolic. It is a literal, visible mark that enables economic participation and publicly identifies a person’s loyalty to the beast. Revelation 14:9–10 warns:
“If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark… he shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God.”
Receiving the mark is an act of rebellion against God and allegiance to Satan’s kingdom. Those who take it willfully reject Christ and will face eternal judgment.
The number associated with the beast is 666:
“Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.” (Revelation 13:18)
The exact form the mark will take is not fully revealed, but it will be obvious and necessary for commerce. It may involve digital or biometric technology, but the real issue is spiritual allegiance.
True believers will refuse the mark, even under threat of death. Revelation 20:4 says:
“Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus… and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands.”
The mark of the beast is not something believers today need to fear taking unknowingly. It will be implemented during the tribulation and tied directly to the worship of the beast.
