Bible is a scriptural book filled with knowledge and mysteries such as the mark of the beast. It is a mystery because many people are yet to unveil what it truly means.
The mark of the beast was introduced in the bible in the book of revelation. John, who was among Jesus’ apostles had visions from Jesus Christ to show the world what is to come.
According to Revelation 13, the mark of the beast would be given to the people who follow and worship the beast.
In the vision, a beast with ten horns and seven heads emerged from the sea. On each horn lies a crown, and on each head bears a name that is insulting to God.
The dragon in Revelation 12 gave the beast power, throne, and authority. It amazed the people that the wound on the beast’s head healed, and they followed him.
The beast was allowed to have the authority to insult God for 42 months. According to the current calendar used, 42 months is estimated to be three years and 6 six months.
It had authority over all tribes, nations, languages, and races. It would defeat all God’s people and cause everyone on earth to worship except people whose names were written in the book of life.
Another beast, which has two horns like a lamb, and spoke like a dragon, came out of the earth. It used the same authority as the first beast to force them to worship the first beast.
It performed miracles and told the people to build an image in honor of the first beast. He was allowed to breathe life into the image so that the image could talk. And put to death to all those who do not worship the beast.
It would affect everyone, the rich and poor, the great and small, the slave and free. There would be no exchange of goods and services for people without this mark 666, which is the beast’s name or the number it stands for.
The significance of the revelation
Every vision has its interpretation to understand what it means. John’s revelation is something that will occur at a later time, even though it’s over 2000 years after the vision.
People had their own opinion of the vision. While others think that this vision was similar to what Daniel saw, some people brought their explanation.
According to Daniel 7:1-14, Daniel had his vision. But this time, they were four beasts.
The fourth beast can be related to the one in revelation 13 as it also has seven heads and ten horns. But according to Daniel, another horn came afterward and caused the fall of three horns.
Then he required the interpretation of the vision in Daniel 7:19-22, which was given in verses 23-25. According to the Good news bible version, it said,
“The fourth beast is a fourth empire that will be on the earth and will be different from all other empires. It will crush the whole earth, and trample it down.
The ten horns are ten kings who will rule that empire. Then another king will appear; he will be very different from the earlier ones and overthrow three kings.
He will speak against the Supreme God and oppress God’s people. He will try to change their laws and festivals, and God’s people will be under his power for three and a half years”.
Others held on the opinion that the first beast means Antichrist. And the second beast that has the horns of a lamb with a dragon voice is a false prophet.
The false prophet will perform miracles and make people worship the Antichrist. And those worshippers will be given the mark of the beast.
What does the mark of the beast stand for?
The mystery behind the true meaning of 666 has been a hard nut to crack. In Revelation 13:18, the meaning of the mark can only be known by intelligent people who can work out the puzzle.
According to John, the number 666 stands for a human name. This method is called gematria in Hebrew and isopsephia in Greek.
Most ancient languages employed this method, making use of the alphabetic letters for the numerical system. The number and what it means were known by all.
This method was in use to hide the identity of the person in question. For example, 888 used by the apocalyptic sibylline oracles means Lesous.
Lesous is a Greek letter for Jesus. John’s puzzle could have been solved if he had given a clue of the mystical nature of the beast.
Other people think that the numerical symbol may mean what the beast and its followers stand for (rebels against God and his people). They also said that the number 666 is the number of men.
Since the number 7 is known as the number of perfection, number 6 is less than number 7, which shows people who fall short of perfection.
Therefore, 666 could represent the imperfections of man and the unholy trinity; dragon, Antichrist, and false prophets.
Bible Verses about the Mark of the Beast
- Revelation 13:16-17
- Revelation 14:9-10
- Revelation 7:2
- Revelation 13:16
- Revelation 13:17
- Revelation 13:7-10
- Revelation 16:2
- Revelation 19:20
- Revelation 20:4
- Revelation 13:17
Conclusion
The vision was to prepare the people for the worst. John may have put it in an enigmatic nature, but the primary purpose of the revelation is for the people not to consent to the sinfulness of humanity, rather than trying to unravel the puzzle.