What is the “mark of the beast” (vv. 16–17)? There have been many colorful speculations. Credit cards and Social Security numbers have been suggested. As science has advanced, more sophisticated technologies have been put forward as candidates, including bar codes, implanted microchips, smartphones, bitcoin, and more recently, artificial intelligence.

Whatever it turns out to be, the “mark of the beast” is the work of a second beast “from the earth” who functions as a false prophet or religious leader in tandem with yesterday’s beast, who is more of a political leader. Both are satanically empowered and oppose God. The two beasts and the dragon form an unholy false trinity.

This beast is a deceiver (vv. 11–15; compare the “Man of Lawlessness” in 2 Thess. 2:9–11). It looks like a lamb but speaks like a dragon. It performs signs such as fire from heaven that lead people to worship the first beast and the dragon. It sets up an idolatrous image for this purpose and makes it appear that the image can speak.

This beast also implements the “mark” system for buying and selling (vv. 16–18). This seems to be a counterfeit contrast to God’s sealing of the 144,000 in Revelation 7. Its placement on people’s right hands and foreheads is also the opposite of Deuteronomy 6:8, which calls for God’s people to place His Word on their right hands and foreheads. In either direction, this is a symbol of faith and commitment. Anyone who does not have the beast’s mark is excluded from economic activity and would thus struggle to meet basic needs such as food and housing. The “number of the beast” is 666, that is, “humanity’s number” (NIV note), likely symbolizing imperfection or failure. The proper Christian response is wisdom or discernment (v. 18).

Donate to Today in the Word: https://give.todayintheword.org/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.