The Mark of the Beast (Part 1 – Where is it Placed?)

If you’re a teacher of, or student of the Bible, no doubt you’re aware of ‘the mark of the beast’. The mark is found in Revelation 13:14-17; specifically v16: 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.

Are there are only two choices for the placement of the mark; the right hand or forehead as this passage indicates? Let’s look at some additional scriptures regarding the mark; its purpose and placement.

Everyone still living on the face of the earth at the midpoint of a 7-year period of time known as the tribulation will be required to receive a special mark. Those who refuse will face the threats of poverty, hunger, violence and even death.

Revelation 13:17 states…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. It would seem that the mark of the beast will incorporate the number of his name, 666; signaling a symbiotic allegiance to the beast. The ultimate purpose is that the beast (antichrist who is possessed by the devil) must be worshiped. Revelation 13:15 states …cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

What caught my attention some years ago was the part about the mark being in the right hand or forehead. I was most curious about the right hand.

Everyone has a forehead, but not everyone has a right hand. Does that mean that those who don’t have a right hand must get the mark on their forehead or could they get it on their left hand? Studies suggest that approximately 10% of people are left handed. Ambidexterity refers to having equal ability in both hands. Those who are adept at using both hands still tend to favor their originally dominant hand.

Digging Deeper

What does the Greek and Hebrew texts say about the mark and the right hand?

The word ‘mark’ in Revelation 13:16 is charagma (Gr). Strong’s Concordance reference #5480. It means a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude).

Revelation 14:9 and Revelation 20:4 mentions the ‘mark’, but only in regards to the forehead and hand. It does not distinguish which hand, right or left.

In Revelation 13:16, the word ‘right’ is: dexious (Gr).  Strong’s Concordance reference #1188. It means ‘the right side or (fem.) hand (as that which usually takes).’ A left hander usually takes with their left hand.

‘Right’ appears numerous other times in the New Testament using the same Greek word: dexious.

Matthew 5:30 states, And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off. So what happens if ones left hand causes sin? The spirit of this verse is not that we should maim our bodies, but that we should be severe in cutting off sin.

Luke 22:69 states, Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God. Is only God’s right hand more powerful than His left? Certainly not, God is all powerful.

The book of Psalms is replete with references to ‘God’s right hand’. The Hebrew word is ‘yamiyn’. Strong’s Concordance reference #3225 states this. ‘The right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south. — + left-handed, right (hand, side). South’

Old Testament

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, And Your glory above all the earth; That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and hear me. Psalm 108:5,6

There’s another usage of ‘yamiyn’ with the Strong’s reference #3231 which is linked to #3225. Let’s look as some of those.

Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left. Genesis 13:9

Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still a fugitive from Saul the son of Kish; and they were among the mighty men, helpers in the war, 2 armed with bows, using both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows with the bow. 1 Chronicles 12:2

“Swords at the ready! Thrust right! Set your blade! Thrust left— Wherever your edge is ordered! Ezekiel 21:16

Conclusion

It’s certainly not wrong to use the words ‘right hand’ when discussing the mark of the beast. After all, Revelation 13:6 says exactly that. However, in the eight mentions of ‘mark’ in the book of revelation, only once does it use the words right hand.

We’ve seen by studying the Hebrew and Greek texts that the use of the word ‘right hand’ in these scriptures is a statement primarily regarding God’s power or man’s dominant hand. I believe the mark could be placed in either the right hand, left hand or forehead.

An unbeliever who enters the tribulation should not think they are safe if they happen to get the mark in their left hand. People will willingly receive the mark because they have been deceived. Note: we are NOT presently in the tribulation.

Here’s the good news: The mark of the beast is of no concern for followers of Jesus. God has promised to save, or keep us from the tribulation, also known as wrath or the hour of trial. Romans 5:9 states, …having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Revelation 3:10 states, Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Why is understanding ‘forehead/right hand’ important?

1. For our learning. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts:17:11 Now it’s up to you be a Berean.
2. Warn nonbelievers, so that they might be saved. Him (Christ) we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Colossians 1:28 If people see the horrors that will come with taking or even not taking the ‘mark of the beast’, they may turn to Jesus before the rapture occurs and therefore not enter the tribulation.
3. For those who have entered the tribulation. We have not been taken by aliens If millions of people have suddenly vanished from every corner of the earth. Please know that Jesus has taken us to heaven in the Biblical event known as the rapture.

Note: All art generated by Ai.

What to expect if you’re in the tribulation

If you have entered, you will soon experience the most cataclysmic period in human history. It will last only seven short years. However, those years will be so dramatic and freakish that it will probably seem like an eternity to virtually everyone remaining on earth.

You will be required to take a mark on your hand or forehead. It’s not clear at this time what the mark will be. However, this will not be thrust upon you unwittingly, for in so doing you will pledge loyalty to the antichrist. Do not allow that to happen! In rejecting the mark, you will suffer, possibly be killed, but if you turn to Jesus during that time, you will live forever with Him.

I pray that you decide to follow Jesus during this time. Things will be very difficult. If you endure till the end (not turn away from Him), you will one day join the other followers of Christ and live for eternity free from pain or sorrow. You will reign with Christ.

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:3

Don’t wait. Receive Jesus today.

Romans 3:23 …all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Romans 10:9 says this…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.