Revelation 13: The Unholy Trinity and the Mark of the Beast
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
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:
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Revelation 13 unveils a chilling portrait of the end times, introducing key players in the drama of the tribulation. This chapter completes the description of an unholy trinity begun in Revelation 12:3, composed of the dragon (Satan), the beast from the sea (the Antichrist), and the beast from the earth (the False Prophet). Understanding this chapter is crucial for discerning the spiritual forces at work as we approach the last days. This chapter contains four of the most iconic concepts contained in Revelation: the two "beasts" often referred to as the Antichrist and the False Prophet, the mark of the beast, and the number 666.
The Beast from the Sea: The Antichrist
Revelation 13:1-10 introduces the first beast, rising from the sea. The sea, in biblical symbolism, often represents the Gentile nations. Therefore, the Antichrist's emergence from the sea suggests he will be a Gentile ruler. This beast is described with a composite of features from Daniel's visions (Daniel 7:1-8), possessing ten horns (representing a ten-nation confederacy) and blasphemous names on its heads. This figure will blaspheme the names of God.
The Antichrist is depicted as a predator, combining the characteristics of a leopard, a bear, and a lion (Revelation 13:2). History has witnessed individuals who sought to exterminate people en masse such as Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, and Mao. Similarly, the Antichrist will relentlessly pursue the destruction of Israel. This is a human monster whose authority comes directly from Satan. The dragon empowers this beast, granting him immense power and authority to rule over the earth. This includes persecuting and murdering Christians, openly blaspheming God, and demanding cult-like worship from the world (Revelation 13:1-10).
A pivotal moment will occur when the Antichrist appears to suffer a fatal wound that is miraculously healed (Revelation 13:3-4). This event will astound the world and lead many to follow him, directing worship towards the devil. Mass worship of the devil may seem bizarre, but it is not so absurd in a culture that has dismissed God. The Antichrist will seize upon the spiritual vacuum and inspire widespread worship of himself and of Satan.
During the latter half of the tribulation, the Antichrist's authority will be significant. He will be permitted to utter boasts and blasphemies against God for three and a half years (Revelation 13:5). He will also blaspheme the Lord’s dwelling in heaven and those who dwell in heaven (Revelation 13:6). The Antichrist will have authority to wage war against followers of Jesus living on earth and to conquer them (Revelation 13:7). This evil power will touch every tribe, people, language, and nation—a familiar refrain by this point in Revelation.
Only true believers, those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, will refuse to worship the Antichrist (Revelation 13:8). This verse implies that God the Father reckoned the death of Jesus to humans as righteousness before the foundation of the world. Christ’s death occurred at a specific point in history some two thousand years ago, but for God all moments are the present. Thus, even before creating the universe, he counted Christ’s death as atoning for the sin each person inherits from Adam (cf. Romans 5:18).
The tribulation will be a rough period for followers of Jesus. All who refuse to worship the beast will be under a sentence of captivity and death, though not everyone who follows Jesus will die. The heightened cost of discipleship at that time will make it much less desirable to be saved then than it is now. Extreme persecution calls for endurance and faithfulness from the saints (Revelation 13:10).
The Beast from the Earth: The False Prophet
Revelation 13:11 introduces the second beast, rising from the earth. The earth is a reference to the promised land. Thus, the beast coming up out of the earth will be Jewish. He will have a gentle side like a lamb but will speak the very words of Satan like a dragon. Often referred to as the False Prophet, this figure emerges from the land, which some interpret as Israel. His role is primarily spiritual and religious, and he is supernaturally empowered by the Devil, performing false miracles and leading people to worship the first beast (Revelation 13:11-15).
This second beast, the false prophet, completes the unholy trinity, which imitates the work of the Holy Trinity. Within the Godhead, the Father seeks worship; the Son gives glory to the Father; and the Holy Spirit gives glory to the Son. Here, Satan seeks worship for himself; the first beast glorifies Satan; and the second beast glorifies the first. Specifically, this second beast compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast. Additionally, he will heal the Antichrist’s fatal wound, imitating the Holy Spirit’s work of raising Christ from the dead (see Romans 8:11).
The False Prophet will perform great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in front of people (Revelation 13:13). Many will be deceived because of the signs, the apex of which will be the Antichrist’s resurrection (Revelation 13:14). The false prophet also will animate a previously inanimate image of the Antichrist so that the image of the beast [will] both speak and cause whoever [will] not worship the image to be killed (Revelation 13:15). Many people will assume a person doing such miracles is divine, but Scripture teaches otherwise. Just because someone can work a miracle doesn’t make him worthy of following. God does miracles in a righteous way and in support of biblical truth. But even if someone can call down fire and raise the dead, he is an instrument of Satan if he does not also point people to Jesus.
The Mark of the Beast: 666
The False Prophet also implements a worldwide identification: the mark of the beast. Earlier passages referred to God placing a "seal" on His people. This used the Greek root wordsphragis, which is a signet or signature expressing value and protection. The "mark" of Satan, however, is described using the wordcharagma, which is what livestock owners use to mark their animals: a brand. Later statements in Revelation make it clear the mark of the beast is not something taken by accident—those who accept this mark do so knowing that it means worshipping the beast and rejecting God. Those who refuse to take this mark—such as Christians—will be unable to buy or sell anything, and many will be executed. This mark is connected, in some unknown way, to the figure 666 (Revelation 13:16–18).
Another role of the false prophet will be to force everyone on earth to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead to signify allegiance to the Antichrist (Revelation 13:16). Without this mark, a person will not be permitted to engage in commerce of any kind (Revelation 13:17). Such a mark may take the form of a chip embedded under the skin. The mark will contain the number of the Antichrist, which is 666 (Revelation 13:18). Six is the number of man; it contrasts with seven, which is the number of God. The numeral six is repeated three times, once each for Satan, the Antichrist, and the false prophet. Only by the grace of God will those without this mark be able to function in a world under their influence. Note that the centralized, governmental control of trade is the economics of the Antichrist (Revelation 13:17).
This chapter serves as a stark warning and a call to vigilance. It reminds us to remain steadfast in our faith, to discern the spirits, and to trust in God's ultimate victory over evil. While the events described in Revelation 13 are frightening, they also serve to highlight the importance of choosing God over the allure of worldly power and deception.
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
If any man have an ear, let him hear.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
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:
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Revelation 13 unveils a chilling portrait of the end times, introducing key players in the drama of the tribulation. This chapter completes the description of an unholy trinity begun in Revelation 12:3, composed of the dragon (Satan), the beast from the sea (the Antichrist), and the beast from the earth (the False Prophet). Understanding this chapter is crucial for discerning the spiritual forces at work as we approach the last days. This chapter contains four of the most iconic concepts contained in Revelation: the two "beasts" often referred to as the Antichrist and the False Prophet, the mark of the beast, and the number 666.
The Beast from the Sea: The Antichrist
Revelation 13:1-10 introduces the first beast, rising from the sea. The sea, in biblical symbolism, often represents the Gentile nations. Therefore, the Antichrist's emergence from the sea suggests he will be a Gentile ruler. This beast is described with a composite of features from Daniel's visions (Daniel 7:1-8), possessing ten horns (representing a ten-nation confederacy) and blasphemous names on its heads. This figure will blaspheme the names of God.
The Antichrist is depicted as a predator, combining the characteristics of a leopard, a bear, and a lion (Revelation 13:2). History has witnessed individuals who sought to exterminate people en masse such as Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, and Mao. Similarly, the Antichrist will relentlessly pursue the destruction of Israel. This is a human monster whose authority comes directly from Satan. The dragon empowers this beast, granting him immense power and authority to rule over the earth. This includes persecuting and murdering Christians, openly blaspheming God, and demanding cult-like worship from the world (Revelation 13:1-10).
A pivotal moment will occur when the Antichrist appears to suffer a fatal wound that is miraculously healed (Revelation 13:3-4). This event will astound the world and lead many to follow him, directing worship towards the devil. Mass worship of the devil may seem bizarre, but it is not so absurd in a culture that has dismissed God. The Antichrist will seize upon the spiritual vacuum and inspire widespread worship of himself and of Satan.
During the latter half of the tribulation, the Antichrist's authority will be significant. He will be permitted to utter boasts and blasphemies against God for three and a half years (Revelation 13:5). He will also blaspheme the Lord’s dwelling in heaven and those who dwell in heaven (Revelation 13:6). The Antichrist will have authority to wage war against followers of Jesus living on earth and to conquer them (Revelation 13:7). This evil power will touch every tribe, people, language, and nation—a familiar refrain by this point in Revelation.
Only true believers, those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, will refuse to worship the Antichrist (Revelation 13:8). This verse implies that God the Father reckoned the death of Jesus to humans as righteousness before the foundation of the world. Christ’s death occurred at a specific point in history some two thousand years ago, but for God all moments are the present. Thus, even before creating the universe, he counted Christ’s death as atoning for the sin each person inherits from Adam (cf. Romans 5:18).
The tribulation will be a rough period for followers of Jesus. All who refuse to worship the beast will be under a sentence of captivity and death, though not everyone who follows Jesus will die. The heightened cost of discipleship at that time will make it much less desirable to be saved then than it is now. Extreme persecution calls for endurance and faithfulness from the saints (Revelation 13:10).
The Beast from the Earth: The False Prophet
Revelation 13:11 introduces the second beast, rising from the earth. The earth is a reference to the promised land. Thus, the beast coming up out of the earth will be Jewish. He will have a gentle side like a lamb but will speak the very words of Satan like a dragon. Often referred to as the False Prophet, this figure emerges from the land, which some interpret as Israel. His role is primarily spiritual and religious, and he is supernaturally empowered by the Devil, performing false miracles and leading people to worship the first beast (Revelation 13:11-15).
This second beast, the false prophet, completes the unholy trinity, which imitates the work of the Holy Trinity. Within the Godhead, the Father seeks worship; the Son gives glory to the Father; and the Holy Spirit gives glory to the Son. Here, Satan seeks worship for himself; the first beast glorifies Satan; and the second beast glorifies the first. Specifically, this second beast compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast. Additionally, he will heal the Antichrist’s fatal wound, imitating the Holy Spirit’s work of raising Christ from the dead (see Romans 8:11).
The False Prophet will perform great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in front of people (Revelation 13:13). Many will be deceived because of the signs, the apex of which will be the Antichrist’s resurrection (Revelation 13:14). The false prophet also will animate a previously inanimate image of the Antichrist so that the image of the beast [will] both speak and cause whoever [will] not worship the image to be killed (Revelation 13:15). Many people will assume a person doing such miracles is divine, but Scripture teaches otherwise. Just because someone can work a miracle doesn’t make him worthy of following. God does miracles in a righteous way and in support of biblical truth. But even if someone can call down fire and raise the dead, he is an instrument of Satan if he does not also point people to Jesus.
The Mark of the Beast: 666
The False Prophet also implements a worldwide identification: the mark of the beast. Earlier passages referred to God placing a "seal" on His people. This used the Greek root wordsphragis, which is a signet or signature expressing value and protection. The "mark" of Satan, however, is described using the wordcharagma, which is what livestock owners use to mark their animals: a brand. Later statements in Revelation make it clear the mark of the beast is not something taken by accident—those who accept this mark do so knowing that it means worshipping the beast and rejecting God. Those who refuse to take this mark—such as Christians—will be unable to buy or sell anything, and many will be executed. This mark is connected, in some unknown way, to the figure 666 (Revelation 13:16–18).
Another role of the false prophet will be to force everyone on earth to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead to signify allegiance to the Antichrist (Revelation 13:16). Without this mark, a person will not be permitted to engage in commerce of any kind (Revelation 13:17). Such a mark may take the form of a chip embedded under the skin. The mark will contain the number of the Antichrist, which is 666 (Revelation 13:18). Six is the number of man; it contrasts with seven, which is the number of God. The numeral six is repeated three times, once each for Satan, the Antichrist, and the false prophet. Only by the grace of God will those without this mark be able to function in a world under their influence. Note that the centralized, governmental control of trade is the economics of the Antichrist (Revelation 13:17).
This chapter serves as a stark warning and a call to vigilance. It reminds us to remain steadfast in our faith, to discern the spirits, and to trust in God's ultimate victory over evil. While the events described in Revelation 13 are frightening, they also serve to highlight the importance of choosing God over the allure of worldly power and deception.