By Mike Exton 

What exactly is the Mark of the Beast? And does this mark have anything to do with the Name of the Beast & the number 666? Or, is the Mark of the Beast something totally different & separate from the Name of the Beast and the number 666? And what exactly is the Name of the Beast anyway? Is it an individual, a nation or group of nations, or a church? And what about this mark—is it a literal, physical mark? Or does it instead have a figurative, symbolic meaning?

Let’s start off in our quest to answer these questions by first turning to Revelation 13:16-17.  “He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name” (NLT).

Besides what is stated in Revelation 13:16-17 there are six other Scriptures that discuss the Mark of the Beast and ALL six of these Scriptures use the words mark & name interchangeably! In other words they are synonymous with each other! They mean exactly the same! Having the Mark of the Beast on you is the same as having the Name of the Beast on you (or the number that represents his name—666).

NUMBER OF THE BEAST

Revelation 13:18— “…the numerical values of the letters in his name add to 666” (LB).

666 is just the numerical sum value of the Name of the Beast! 

For example, take the name “Vix.”

Using Roman Numerals: V = 5 I = 1 X = 10 

Then if we add up the numerical value of each letter of his name we get 16. Therefore, Vix couldn’t possibly be the Beast because his name only adds up to 16, while the name of the beast will add up to 666. 

Holy Roman Empire or LEADER of the Holy Roman Empire?

So what is this Beast? Does it represent the “Holy” Roman Empire as some teach OR does it represent the end-time LEADER of this revived system?

The Beast is symbolic of BOTH! Both the empire and its leader! But first and foremost it stands for its LEADER. To prove that it stands for the end-time political leader of this soon-coming system let’s turn to:

Revelation 19:20—Then the BEAST was captured, and with him the false prophet…. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone” (NKJ).

This Scripture clearly shows that the beast represents an end-time individual, for both he and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire! 

Literal, Physical Mark OR Figurative, Symbolic Meaning?

But what exactly is the Mark of the Beast, the mark of this end-time political leader? Will it be a physical, literal mark OR is this mark just a metaphor, having some kind of hidden, mystical meaning?

The mark of the beast will definitely be a literal physical mark! In Revelation 13:16-17 the Jerusalem Bible (as well as the New English Bible) both state that the mark of the beast will be “branded” on human beings, while the Living Bible declares that the mark of the beast will be “tattooed” on humans—clearly showing that the mark will be a literal physical mark that others will easily be able to see!

Receiving Mark = Outward Acceptance of Satan & His System

If you read the book of Revelation very carefully (especially chapter 14) you will see that anyone who WILLINGLY receives the mark of the beast will be punished by God. 

God most certainly will NOT punish someone who has this mark PHYSICALLY FORCED upon them, nor will He punish someone who UNKNOWINGLY receives this mark (as some conspiracy theorists teach)! The person has to knowingly, willingly accept the mark.

Anyone who willingly and knowingly allows the mark of the beast to be placed on his or her body (either on their right hand or on their forehead) will be going directly against God! They will be obeying Satan instead. They will in essence be pledging their allegiance and their loyalty to Satan the devil! And those who do so will be severely punished by God! And they will be without excuse. For not only will there be two witnesses (or prophets) who tell them not to worship the beast or receive his mark, but an angel from heaven will also command the inhabitants of the world not to do so (Revelation 14:9)! 

WHO is the Beast?

So, WHO is this Beast? Who will this end-time political leader be? Whoever he is, one thing we know for sure, the letters of his name will add up to 666! But can anyone think of a better name than ROMAN?

First of all, “Roman” in the Greek language (“Lateinos”) does indeed add up to 666! 

Secondly, if his name were “Roman,” it would be similar to the false trinity doctrine. It would represent three things in one. Not only would it be the name of this end-time political leader but it also would represent the Roman Empire as well as the Roman (Catholic) Church.

For more information concerning the mark of the beast, please read “Revelation Comes Alive” and “The Antichrist & The Final 7 Years.” Both books are available for FREE at www.TheBibleComesAlive.com