MARK OF THE BEAST pt.2 | ourforgiveness

Beloved of the Lord;

Thus, it is written: “And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee: and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy Merchants-ἔμποροί (emporoi)-a trader, (a (wholesale) tradesman, dealer:—merchant) were the great men of the earth: for by-ἐν (en)-in) thy sorceries-φαρμακείᾳ (pharmakeia)-enchantment with drugs, (i.e. the use or the administering of drugs:—medication ("pharmacy"); (by extension:— magic) were all-πάντα (panta)-all, every, the whole) nations-ἔθνη (ethen)-nation, people) deceived-ἐπλανήθησαν (eplanethesan)-to lead astray, to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue):—go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.).” -(Revelation 18:23)

1. The Mark part. 2

Pharmakeia

Bibles:

Authorized Version 1611 [Punctuation, Capitalization, & Italics]

&

King James Bible 1769 [Spelling]

Concordance / Lexicon:

Analytical Concordance to the Bible: Robert Young, 1880.
The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon.
Friberg Analytical Greek Lexicon
Gingrich, Greek New Testament Lexicon
Danker, Greek New Testament Lexicon

Greek Text:

Stephanus 1550 & Beza's 1598 & Scrivener's 1894 Textus Receptus.

Key:

G#### : Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Number:— used when comparing Greek words that share the same root word, but not the same inflection / parsing.

Brackets w/ Parenthesis [(abc)] : My commentary insert/input.

Commentaries:

StudyLight.org: SL (click)
BibleHub.com: BH (click)

Greek Interlinear:

scripture4all.org

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"REVELATION 13:16"

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The verse in question:

Scrivener's Textus Receptus 1894

16 καὶ ποιεῖ πάντας, τοὺς μικροὺς καὶ τοὺς μεγάλους, καὶ τοὺς πλουσίους καὶ τοὺς πτωχούς, καὶ τοὺς ἐλευθέρους καὶ τοὺς δούλους, ἵνα δώσῃ αὐτοῖς χάραγμα ἐπὶ τῆς χειρὸς αὐτῶν τῆς δεξιᾶς, ἢ ἐπὶ τῶν μέτωπων αὐτῶν, 17 καὶ ἵνα μή τις δύνηται ἀγοράσαι ἢ πωλῆσαι, εἰ μὴ ὁ ἔχων τὸ χάραγμα, ἤ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου ἢ τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ.

Revelation 13:15-17

15 “And he had power to give //life (Gr. breath) 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. 16 And-καί (kai)-and, also) he causeth-ποιεῖ (poiei)-to do, make, (to cause one to)) all-πάντας (pantas)-all, every, the whole), *both small-μικροὺς (mikrous)-little, small, short, (apparently a primary word; small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity):—least, less, little, small) and-καὶ (kai)-and, also) great-μεγάλους (megalous)-great, (big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application):—great(-est), mighty, strong)) *rich-πλουσίους (plousious)-rich, (properly: wealthy; figuratively, abounding with:—rich) and *poor-πτωχούς (ptochous)-trembling, poor, (i.e. poor, needy)), *free-ἐλευθέρους (eleutherous)-free, at liberty, (i.e. one who is not a slave) and *bond-δούλους (doulous)-slave, servant, (i.e. bondman, man of servile condition), //to-ἵνα (hina)-so that, in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)) receive-δώσῃ (dose)-to give) (Gr. to give) *a mark-χάραγμα (charagma)-impressed mark, engraving) in-ἐπὶ (epi)-on, upon) their *right-δεξιᾶς (dexias)-right (hand, foot, or side), the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes):—right (hand, side):—the right)) *hand-χειρὸς (cheiros)-lit. hand), or-ἢ (e)-or, either) in-ἐπὶ (epi)-on, upon) their *foreheads-μέτωπων (metopon)-forehead, between the eyes): 17 And-καὶ (kai)-and, also) that-ἵνα (hina)-in order that, so that) no-μή (me)-no, not) man-τις (tis)-some one, a certain one) might-δύνηται (dunetai)-to be able or possible) *buy-ἀγοράσαι (agorasai)-to use the market place, (properly: to go to market, i.e. (by implication: to purchase)) or-ἢ (e)-or, either) *sell-πωλῆσαι (polesai)-to barter, (i.e. to sell)), save he-εἰ μὴ (ei me)-if not, except) that had-ἔχων (echon)-to have) the mark-χάραγμα (charagma)-impressed mark, engraving), or-ἢ (e)-or, either) the name of the beast, or the number-ἀριθμὸν (arithmon)-a number (as reckoned up):—number) of his name.”

Example of Greek word:

*μικροὺς (mikrous)-both small click: Revelation 20:12 -(small)
*πλουσίους (plousious)-rich click: Luke 14:12 // Luke 21:1
*πτωχούς (ptochous)-poor click: Mat 26:11 // Luke 14:13
*G1658: (ἐλευθέρους-free) click: Galatians 4:22 (ἐλευθέρας-freewoman)
*δούλους (doulous)-bond click: Tit 2:9-(servants) Luk 15:22-(servants)
*χάραγμα (charagma)-a mark click: Rev 14:9, 11 // Rev 16:2 // Rev 19:20 // Rev 20:4
*δεξιᾶς (dexias)-right click: Ac 3:7-(by the right) // Re 1:20-(right hand) // Re 5:7-(the right hand)
*χειρὸς (cheiros)-hand click: Act 28:3 // Mat 8:15 // Mat 9:25 // Act 23:19
*μέτωπων (metopon)-foreheads click: Rev 7:3 // Rev 9:4 // Rev 14:1 // Rev 22:4
*ἀγοράσαι (agorasai)-buy click: Mat 25:10-(to buy) // Rev 3:18-(to buy)
*G4453: (πωλῆσαι-sell) click: John 2:14 (πωλοῦντας-that sold)

Greek Interlinear:

he causeth-ποιεῖ: Verb, Present, Active, Indicative, 3rd Person, Singular: And ["it-is-makING"//"it-is-do-causing"] all, both small and great rich and poor, free and bond, to
receive-δώσῃ: Verb, Aorist, Active, Subjunctive, 3rd Person, Singular: ["it-SHOULD BE-GIVING"] a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man
might-δύνηται: Verb, Present, Middle or Passive Deponent, Subjunctive, 3rd Person, Singular: ["MAY-BE-ABLE"//"may-be-being-able"]
buy-ἀγοράσαι: Verb, Aorist, Active, Infinitive: ["TO-BUY"] or
sell-πωλῆσαι: Verb, Aorist, Active, Infinitive: ["TO-SELL"], save he that
had-ἔχων: Verb, Present, Active, Participle, Nominative, Singular, Masculine: ["one-HAVING"] the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Punctuation Comparison:

1611 AV

16 And he causeth all, both smal and great rich and poore, free and bond, to receiue a marke in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, saue he that had the marke, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

1769 KJV

16 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: 17 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.

Q&A

Question #1

(A) Does the word (hand) of Revelation 13:16

include the whole arm?

Overview:

(A1) Revelation 13:16-17

16 “And he causeth all, both small and great rich and poor, free and bond, //to receive (Gr. to give) a mark in their right G5495-hand-χειρὸς (cheiros), or in their foreheads: 17 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.”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(A2) Note: The Strong's Number: (G5495) can be found 179 times, and it is inflected in eight (8) different ways. The inflection used in Revelation 13:16 for the Greek word: (χειρὸς (cheiros)) is:

(Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine).

(A3) Note: Definition of the Genitive case:

The Genitive case: The Genitive-case refers to the case used for a Noun, Pronoun, or Adjective to show ownership.

E.g. “... and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.”

OR,

“... and ["OF-Him"-Pronoun, Genitive] disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.”

(A4) Note: There are twenty-five (25) other verses with the same Greek word: (χειρὸς (cheiros)-hand) as used in Revelation 13:16. Below are some examples. But first, lets define the Strong's Number: G5495.

(A5) Definitions for the Strong's Number: G5495

(A6) Note: Below are some definitions

for the Strong's Number: (G5495)

(A7) Analytical Concordance to the Bible: Robert Young, 1880:

a. Hand (and arm)

(A8) The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:

perhaps from the base of G5494 in the sense of its congener the base of G5490 (through the idea of hollowness for grasping); the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or instrument):—hand.

(A9) Louw-Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the NT:

χείρ, χειρός f: a hand or any relevant portion of the hand, including, for example, the fingers - 'hand, finger.'

(A10) Friberg, Analytical Greek Lexicon:

hand; (1) literally; (a) as a member of the body used for movement and action; generally hand (JN 11.44; probably MT 12.10); occasionally arm (LU 4.11; perhaps MT 12.10), finger (LU 15.22); or by synecdoche person (AC 17.25); (b) by metonymy, as the physical effect of using the hand handwriting (1C 16.21); (2) figuratively, as the expression of the activity of a supernatural or human being control, power; (a) of God's agency as creator (AC 7.50), ruler (AC 4.28), helper (LU 1.66 ), judge (AC 13.11); (b) of angelic agency (AC 7.35); (c) of human agency (AC 2.23)

(A11) Gingrich Lexicon:

hand—1. lit. Mt 22:13; Mk 3:1; Lk 24:39; J 20:25; Ac 19:26; 21:11; 1 Cor 4:12; Rv 9:20; 20:1. Hand-writing 1 Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11; Col 4:18; 2 Th 3:17; Phlm 19. Equivalent to activity Mk 6:2; Ac 2:23; 19:11; Gal 3:19. Finger Lk 15:22. Perh. arm Mt 4:6; Lk 4:11, —2. fig.—a. the hand of God, Christ, or an angel Lk 1:66; J 3:35; 10:28f; 13:3; Ac 7:35, 50; 13:11; Hb 1:10; 10:31.—b. hostile power Mt 17:22; 26:45; Lk 24:7; J 10:39; Ac 12:11; 21:11b; 2 Cor 11:33. [chiropractic] [pg 216]

(A12) Danker, Greek NT Lexicon:

1. ‘the body part with fingers’, hand – a. w. focus on anatomical element. b. w. focus on functioning aspect, its use in writing to emphasize authenticity or strong personal interest. 2. in imagery of the hand as agent for powerful activity hand – a. of God; of Christ; of an angel b. of a hostile entity

(A13) Summary.

(1.) The Strong's Number: (G5495) can be found for a total of 179 times, with eight (8) different inflections.

(2.) The inflection used for the Greek word: (χειρὸς (cheiros)-G5495)

of Revelation 13:16 is:

(Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine).

OR,

“...to receive a mark in their right G5495-hand-χειρὸς (cheiros), or in their foreheads:”

(3.) The Greek word: (χειρὸς (cheiros)) as used in Revelation 13:16 can be found for a total of twenty-five (25) times.

(4.) Definitions for the Strong's Number: (G5495) can be understood in a 'literal' [or] 'figurative' way.

(5.) In the next segment, I will provide examples of the Greek word:

G5495-χειρὸς (cheiros)

(Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

with the understanding of a 'literal/actual' hand.

(B) The

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Number: G5495 (χειρὸς)

with the inflection of:

(Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(B1) Note: Definition of the Genitive case.

The Genitive case: The Genitive-case refers to the case used for a Noun, Pronoun, or Adjective to show ownership.

E.g. “... his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.”

OR,

“... ["OF-Him"-Possessive Pronoun, Genitive case] disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.”

'In a Literal way'

(B2) Note: The following six (6) verses use the Greek word:

(G5495-χειρὸς-hand) in a 'literal' way.

(B3) Revelation 10:10 Example #1

10 “And I took the little book out of the Angel's G5495-hand-χειρὸς (cheiros), and ate it up, and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(B4) Note: Order of cases:

καὶ-[AND] ἔλαβον-[I-GOT] τὸ-[THE] βιβλαρίδιον-[tiny-scrollet] ἐκ-[OUT]

τῆς-[OF-THE—Genitive] χειρὸς-[HAND—Genitive] τοῦ-[OF-THE—Genitive] ἀγγέλου-[MESSENGER—Genitive]

(B5) Note: The Greek word: (χειρὸς-hand) should be understood as:

"the body part with fingers".

(B6) Matthew 8:15 Example #2

15 “And he touched her G5495-hand-χειρὸς (cheiros), and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(B7) Note: Order of cases:

καὶ["AND"] ἥψατο["He-TOUCHES"] τῆς["THE"—Genitive]

χειρὸς["HAND"—Genitive] αὐτῆς["OF-her"—Genitive]

(B8) Note: The Greek word: (χειρὸς-hand) should be understood as:

"the body part with fingers".

(B97) Acts 3:7 Example #3

7 “And he took him by the right G5495-hand-χειρὸς (cheiros), and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(B10) Note: Order of cases:

καὶ["AND"] πιάσας["seizing"] αὐτὸν["him"] τῆς["OF-THE"—Genitive] δεξιᾶς["RIGHT"—Genitive] χειρὸς["HAND"—Genitive]

(B11) Note: The Greek word: (χειρὸς-hand) should be understood as:

"the body part with fingers".

(B12) Acts 23:19 Example #4

19 “Then the chief captain took him by the G5495-hand-χειρὸς (cheiros), and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(B13) Mark 5:41 Example #5

41 “And he took the damsel by the G5495 hand-χειρὸς (cheiros), and said unto her, Talitha cumi, which is, being interpreted, Damsel, (I say unto thee) Arise.”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(B14) Mark 8:23 Example #6

23 “And he took the blind man by the G5495 hand-χειρὸς (cheiros), and led him out of the town, and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him, if he saw ought.”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(B15) Note: Order of cases:

καὶ["AND"] ἐπιλαβόμενος["getting-hold"] τῆς["OF-THE"—Genitive] χειρὸς["HAND"—Genitive] τοῦ["OF-THE"—Genitive] τυφλοῦ["BLIND"—Genitive]

(B16) Note: The Greek word: (χειρὸς-hand) should be understood as:

"the body part with fingers".

(B17) Summary.

(1.) The above six (6) verses use the Strong's Number: (G5495)

with the inflection of:

(Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(2.) The Genitive case simply denotes ownership/possession. A common translation of the Genitive case is the word: 'of'.

(3.) The above six (6) examples use the Greek word:

(χειρὸς-hand) in a 'literal' way: 'the body part with fingers'.

(4.) The context determines whether the Greek word:

(G5495-χειρὸς-hand) should be interpreted in a 'literal' [or] 'figurative' way.

(5.) In the next segment, I will provide examples of the same Greek word:

G5495-χειρὸς (cheiros)

(Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

with the understanding of a 'figurative/symbolic' hand.

(C) The

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Number: G5495 (χειρὸς)

with the inflection of:

(Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(C1) Note: Definition of the Genitive case.

The Genitive case: The Genitive-case refers to the case used for a Noun, Pronoun, or Adjective to show ownership.

E.g. “... his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.”

OR,

“... ["OF-Him"-Possessive Pronoun, Genitive case] disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.”

'In a Figurative way'

(C2) Note: The following five (5) verses use the Greek word:

(G5495-χειρὸς-hand) in a 'figurative' way.

(C3) Acts 12:11 Example #1

10 “And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his Angel, and hath delivered me out of G5495-the hand-χειρὸς (cheiros) of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(C4) Note: Order of cases:

καὶ["AND"] ἐξείλετο["extricated"] με["ME"] ἐκ["OUT"]

χειρὸς["OF-HAND"—Genitive] Ἡρῴδου["OF-HEROD"—Genitive]

(C5) Note: The Greek word: (χειρὸς-the hand) should be understood as:

"power of".

(C6) Luke 1:71 Example #2

70 “As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets, which have been since the world began: 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from G5495-the hand-χειρὸς (cheiros) of all that hate us,”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(C7) Note: Order of cases:

καὶ["AND"] ἐκ["OUT"] χειρὸς["OF-HAND"—Genitive] πάντων["OF-ALL"—Genitive] τῶν["THE"—Genitive] μισούντων["one-hating"—Genitive] ἡμᾶς["US"]

(C8) Note: The Greek word: (χειρὸς-the hand) should be understood as:

"power of".

(C9) John 10:28 Example #3

28 “And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my G5495-hand-χειρὸς (cheiros).”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(C10) Note: Order of cases:

ἐκ["OUT"] τῆς["OF-THE"] χειρὸς["HAND"—Genitive] μου["OF-ME"—Genitive]

(C11) Note: The Greek word: (χειρὸς-hand) should be understood as:

"attributed to God, symbolizing his might".

(C12) Acts 7:25 Example #4

25 “For he supposed his brethren would have understood, how that God by his G5495-hand-χειρὸς (cheiros) would deliver them, but they understood not.”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(C13) Note: Order of cases:

ὅτι["that"] ὁ["THE"] Θεὸς["God"] διὰ["through"] χειρὸς["HAND"—Genitive] αὐτοῦ["OF-him"—Genitive]

(C14) Note: The Greek word: (χειρὸς-hand) should be understood as:

"by the help or agency, of anyone, by means of anyone".

(C15) Hebrews 8:9 Example #5

9 “Not according to the Covenant that I made with their fathers, in the day when I took them by the G5495-hand-χειρὸς (cheiros) to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they continued not in my Covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.”

(C16) Note: Order of cases:

ἐπιλαβομένου["of-taking-hold"] μου["OF-ME"] τῆς["THE"—Genitive] χειρὸς["HAND"—Genitive] αὐτῶν["OF-them"—Genitive]

(C17) Note: The Greek word: (χειρὸς-hand) should be understood as:

"by the help or agency, of anyone, by means of anyone".

(C18) Summary.

(1.) The above five (5) verses use the Strong's Number: (G5495)

with the inflection of:

(Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine)

(2.) The Genitive case simply denotes ownership/possession. A common translation of the Genitive case is the word: 'of'.

(3.) The above six (6) examples use the Greek word:

(χειρὸς-hand) in a 'figurative' way. Some interpretations included:

a.) 'power of', b.) "attributed to God, symbolizing his might' c.) ' by the help or agency, of anyone, by means of anyone'.

(4.) The context determines whether the Greek word:

(G5495-χειρὸς-hand) should be interpreted in a 'literal' [or] 'figurative' way.

(5.) As you can see, the Greek word: (G5495-χειρὸς (cherios) ) with the

inflection of: (Noun, Genitive, Singular, Feminine) can be used in a

[literal—χειρὸς-hand] or [figurative—χειρὸς-hand] way.

(6.) Perhaps you're asking the question: "Is the word:

(G5495-χειρὸς (cherios)-hand) of Revelation 13:16 to be understood in a 'literal' [or] 'figurative' way?"

(“...to receive a mark in their right G5495-hand-χειρὸς (cheiros), or in their foreheads:”)

(7.) In the segments to come, I will answer that question. Next, let's compare the (G5495-hand-χειρὸς) with the (G1023-arm-βραχίονι).

(D) The

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Number: G1023 ('the arm')

(D1) Note: The Strong's Number: (G1023 'the arm') is only found

three (3) times, with three (3) different inflections.

(D2) One time (1) as:

arm-βραχίονι (brachioni): Noun, Dative, Singular, Masculine.

(D3) One time (1) as:

arm-βραχίων (brachion): Noun, Nominative, Singular, Masculine.

(D4) One time (1) as:

arm-βραχίονος (brachionos): Noun, Genitive, Singular, Masculine.

(D5) Definitions for: G1023

(D6) Below are some definitions

for the Strong's Number: (G1023)-'the arm'.

(D7) Analytical Concordance to the Bible: Robert Young, 1880:

(1) arm.

(D8) The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:

brakh-ee'-own; properly, comparative of G1024, but apparently in the sense of βράσσω brássō (to wield); the arm, i.e. (figuratively) strength:—arm.

(D9) Thayer's Greek Lexicon:

βραχίων, -ονος, ὁ, [from Homer down], the arm: the βραχίων of God is spoken of Hebraistically for the might, the power of God, Luke 1:51 (cf. Deuteronomy 4:34; Deuteronomy 5:15; Deuteronomy 26:8); John 12:38 (Isaiah 53:1); Acts 13:17.

(D10) Friberg, Analytical Greek Lexicon:

βραχίων, ονος, ὁ arm; in the NT used to express God's powerful activity in analogy to human activity (LU 1.51)

(D11) Gingrich Lexicon:

βραχίων, ονος, ὁ arm fig. Lk 1:51; Jo 12:38; Ac 13:17.* [pg 36]

(D12) Danker, Greek NT Lexicon:

βραχίων, ονος, ὁ [etym. unknown, Lat. brachium is a loanword] arm metaph. of divine power Lk 1:51; Jo 12:38; Ac 13:17.

(D13) The Strong's Number: G1023

(D14) The following three (3) verses use

the Strong's Number: (G1023)-'the arm'.

(D15) Luke 1:51 Example #1

50 “And his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He hath shewed strength with his G1023-arm-βραχίονι (brachioni), he hath scattered the proud, in the imagination of their hearts.”

(Inflection: Noun, Dative, Singular, Masculine)

(D16) Note: Greek Interlinear:

ἐποίησε["He-DOES"] κράτος["mightily"] ἐν["IN"] βραχίονι["ARM"]

αὐτοῦ["OF-Him"]

(D17) Note: The Greek word: (βραχίονι-arm) should be understood as:

"the might, the power of God".

(D17) John 12:38 Example #2

37 “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 That the saying of Esaias the Prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the G1023-arm-βραχίων (brachion) of the Lord been revealed?”

(Inflection: Noun, Nominative, Singular, Masculine)

(D18) Note: Greek Interlinear:

ἐποίησε["He-DOES"] κράτος["mightily"] ἐν["IN"] βραχίων["ARM"]

αὐτοῦ["OF-Him"]

(D19) Note: The Greek word: (βραχίων-arm) should be understood as:

"the might, the power of God".

(D20) Acts 13:17 Example #2

16 “Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand, said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. 17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high G1023-arm-βραχίονος (brachionos) brought he them out of it.”

(Inflection: Noun, Genitive, Singular, Masculine)

(D21) Note: Greek Interlinear:

καὶ["AND"] μετὰ["WITH"] βραχίονος["ARM"] ὑψηλοῦ["HIGH"]

ἐξήγαγεν["He-OUT-LED"] αὐτοὺς["them"] ἐξ["OUT"] αὐτῆς["OF-her(it)"]

(D22) Note: The Greek word: (βραχίονος-arm) should be understood as:

"the might, the power of God".

(D23) Summary.

(1.) The above three (3) verses:

(Luke 1:51), (John 12:38), (Acts 13:17)

all share the same Strong's Number: (G1023)-'the arm'.

(2.) The Strong's Number: (G1023) was inflected in three different ways:

(D2) One time (1) as:

Luke 1:51

(“He hath shewed strength with his G1023-arm-βραχίονι, ...”)

(Noun, Dative, Singular, Masculine.)

(D3) One time (1) as:

John 12:38

(“... and to whom hath the G1023-arm-βραχίων of the Lord been revealed?”)

(Noun, Nominative, Singular, Masculine.)

(D4) One time (1) as:

Acts 13:17

(“... and with an high G1023-arm-βραχίονος brought he them out of it.”)

(Noun, Genitive, Singular, Masculine.)

(3.) In all three (3) verses, the definition for the Strong's Number: (G1023)

was that of a 'figurative arm', denoting: might, power, strength.

(4.) The word: (arm-G1023) is only found in the above three (3) verses

[New Testament].

(5.) To be fair, the Greek words: (βραχίονι, βραχίων, βραχίονος) can also refer to the 'actual arm', however, in the context of the above three verses, it does not.

(6.) In the next segment I will define the words:

(arms-G1723) & (arms-G43).

Verses that use the word: (arms).

G1723

(only found in two verses)

Mark 9:36

“And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and G1723 when he had taken him in his arms-ἐναγκαλισάμενος (enagkalisamenos)-to make the arms inclose one, (to take in one's arms, i.e. embrace, hug:—take up in arms)), he said unto them,”

Mark 10:16

“And G1723 he took them up in his arms-ἐναγκαλισάμενος (enagkalisamenos)-to make the arms inclose one, (to take in one's arms, i.e. embrace, hug:—take up in arms)), put his G5495 hands-χεῖρας (cheiras)- the hand) upon them, and blessed them.”

G43

(only found in one verse)

Luke 2:28

“Then took he him up in his G43 arms-ἀγκάλας (agkaias)-arms (as bent or crooked), (the curve or inner angle of the arm)), and blessed God, and said,”

Summary.

Both G1723 & G43 use the word (arms) in the plural. The implication is that of embracing, hugging. Take notice of Mark 10:16, it uses the words: (arms) & (hands) in the same verse, yet, there is a clear distinction between the (hands) and (arms).

Worth Nothing: (1) You may come upon verses that may seem to suggest that the 'arm' is inferred instead of the 'hand'. Take for example:

Matthew 4:6

“And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee, and in their G5495 hands-χειρῶν (cheiron)-the hand) they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

It is only natural to assume the 'arms' were implied in this verse. After all, the hand cannot be without the arm. However, we must not assume, or add, or redefine words. In Matthew 4:6 the Greek word used is: χειρῶν, which means (hands). Had the Spirit of God wanted to inspire the word (arms), he would have done so. Furthermore, the cross reference to Matthew 4:6 is Psalms 91:12. Compare:

Psalms 91:12

“They shall bear thee up in their H3709 hands-כַּפַּ֥יִם (kap-pa-yim)-palm (of the hand), the hollow hand or palm)): lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

As you can see, the cross reference to Matthew 4:6 gives a more specific description of the word (H3709 hands). And the word (arms) was not used. And mind you, the Hebrew also has another word for: (hand-H3027) which describes the hand as a whole. The Hebrew also has words for: (arm-H2220), (shoulder-H7926), (thumb-H931), (finger-H676), & (palm of hand/foot-H3709), among others.

Lastly, I'd like to bring to your attention one other word: "shoulders".

Ezekiel 30:25 (figurative)

But I will strengthen H2220 the arms of the king of Babylon, H2220 and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall put my sword H3027 into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall stretch it out upon the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 20:34 (figurative)

“And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty H3027 hand, and with a stretched out H2220 arm, and with fury poured out.”

Isaiah 49:22 (figurative & literal)

“Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up H3027 mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons H2684 in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their H3802 shoulders.”

2 Samuel 1:10 (literal)

“So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on H2220 his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord.”

Furthermore, there are three (3) other verses that use the word (arms) in the New Testament. Compare below.

G5606-shoulders

Only two (2) verses use the word (shoulders) in the New Testament, and can only be found in the plural. Compare below.

Matthew 23:4

“For they bind heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's G5606 shoulders-ὤμους (omous)-shoulder, (metaphorically, of requiring legalistic and burdensome observances, like a load tied on the back or shoulders of a slave)), but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.”

Luke 15:4-5

4 “What man of you having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his G5606 shoulders-ὤμους (omous)-shoulder, (literally, as a part of the body shoulder)), rejoicing.”

Summary.

These two verses are excellent examples. Matthew 23:4 uses the word (shoulders) metaphorically, and Luke 15:5 uses it literally.

In medicine, the most common area for an injection site is in the deltoid muscle of the arm or upper arm.

Worth Noting: (1) When the Bible uses the word (shoulder/s) in the Old or New Testament, the implication is that of the upper frame of the body (the area next to the head, or commonly known today as the trapezius). The deltoid muscle is consider part of the (arm). Even the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) identifies one of the injection sites for vaccines to be in the 'Deltoid muscle of arm', and not the 'shoulder'. Either way, Revelation 13:16 neither uses the words: (arm) or (shoulder), but the word: (hand).

Note: I am not saying that all vaccines are safe or unsafe. Careful research and consideration should be done by each individual prior to injecting a foreign substance into the body. This is true for any vaccine, whether it be the COVID-19 vaccine or any other vaccine.

The Answer

Can the word (hand) in Revelation 13:16 also include any other part of the arm? The answer is No.

The Bible has given us several examples and definitions of the different parts of the body. The word (hand) in Revelation 13:16 is literal, and not figurative or symbolic. Had Revelation 13:16 used the word (arm) OR, ("...to receive a mark in their right arm, or in their foreheads:”) then one could assume that any part of the whole right arm was intended. Neither was the word (shoulder) used.

It is clear that (G5495-χειρὸς-hand) does not include the (arm) nor the (shoulder) as part of its definition.

Let's move on to the anatomy of the hand. The following words are found in the Bible: (finger), (thumb), and (palm). However, Revelation 13:16 does not say: (". . .to receive a mark in their right(-finger, -thumb, or -palm). . .”). Neither should it be assumed that the mark is or is not in the finger, thumb, or palm. Revelation 13:16 simply identifies the (right hand) as one of two possible locations for the mark.

Worth Nothing: (1) One can have the arm or shoulder without the hand, but not the hand without the arm or shoulder. (2) The hand has four dorsal Interossei which lie superficially, the first dorsal interosseous, located between the thumb and the first index finger has the largest muscle. (3) The hands and feet form powerful thermoregulatory regulators in the body, serving as heat radiators and evaporators in hot environments and as thermal insulators in the cold.

Question #2

Is the mark of the beast symbolic?

Overview:

Some Christians believe 'the mark' of Revelation 13:16 is -symbolic, or -figurative of one's submission to the beast in action-(hand) and mind-(forehead). If such notion is true, then the Word of God shall confirm it.

We will begin by analyzing the word (phylacteries)-G5440.

The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Number: G5440 is only found one (1) time in Matthew 23:5. But first, let's define G5440.

Greek definitions for: G5440

Analytical Concordance to the Bible: Robert Young, 1880:

Phylactery, a guard, charm

The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:

φυλακτήριον phylaktḗrion, foo-lak-tay'-ree-on; neuter of a derivative of G5442; a guard-case, i.e. "phylactery" for wearing slips of Scripture texts:—phylactery.

Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon of the NT

φυλακτήριον, φυλακτηριου, τό (neuter of the adjective φυλακτηριος, φυλακτήρια, φυλακτήριον, from φυλακτήρ (`poetic for φύλαξ'));
1. a fortified place provided with a garrison, a station for a guard or garrison.
2. a preservative or safeguard, an amulet: Demosthenes, p. 71, 24; Dioscorides (?) 5, 158f (159f), often in Plutarch. The Jews gave the name of φυλακτήρια (in the Talm. תְּפִלִּין, prayer-fillets, German Gebetsriemen; (cf. O. T. 'frontlets')) to small strips of parchment on which were written the following passages from the law of Moses, Exodus 13:1-10, 11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:13-21, and which, enclosed in little cases, they were accustomed when engaged in prayer to wear fastened by a leather strap to the forehead and to the left arm over against the heart, in order that they might thus be solemnly reminded of the duty of keeping the commands of God in the head and in the heart, according to the directions given in Exodus 13:16; Deuteronomy 6:8; Deuteronomy 11:18; (cf. Josephus, Antiquities 4, 8, 13). These scrolls were thought to have power, like amulets, to avert various evils and to drive away demons (Targ. on Song of Solomon 8:3); hence, their Greek name. (But see Ginsburg in Alex.'s Kitto, see under the words, Phylacteries (under the end) and Mezuza.) The Pharisees were accustomed τά φυλακτήρια αὐτῶν πλατύνειν, to widen, make broad, their phylacteries, that they might render them more conspicuous and show themselves to be more eager than the majority to be reminded of God's law: Matthew 23:5. Cf. Winers RWB, under the word Phylakterien; Leyrer in Herzog xi., 639ff; Kneucker in Schenkel 1:601f; Delitzsch in Riehm 270f; (Edersheim, Jewish Social Life etc., p. 220ff; B. D. under the word Frontlets; especially Hamburger, Real-Encycl., under the word Tephillin, vol. ii, p. 1203f; Ginsburg in Alex.'s Kitto as above).

Louw-Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the NT:

a small leather case containing OT scripture verses and worn on the arm and forehead by Jews, especially when praying - 'phylactery.'

Friberg, Analytical Greek Lexicon:

strictly safeguard, preservative, means of protection; as worn on a person charm, amulet; plural, as worn by Jews during prayer phylacteries, containers, small boxes encasing certain Scripture verses (MT 23.5)

Gingrich Lexicon:

phylactery, a small box containing scripture verses, bound on forehead and arm by Jews during prayer (see Deut 6:8) Mt 23:5.* [pg 213]

Danker, Greek NT Lexicon:

[cp. the fut. and aor. forms of φυλάσσω] a specific cultic term referring to a prayer band and case with passages fr. Israel’s sacred writings and worn on the forehead and left arm (s. Exodus 13:9, 16; Deuteronomy 6:8; 11:18), prayer band, prayer case Mt 23:5.

Summary.

The above is only the foundation to what follows. It is first necessary to properly define G5440.

'Phylacteries'

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Number: G5440 & H226

G5440 is only used in Matthew 23:5.

Matthew 23:1-7

1 “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their G5440 phylacteries-(φυλακτήρια), and enlarge the borders-κράσπεδα (kraspeda)-tassel, fringe, extremity) of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.”

Summary.

You might be asking, what does Matthew 23:5 have to do with Revelation 13:16-17?. Well, some Christians believe 'The Mark of the Beast' is -symbolic, or -figurative, that the (hand) and (forehead) of Revelation 13:16 symbolizes a person's actions-(hand) and choices-(forehead), OR, the (mark) of the beast symbolically identifies those who let the political system rule over their lives. They justify this by quoting Deuteronomy 6:8:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 “And thou shalt bind them-וּקְשַׁרְתָּם (ū-qə-šar-tām)-to bind (as a conspirator), (a primitive root; to tie)) H226 for a sign-לְאוֹת (lə-’ō-wṯ)-a sign) upon-עַל־ (‘al-)-upon, on) thine hand-יָדֶךָ (yā-ḏe-ḵā;)-a hand), and they shall be as frontlets-לְטֹטָפֹת (lə-ṭō-ṭā-p̄ōṯ)-frontlets, bands, fillets, (from an unused root meaning to go around or bind; a fillet for the forehead:—frontlet.) between-בֵּין (bên)-an interval, space between) thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.”

Notes:

(A) H226 is found more than seventy (70) times in the Old Testament. However the Hebrew word (לְאוֹת- H226) as found in Deuteronomy 6:8 is only found fourteen (14) times. below are some examples:

(a1) Genesis 9:13

(“I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be H226 for a token-לְאוֹת of a covenant between me and the earth.”)

(a2) Genesis 17:11

(“And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be H226 a token-לְאוֹת of the covenant betwixt me and you.”)

(a3) Numbers 17:10

(“And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept H226 for a token-לְאוֹת against the rebels...)

(a4) Ezekiel 20:20

(“And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be H226 a sign-לְאוֹת between me and you...), the sabbath is an actual day of observance.

(a5) Deuteronomy 28:45-46

(“Moreover all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed; because thou hearkenedst not unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded thee: 46 “And they shall be upon thee H226 for a sign-לְאוֹת and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever.”).

Even 'curses' can be for a sign: for the list of curses: see verses: 15-44.

(B) In the above, H226 requires proof (i.e. "the bow"; "circumcise the flesh of your foreskin"; "Aaron's rod"; "sabbaths"; "curses").

(C) For H226 to be true, there must be proof. This proof comes in various ways, such as: events, days, times or seasons; objects, miracles, symbols, banners, signs; individuals, words, & co. This is true even if H226 has already occurred or will occur.

(c1) Take for example the (H226 sign) of 'the bow', Or, "rainbow", it is a (H226 sign) that has already occurred; occurs, and will also continue to occur throughout all generations. Nevertheless, the (H226 sign) requires:

-proof, -evidence, -manifestation (i.e. "the bow").

(c2) In Genesis 4:15 ("...the Lord set H226 a mark upon Cain..."). And although it is unknow if Cain's (H226 mark) was visible to men, it remains true that a (H226 mark) was set upon Cain, whether visible to men or to the LORD.

(D) other verses that also use (לְאוֹת-H226): Ex 13:9 // Ex 13:16 // Deu 11:18 // Num 16:38 // Isa 19:20 // Isa 55:13 // Ezk 14:8 // Ezk 20:12

Conclusion.

(1) Deuteronomy 6:8 is used to compared to Revelations 13:16. Advocates of this view believe that just as God's words were to be upon the (hand) and (forehead) whether -symbolically, -figuratively, or -metaphorically, therefore the 'mark of the beast' that's upon the (hand) or (forehead) is also -symbolical, -figurative, or -metaphorical. OR, those who worship the beast in: -deed, -action, -act, -work, OR 'outwardly' (i.e. 'the hand'), & in:

-thought, -will, -choice, -agreement, -mind, OR 'inwardly' (i.e. 'the forehead').

(2) While some may dispute as to whether (Deu 6:8) was meant to be taken

-literally or -symbolically, it is interesting to note that it is 'Jesus' who is speaking in Matthew 23:5. If indeed (Deu 6:8) was to be taken symbolically, then there would be no need for him to say: ("they make broad their phylacteries"). And if it was unlawful for them to have phylacteries, then Jesus would have exposed this practice as a 'tradition' of theirs.

(3) Furthermore, Jesus also said ("and enlarge the borders of their garments"). We can cross reference Matthew 23:5 to Numbers 15:38-39 ("...and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations..."). Even the fringes were to serve as a reminder: (39 "And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them...").

(4) The whole of Matthew 23:5 is about Jesus exposing the Scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy; they liked ("to be seen of men"). The following verses expose 'traditions' of the Jews: see Matthew 15:2-6, Mark 7:2-13.

(5) I personally do not see a correlation between 'The Mark of the Beast' and Deuteronomy 6:8. It would be better to say: Deuteronomy 6:8 is the antithesis of Revelation 13:16, that is, one speaks of a figurative binding upon the (hand) and (forehead)-Deu 6:8, while the other speaks of a literal mark upon the (right hand) or (forehead)-Rev 13:16. OR, both (Deu 6:8) & (Rev 13:16) should be interpreted as literal, but not both figurative.

Lets Recapitulate.

(a) Some Christian take Deuteronomy 6:8 and compare it to Revelation 13:16. They believe 'the mark of the beast' is -symbolic, or -figurative.

(b) However, Matthew 23:5 is a cross reference to (Deu 6:8), and if true, then this long-standing practice of 'phylacteries' has its origin back to the times of Moses. Otherwise, you probably believe (Deu 6:8) was meant to be

-figurative or -symbolic, but was later taken to be -literal.

(c) However, Jesus did not condemn the Pharisees and scribes for wearing (phylacteries), but rather exposes them for making ("broad their phylacteries").

(d) In the examples that use the Hebrew word: (לְאוֹת-H226) as in (Deu 6:8), the (H226 sign) or (H226 token) required: -evidence, -proof, -manifestation, (i.e. "the bow"; "circumcise the flesh of your foreskin"; "Aaron's rod"; "sabbaths"; "curses"). I'll let you decide if the (phylacteries) are the (H226 sign) in (Deu 6:8).

(e) I don't see why (Deu 6:8) should be used as a -reference, or -parallel to support (Rev 13:16), especially since both of these verses use different word definitions:

[Rev 13:16-χάραγμα-G5480-a mark] & [Deu 6:8-לְאוֹת-H226-a sign].

(e1) Even the LXX Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Old Testament Hebrew) uses another Greek word for (Deu 6:8). Compare:

("καὶ-and // ἀφάψεις-you shall bind // αὐτὰ-them // εἰς-for // G4592-σημεῗον-a sign // ἐπὶ-upon // τῆς // χειρός-your hand...").

(e2) G4592 is indeed equivalent to H226, but not to G5480. Compare definitions:

H226: signs, memorials, sign, token, ensign, standard, miracle, miraculous sign, proof, mark, warning, & co.

G4592: sign, token, mark, miracle, wonder, indication, & co.

G5480: impressed mark, engraving, a scratch or etching, an imprinted mark, mark or stamp, branding, & co.

(f) It seem to me that Christians are relying on the 'English definition' of the word (sign) to mean the same or synonymous to the word (mark); this should not be done. The words: ('mark'-H226) & ('mark'-G4592) are not 'equal to' or 'synonymous to' ('mark'-G5480 of Rev 13:16).

(g) Whether you rely on the 'Hebrew definition' of (H226 for Deu 6:8) or the 'Greek definition' of (G4592 for Deu 6:8), both have equivalent definitions.

(h) As mentioned earlier, (Deu 6:8) best supports (Mat 23:5),

instead of (Rev 13:16).

Worth Nothing: (1) Remember, Deuteronomy 6:8 does not offer a choice, it says: (“And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.”), while Revelation 13:16 does: (“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:”). (2) The mark of the beast is for 'buying or selling'.

Next, we will analyze the word 'seal'.

'Seal'

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Number: G4973

Revelation 7:3 & Revelation 9:4 are two other verses that are used to compared to Revelation 13:16.

The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Number: G4973

can be found sixteen (16) times in the New Testament.

It is first used in Romans 4:11.

Romans 4:11

11 “And he received G4592 the sign-σημεῖον (semeion)-a sign, mark, signal, (universally, that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and known)) of circumcision, G4973 a seal-σφραγῖδα (sphragida)-a seal, impression, inscription, (by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively:—seal) of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:”

Notes:

(A) In Romans 4:11 the (G4592 the sign) & (G4973 a seal) do not have the same definition or meaning. (G4592 the sign) of circumcision is 'literal' (i.e. Abraham and all the males under his house were circumcised). The (G4973 seal) is 'figurative', hence, it was ("a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had").

(B) However, a (seal) can also be 'literal'; more on this later.

(C) The cross reference to Romans 4:11 is Genesis 17:11. Compare:

Genesis 17:10-11

10 “This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. 11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be H226 a token-לְאוֹת (lə-’ō-wṯ)-a sign) of the covenant betwixt me and you.”

Notes:

(A) The Hebrew word for (H226 a token-לְאוֹת) is also the same one used in Deuteronomy 6:8 (“And thou shalt bind them for H226 a sign-לְאוֹת upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.”).

(B) Do you see a connection? all three verses (Romans 4:11, Genesis 17:11, & Deuteronomy 6:8) share the same definition for the words: (G4592 the sign-Rom 4:11); (H226 a token-Gen 17:11) & (H226 a sign-Deu 6:8).

(C) Both (H226 a token-לְאוֹת) & (H226 a sign-לְאוֹת) are equivalent to G4592 (which is what the LXX Septuagint uses for (Gen 17:11) & (Deu 6:8).

Back to the word: "seal"

Greek definitions for: G4973

Analytical Concordance to the Bible: Robert Young, 1880:

A seal, impression, inscription.

The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:

σφραγίς sphragís, sfrag-ece'; probably strengthened from G5420; a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively:—seal.

Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon of the NT

σφραγίς, σφραγῖδος, ἡ (akin, apparently, to the verb φράσσω or φράγνυμι), from Herodotus down, the Sept. for חותָם, a seal; i. e.
a. the seal placed upon books (cf. B. D., under the word , under the end; Gardthausen, Palaeogr., p. 27): Revelation 5:1; λῦσαι τάς σφραγας, ibid. Revelation 5:2, 5 (Rec.); ἀνοῖξαι, ibid. (5 G L T Tr WH), Revelation 5:9; Revelation 6:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12; 8:1.
b. a signet-ring: Revelation 7:2.
c. the inscription or impression made by a seal: Revelation 9:4 (the name of God and Christ stamped upon their foreheads must be meant here, as is evident from Revelation 14:1); 2 Timothy 2:19.
d. that by which anything is confirmed, proved, authenticated, as by a seal (a token or proof): Romans 4:11; 1 Corinthians 9:2. (Cf. BB. DD. under the word .)

Friberg, Analytical Greek Lexicon:

seal; (1) literally; (a) as the instrument for producing a seal or stamp seal (REV 7.2); (b) by metonymy, as the impression made seal, mark (REV 9.4); metaphorically identifying authentication, way to recognize (2T 2.19); (2) figuratively, in the sense of an official mark showing authenticity certification, confirmation, proof (ROM 4.11; 1COR 9.2)

Gingrich Lexicon:

seal, signet—1. lit.—a. seal Rev 5:1f, 5, 9; 6:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12; 8:1.—b. the instrument with which one seals, a signet Rev 7:2.—c. the mark or impression of a seal 2 Ti 2:19; Rev 9:4.—2. fig. that which confirms, attests, or authenticates, certification Rom 4:11; 1 Cor 9:2.* [sphragistic] [pg 195]

Danker, Greek NT Lexicon:

[orig. unclear] – 1. ‘device used to certify’, seal, signet Rev 7:2. – 2. ‘mark left by a device for certification’, seal – a. w. focus on the mark as such 2 Ti 2:19. – b. w. focus on its message Rev 9:4. – c. w. focus on authenticating value or force, in imagery Rom 4:11; 1 Cor 9:2. – d. w. focus on function for keeping contents of written materials secret Rev 5:1 al.

Summary.

The above is only the foundation to what follows. It is first necessary to properly define G4973.

The argument:

Some Christians use Revelation 7:3 or Revelation 9:4 to compared to Revelation 13:16. They make a connection between the words:

[Rev 9:4-G4973-"seal"] & [Rev 13:16-G5480-"mark"]. More on this below.

'Seal'

The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Number:

G4972 (the verb) & G4973 (the noun)

of: 'seal'

(the verb)

Revelation 7:3 is the only verse in the New Testament that has the words:

("we have sealed"-G4972) & ("foreheads") in the same verse.

The inflection of G4972-"we have sealed":

Verb, Aorist, Active, Subjunctive, 1st Person, Plural.

OR, ["WE-SHOULD-BE-SEALING"]

Revelation 7:3

3 “Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till G4972 we have sealed-σφραγίσωμεν (sphragisomen)-to seal, impress, to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively)) the servants of our God in-ἐπὶ (epi)-on, upon) their foreheads.”

(the noun)

Revelation 9:4 is the only verse in the New Testament that has the words: ("seal"-G4973) & ("foreheads") in the same verse.

The inflection of G4973-"seal":

Noun, Accusative, Singular, Feminine

OR, ["SEAL"]

Revelation 9:4

4 “And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the G4973 seal-σφραγῖδα (sphragida)-a seal, impression, inscription, (by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively:—seal) of God in-ἐπὶ (epi)-on, upon) their foreheads.”

Summary.

(A) The above two verses are used to compared 'the seal of God'-Rev 7:3 & Rev 9:4 to 'the mark of the beast'-Rev 13:16.

(B) Since 'the seal of God' is upon the (foreheads) of the servants of God, advocates of this view -parallel, or -compare 'the seal of God' to 'the mark of the beast'; because both have a ('seal') or ('mark') upon the (foreheads) of them that worship 'God' or the 'beast'.

(C) However, 'the seal of God' is only upon the (forehead), while 'the mark of the beast' is either upon the (forehead) or on the (right hand).

(D) The words: (G4973 'seal') and (G5480 'mark') have two distinct definitions; these words are not synonymous or equal to each other.

(E) To be fair, it is understandable why ('the G5480 'mark' of the beast') is seen as a type of (G4973 'seal'), since both the ('mark') & ('seal') denote the idea of -identification with, -ownership of, -servants of God or the Beast.

(F) However, we should not neglect for what purpose is the 'the mark of the beast' -(Rev 13:17 “And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the G5480 mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”). Notice, there are two (2) other ways by which one might buy or sell ("...or the name of the beast, or the number of his name".).

Next, we will look at the Old Testament for support.

'Ezekiel Chapter Nine'

The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Number: H8420 & G4592

Ezekiel chapter nine will shed some light.

H8420 is only found in three (3) verses:

(Ezekiel 9:4, /6 & Job 31:35)

Ezekiel 9:2-6

2 “And, behold, six men-אנשים (’ă-nā-šîm)-a man, a mortal) came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn-וְקֶסֶת (wə-qe-seṯ)-ink horn, (properly, a cup, i.e. an ink-stand:—inkhorn) by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. 3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; 4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set H8420 a mark-תָּו (tāw)-a mark, (by implication: a signature, (i.e. sign of exemption) upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. 5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: 6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is H8420 the mark-הַתָּו֙ (hat-tāw)-a mark, (by implication: a signature, (i.e. sign of exemption); and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.”

Notes:

(A) תָּו (tāw): is the name of last letter of Heb. alphabet, orig. in shape of (X).

(B) The (H8420 mark) is set (upon the foreheads) of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof (i.e. the right(-teous), -just, -godly, -faithful).

(C) This (H8420 mark) is for identification, hence, verse 6: ("...but come not near any man upon whom is the H8420 mark...").

(c1) This is the sort of mark that rescuers use to 'mark' (i.e. identify) -doors, -buildings, -landmarks, -people, -locations etc., during -evacuations, -emergencies, -accountability.

(c2) This is the type of 'mark' that is placed at the bottom of contracts to

-identify, -locate the signature mark ('X'). see letter (A)

(D) As to whether this (H8420 mark) is -literal, -spiritual, or -symbolic, depends on whether you believe Ezekiel was shown a vision filled with metaphors and symbolism. For example, Some interpret the (six men) to be Angels, even though the text reads: six men-אנשים (’ă-nā-šîm)-a man, a mortal).

(E) The LXX Septuagint ( a Greek translation of the Old Testament Hebrew ) uses the same Greek word: (G4592-σημείον) for Ezekiel 9:4 & Ezekiel 9:6, as in Romans 4:11. Compare:

(e1) Romans 4:11

("And he received G4592 the sign-σημεῖον (semeion)-a sign, mark, signal, (universally, that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and known)) of circumcision,...").

(e2) Ezekiel 9:4 (LXX Septuagint)

("...καὶ-and // δος-put // το-the // G4592-σημείον-sign // επί-upon // τα-the // μέτωπα-foreheads...").

(e3) Ezekiel 9:6 (LXX Septuagint)

("...εφ'-upon // ους-whom // εστί-there is // το-the // G4592-σημείον-sign // μη-you should not // εγγίσητε-approach...").

(F) Neither [a mark-H8420 Ezekiel 9:4] & [the mark- H8420 Ezekiel 9:6], Nor [sign-G4592 Ezekiel 9:4-(LXX)] & [sign-G4592 Ezekiel 9:6-(LXX)] are equivalent in definition to the [mark-G5480 of Revelation 13:16].

Job 31:35

35 “Oh that one would hear me! //behold, H8420 my desire-תָּוִי (tā-wî)-desire, mark) is, that the Almighty would answer me (Or, behold my sign is that the Almighty will answer me), and that mine adversary had written a book.”

Notes:

(A) Job 31:35 uses the word (H8420 my desire) in the sense of a man's signature or mark of attestation, as the context shows.

(B) Some commentaries:

(b1) "Behold, my desire is - Margin, "Or, my sign is that 'the Almighty will answer me.'" The word rendered in the text desire, and in the margin sign, (תו tâv), means properly a mark, or sign, and is also the name of the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet.-(Barnes Notes).

(b2) "Oh that one would hear me!—The rendering noticed in the margin is probably the right one—Oh that I had one to hear me! Lo, here is my mark! i.e., my signature, my declaration, which I am ready to subscribe;-(Ellicott's Commentary).

Summary.

(A) In (Ezekiel 9:4) & (Ezekiel 9:6) the (H8420-mark) is literal (whether visible to men or to God), while in (Job 31:35) is not; hence, the translators used the word (H8420-desire) instead.

(B) Differences between the Hebrew & LXX Septuagint.

(b1) To be fair, the LXX Septuagint uses the same Strong's number for:

Ezekiel 9:4 ("...and set G4592 a mark upon the foreheads...")
Ezekiel 9:6 ("...any man upon whom is G4592 the mark...")
Deuteronomy 6:8 ("...thou shalt bind them G4592 for a sign upon...")

(b2) But the Hebrew uses different Strong's Numbers for:

Ezekiel 9:4 ("...and set H8420 a mark upon the foreheads...")
Ezekiel 9:6 ("...any man upon whom is H8420 the mark...")
Deuteronomy 6:8 ("...thou shalt bind them H226 for a sign upon...")

(b3) Technically, H8420 & H226 do not have the same definition. Compare:

H8420: a mark; by implication, a signature:—desire, mark

H226: signs, memorials, sign, token, ensign, standard, mark, miracle, miraculous sign, proof, warning, & co.

G4592: sign, token, miracle, wonder, indication, mark, & co.

(b4) As you have noticed, G4592 is a better equivalent for H226.

(b5) The words: ('mark'-H226) & ('mark'-G4592) are not 'equal to' or 'synonymous to' ('mark'-H8420), and neither of these three is 'equal to' or 'synonymous to' ('mark'-G5480 of Rev 13:16).

(C) In either case, (H8420-a mark-Ezekiel 9:4) OR (G4592-sign-Ezekiel 9:4-(LXX)) are not compatible with G5480 of Revelations 13:16 ("...to receive G5480 a mark-χάραγμα (charagma) in their right hand, or in their foreheads").

(D) Comparing & contrasting:

(d1) If there should be any similarities between (Ezekiel 9:4,/6) & (Revelation 13:16) it should be in that both use a 'mark' that identifies.

(d2) And if there should be any similarities between (Ezekiel 9:4,/6) & (Revelation 9:4) it should be in that both use a (mark-Ezekiel-9:4,/6) or (seal-Rev 9:4) to identify God's people.

(E) The (mark-H8420) of Ezekiel 9:4,/6 is only (upon the foreheads), while 'the mark-G5480 of the beast' is either upon the (forehead) or on the (right hand).

(F) One can be subjective when interpreting (Ezekiel 9:4-6):

(f1) To some, (Ezekiel 9:4-6) the (H8420-mark upon the foreheads) may be a parallel to (Revelations 9:4) i.e. "the G4973-seal of God upon their foreheads".

(f2) While to others, Ezekiel 9:4-6 may be the antithesis of 'the mark of the beast' (i.e. those who receive 'the G5480-mark of the beast' upon their foreheads, and those who don't, are killed.)

(f3) I personally think there is more in common between Ezekiel 9:4-6 and Revelation 9:4, than to Revelation 13:16.

(G) The words: (G4973-seal) & (G5480-mark) have different definitions. Compare:

G4973: a seal; i. e. a. the seal placed upon books, b. a signet-ring, c. the inscription or impression made by a seal, d. that by which anything is confirmed, proved, authenticated, as by a seal (a token or proof), (1) literally; (a) as the instrument for producing a seal or stamp seal. (b) by metonymy, as the impression made seal, mark (2) figuratively, in the sense of an official mark showing authenticity certification, confirmation, proof, & co.

G5480: impressed mark, engraving, a scratch or etching, an imprinted mark, mark or stamp, branding, to engrave, & co.

(H) The words: ('sign' or 'mark'), ('seal'), & ('mark') have unique Greek or Hebrew definitions, and are not synonymous to one another. These words should not be used interchangeably. Neither should common 'English word Definitions' be applied.

(I) While it is productive to look at both the Old and New Testament for answers, we should be careful when comparing and contrasting. It is highly advisable to take into account: -the Hebrew and Greek language, -the syntax of the text, -the inflection of words, and such other. All of these tools can help amplify our understanding. But above all, pray prior to studying, that the Spirit of God may enlighten you.

The Answer

Is the mark of the beast symbolic? The answer is No.

Summary.

Verily, question number #2 was answered by question number #1. But I thought it necessary to object to the idea of a symbolic 'mark of the beast'

Question #3

the Greek word: (G2343-θηρίου beast) of Revelation 13:17

is inflected in the Neuter, it is a system, not a person.

It is first used in Revelation 13:3.

"Be Wise, Be in-ἐν (en-G1722) Christ, and Glorify God."

-Feb, 2022

(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

16 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God-θεόπνευστος (theopneustos)-God-breathed), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 That the man of God may be perfect-ἄρτιος (artios)-fitted, perfected, fully ready, (by implication) complete:—perfect)), thoroughly furnished-ἐξηρτισμένος (exertismenos)-to fit out, (i.e. to furnish perfectly, equip completely)) unto all good works-ἔργον (ergon)-work, deed, doing, labour, (by implication: an act))."

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