Lexical Summary charagma: Mark, stamp, engraving Original Word: χάραγμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance stamp, mark. From the same as charax; a scratch or etching, i.e. Stamp (as a badge of servitude), or scupltured figure (statue) -- graven, mark. see GREEK charax HELPS Word-studies 5480 xáragma – properly, an engraving (etching); (figuratively) a mark providing undeniable identification, like a symbol giving irrefutable connection between parties. 5480 /xáragma ("brand-mark") was originally any impress on a coin or a seal, used by an engraver on a die (stamp, branding iron). 5480 (xáragma) later became "the identification-marker" (like with an owner's unique "brand-mark"). [Ancient documents were validated by such stamps or seals (see Plutarch, Agesilaus, 15:6; De Lysandro 16:2, ala DNTT, 2, 574).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom charassó (to sharpen, to engrave) Definition a stamp, impress NASB Translation image formed (1), mark (7). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5480: χάραγμαχάραγμα, χαράγματος, τό (χαράσσω to engrave); a. a stamp, an imprinted mark: of the mark stamped on the forehead or the right hand as the badge of the followers of Antichrist, Revelation 13:16; Revelation 14:9, 11; Revelation 15:2 Rec.; b. thing carved, sculpture, graven work: of idolatrous images, Acts 17:29. (In various other senses in Greek writings from Sophocles down.) The noun appears eight times in the Greek New Testament. Seven are clustered in Revelation 13:16–20:4, where it designates the end-time “mark” demanded by the beastly world system. The remaining instance, Acts 17:29, speaks of a man-made “image” fashioned from gold, silver, or stone. Together these usages frame the term within the broad biblical contrast between idolatrous allegiance and devotion to the living God. Acts 17:29 – Graven Religion versus the Living God Paul’s Athenian sermon uses the word to expose the futility of religions that reduce deity to something “formed by man’s skill and imagination.” The “image” represents human attempts to imprint divinity onto material objects, a practice already condemned in Exodus 20:4. Paul’s argument lays the groundwork for understanding why Revelation later treats the same concept as the ultimate expression of rebellion: any physical or ideological substitute for God is idolatry. Revelation – The Mark of the Beast 1. Compulsory Allegiance (Revelation 13:16–17) “The second beast required all people…to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark”. Commerce, politics, and daily life are harnessed to enforce worship of the beast, echoing Daniel 3 where refusal to bow to an image brings social death. Those who accept the mark drink “the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of His anger” (14:10). The mark signifies permanent loyalty; hence the torment is “day and night” (14:11). The beast and false prophet are cast alive into the lake of fire, while martyrs who “had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received its mark” reign with Christ (20:4). The narrative climaxes in a great reversal: the world’s stamp of approval becomes the evidence that condemns, whereas refusal of the mark leads to vindication. Historical Background First-century hearers would have linked the term to: Revelation draws upon these realities to portray a future global system that enforces worship through economic pressure and civil decree. Theological Significance 1. Counterfeit to God’s Seal Revelation also speaks of believers “sealed” on their foreheads (Revelation 7:3; 14:1). God’s seal and the beast’s mark compete for the same visible space, underscoring the inescapable choice of master (Matthew 6:24). Whether on hand (action) or forehead (thought), the mark externalizes inward allegiance. Scripture consistently ties physical signs to covenant identity—circumcision, Passover blood, Ezekiel’s protective mark—yet only Revelation’s mark brands worshipers for judgment. Recipients are morally accountable. The warnings of Revelation 14 precede the final judgments, emphasizing that humans are not coerced beyond responsibility; genuine repentance remains possible until the final crisis is past. Eschatological Implications The mark belongs to the closing phase of redemptive history, yet the principle it embodies—state-sponsored idolatry—has surfaced repeatedly. Believers are therefore exhorted to vigilance in every age, knowing a climactic fulfillment still lies ahead when a global regime will demand absolute devotion under threat of exclusion or death. Pastoral and Discipleship Applications • Cultivate exclusive loyalty to Christ; compromise often begins with small concessions in thought (forehead) before manifesting in action (hand). Contemporary Considerations Speculation about technological implants or digital identifiers should not eclipse the broader biblical warning: any system—technological, ideological, or commercial—that demands worship or ethical surrender in exchange for participation mirrors the beast. The church must evaluate emerging trends by the standard of Scripture, refusing marks of allegiance that compromise fidelity to Christ. Related Biblical Themes • Idolatry: Isaiah 44:9–20; Romans 1:23 Conclusion Strong’s 5480 underscores the decisive line Scripture draws between worship that belongs to God alone and the counterfeit claims of oppressive powers. From Athens’ statues to Revelation’s apocalyptic mark, the call remains constant: “Fear God and give Him glory” (Revelation 14:7). Englishman's Concordance Acts 17:29 N-DNSGRK: ἢ λίθῳ χαράγματι τέχνης καὶ NAS: stone, an image formed by the art KJV: or stone, graven by art and INT: or to stone a graven thing craft and Revelation 13:16 N-ANS Revelation 13:17 N-ANS Revelation 14:9 N-ANS Revelation 14:11 N-ANS Revelation 16:2 N-ANS Revelation 19:20 N-ANS Revelation 20:4 N-ANS Strong's Greek 5480 |
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