We are going to introduce another character into this mid-tribulation time period. This individual will be a prophet or speaker for the wild beast. Later he is called the “false prophet”. As we put this person into perspective we see an unholy trinity emerging. This threesome does not mind forcing people into their denomination for forty-two months. This person is called the second wild beast and he seems to be a religious leader with power of his own.
As we look at the blasphemy of the wild beast we see it is far more complicated then this person simply calling himself a god. The word god is a title. It is not the name of the Most High. The title “god” comes from the word elohim in Hebrew, or theos in Greek. We know that words with the ending “im” in Hebrew are in the plural, meaning three or more. Words that end in “im” like cherubim, seraphim, goyim, etc, are plural. Hebrew has a singular, a dual, and a plural. The Greek and the English both only use singular and plural. This is why we see the translation of elohim, three or more, as theos, “gods”. When we look at the word elohim in the Bible, we see that the Father, the Son, the angels, the satan, demons, and men are all called elohim, gods. Therefore calling one’s self a god is not a blasphemous offence. What is a blasphemous offence is calling oneself The God, Mighty Almighty, Creator, Yahweh. We have looked at the name of God before.
There is more to this idea of Yahweh as being or existing. Other spiritual beings were created, so they had a starting point. Other spiritual beings are not mighty almighty, and they do not know all the details of our time frame as Jesus said in regards to the new heavens and new earth, that not even the angels know the time of that event. This is important to understand. The devil has no idea about time. While he can be inter-dimensional, he is limited. The devil is not all knowing, all existing, or all powerful. He is simply just a hack. He would like to be like Yahweh but he will never be close. Furthermore, demons are bound to earth, they are not inter-dimensional, and they are locked into the same constraints of time and space as we are. If we go back to our studies regarding the word Elohim, we see why this is important.
In an effort to be respectful and honor the personal name of Yahweh, the Jews came up with the idea of not using His name at all, thereby avoiding any blasphemous words. Instead they favored using Adonai or Elohim which both mean ruler or master. In today’s vernacular, it would be like calling someone king or president. The problem is that those words were not meant to be the personal name of Yahweh, but that is how they are used. Other beings are called elohim or adonai, not just Yahweh. This is what has led to much confusion as well as heresy. People feel safe misrepresenting Yahweh claiming he is saying and doing things contrary to his written word because in reality they are simply saying “the ruler said” or “the master is doing”. Who is the ruler or master? Is it Yahweh, the devil, angels or men? So what started out as reverence became twisted into a confusing mess. People unwilling to use Yahweh’s name the same way the patriarchs did are able to hide behind lies and falsehoods. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2014/12/omni-god-his-name-is-yahweh-mighty.html
Once we remind ourselves elohim is not the personal name of the Most High, the Creator, we can start to make sense of the things we are going to see at the end of Revelation 13. John writes in a similar manner to Daniel, as he interjects some details of the future to help us remember that it will all work out in the end. Even though the wild beast is claiming to be the creator, he does not and can not create. John says that among the beast’s followers whoever kills others will be killed in the same way. This is a look ahead to the Day of the Lord, which will not take place for another three and one half years. These types of “flash forwards” of some of the writers tends to cause us to lose our timing of events. So we must understand these men are concerned that the readers don’t lose hope, and are offering the idea that the Children of the Most High will win in the end.
Revelation 13:10 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.
Revelation 13:10 G1536 If anyone G2192 has G161 captivity, G1519 into G161 captivity G5217 he goes; G1536 if anyone G1722 [2with G3162 3a sword G615 1kills], G1163 it is a must G1473 for him G1722 [2by G3162 3a sword G615 1to be killed]. G5602 Here G1510.2.3 is G3588 the G5281 endurance, G2532 and G3588 the G4102 belief G3588 of the G39 holy ones.
We know that the beast will have authority over every tribe, language, and nation for three and one half years. He will demand worship and servitude. His followers will take resisters captive and kill them with swords. This is why it takes endurance and faith on the part of the Jews and those who are new followers of Christ during that tribulation time. We should recognize that forcing people to worship or follow the beast is the opposite of what Yahweh does. Yahweh never forced himself on anyone. Yahweh does not force people to do anything. The idea of a supreme spiritual being forcing himself on his creation to be worshipped, is bondage not freedom. We all have freedom to choose, which is what today’s time period is all about, choosing who to worship. This should be a clue as to the falsehood of this wild beast being anything more than a tool of the satan.
We want to bring a modern day perspective into focus here, as what we are talking about is a government leader killing those who do not worship him. In our day we have something called democide. Democide is death by government. Political Scientist RJ Rummel did a study between the years 1900 and 1999. He tallied up the murders of citizens by their own government. His terms were genocide, politicide, and mass murder. In other words he looked at government sponsored murders of its citizens for ethnic cleansing, political rebellion, and religious cleansing. Starving one’s own people is also included in this definition. What Rummel found was there had been 262 million deaths from one’s own government which is about six times the amount of people who have died from wars in that 100 year time span. Many of the countries in which democide took place are the same countries in which democide still takes place. Nothing new under the sun. Therefore if we recognize that the nations of the tribulation period will now be forced to leave Babylon’s rule and submit to the wild beast, we can understand that this is not a new tactic for that region of the world.
The wild beast has a mouthpiece. He will look like a religious leader.
Revelation 13:11 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.
Revelation 13:11 G2532 And G1492 I saw G243 another G2342 beast G305 ascending G1537 from out of G3588 the G1093 earth, G2532 and G2192 he had G2768 [2horns G1417 1two] G3664 likened G721 to a lamb; G2532 and G2980 he spoke G5613 as G1404 a dragon.
243 LSJ Gloss:ἄλλος alius, another, one besides
Dodson:ἄλλος other, another, different other, another (of more than two), different.
Thayer:
1) another, other
For Synonyms see entry G5806
ἄλλος
allos al'-los A primary word; “else” , that is, different (in many applications) KJV Usage: more, one (another), (an-, some an-) other (-s, -wise).
3664 LSJ Gloss:ὅμοιος like, resembling
Dodson:ὅμοιος like, similar to like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank.
Thayer:
1) like, similar, resembling
1a) like: i.e. resembling
1b) like: i.e. corresponding to a thing
ὅμοιος
homoios hom'-oy-os From the base of G3674; similar (in appearance or character) KJV Usage: like, + manner.
These horns are animal horns like Joshua and Jesus both used, ram’s horns (Revelation 5:6). Joshua and Jesus had/have seven horns, this second wild beast has two. This wild beast is similar to or resembles a lamb but he laleō’s, speaks, like a dragon, drakōn. He is a different kind of wild beast. He is still a wild beast, but instead of being a government ruler he is a spiritual ruler.
Revelation 13:12 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.
Revelation 13:12 G2532 And G3588 [2the G1849 3authority G3588 4of the G4413 5first G2342 6beast G3956 1he executes all] G4160 G1799 before G1473 him, G2532 and G4160 caused G3588 the G1093 earth, G2532 and G3588 the ones G1722 [2in G1473 3it G2730 1dwelling], G2443 that G4352 they should do obeisance to G3588 the G2342 [2beast G3588 G4413 1first], G3739 of whom G2323 was cured G3588 G4127 [2wound G3588 G2288 3of death G1473 1of his].
1849
ἐξουσία
exousia ex-oo-see'-ah From G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence KJV Usage: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
4352 LSJ Gloss:προσκυνέω to make obeisance
Dodson:προσκυνέω I worship I go down on my knees to, do obeisance to, worship.
Thayer:
1) to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence
2) among the Orientals, esp. the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence
3) in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication
3a) used of homage shown to men and beings of superior rank
3a1) to the Jewish high priests
3a2) to God
3a3) to Christ
3a4) to heavenly beings
3a5) to demons
προσκυνέω
proskuneō pros-koo-neh'-o From G4314 and probably a derivative of G2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to, that is, (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore) KJV Usage: worship.
He has all the power of the first wild beast and he makes the earth dwellers bow and kiss the hand of the first wild beast who was mortally wounded but brought back to life.
Revelation 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
Revelation 13:13 G2532 And G4160 he works G4592 [2signs G3173 1great] G2532 and G4442 fire, G2443 that G1537 from out of G3588 the G3772 heaven G2597 it should come down G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth G1799 before G3588 G444 men
4592 LSJ Gloss:σημεῖον a sign, a mark, token
Dodson:σημεῖον a sign, miracle, indication
a sign, miracle, indication, mark, token.
Thayer:
1) a sign, mark, token
1a) that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known
1b) a sign, prodigy, portent, i.e. an unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature
1b1) of signs portending remarkable events soon to happen
1b2) of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God's
σημεῖον
sēmeion say-mi'-on Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of G4591; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally KJV Usage: miracle, sign, token, wonder.
4442
πῦρ
pur poor A primary word; “fire” (literally or figuratively, specifically lightning)
KJV Usage: fiery, fire.
This second beast has the miracle working power of the dragon. He can make lightning descend from the sky in front of men. It is likely that when someone challenges his position or power, he calls down lightning wherever he wants. This is a token or an indicator of his power. Since the regular citizens do not possess this type of power, he looks like an important leader.
Remember, the two witnesses had power to do all kinds of things on the earth. Now this false miracle worker is doing some things that will deceive the Jews as well as all men. What are we seeing here? A man who is empowered by the dragon like the first wild beast political leader, who uses spiritual power as an indication that he is a chosen religious leader.
Revelation 13:14 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.
Revelation 13:14 G2532 And G4105 he misleads G3588 the ones G1699 of mine, G3588 of the ones G2730 dwelling G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth, G1223 by G3588 the G4592 signs G3739 which G1325 were given G1473 to him G4160 to do G1799 before G3588 the G2342 beast, G3004 saying G3588 to the ones G2730 dwelling G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth G4160 to make G1504 an image G3588 to the G2342 beast G3739 which G2192 had G3588 the G4127 wound G3588 of the G3162 sword, G2532 and G2198 lived.
4105
πλανάω
planaō plan-ah'-o From G4106; to (properly cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue) KJV Usage: go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.
1699
ἐμός
emos em-os' From the oblique cases of G1473 (G1698, G1700, G1691); my KJV Usage: of me, mine (own), my.
1504 LSJ Gloss:εἰκών a likeness, image, portrait
Dodson:εἰκών an image, likeness, bust.
Thayer:
1) an image, figure, likeness
1a) an image of the things (the heavenly things)
1a1) used of the moral likeness of renewed men to God
1a2) the image of the Son of God, into which true Christians are transformed, is likeness not only to the heavenly body, but also to the most holy and blessed state of mind, which Christ possesses
1b) the image of one
1b1) one in whom the likeness of any one is seen
1b2) applied to man on account of his power of command
1b3) to Christ on account of his divine nature and absolute moral excellence
εἰκών
eikōn i-kone' From G1503; a likeness, that is, (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance KJV Usage: image.
The second wild beast seduces Yahweh’s own people.This false miracle working wild beast tells the earth dwellers to manufacture a representation of the first wild beast who died and rose again. Then this second wild beast has the authority to give this representation pneuma, spirit, so that it will laleō, speak. The earth dwellers are forced to worship this carbon copy of the first wild beast or they will be slain.
Revelation 13:15 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.
Revelation 13:15 G2532 And G1325 was given G1473 to him G4151 breath G1325 to give G3588 to the G1504 image G3588 of the G2342 beast, G2443 that G2532 also G2980 [5should speak G3588 1the G1504 2image G3588 3of the G2342 4beast], G2532 and G4160 should cause G3745 as many as G302 would G3361 not G4352 do obeisance G3588 to the G1504 image G3588 of the G2342 beast, G2443 that G615 they should be killed.
4151 LSJ Gloss:πνεῦμα a blowing
Dodson:πνεῦμα wind, breath, spirit.
Thayer:
1) the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son
1a) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasises his personality and character (the "Holy" Spirit)
1b) sometimes referred to in a way which emphasi
πνεῦμα
pneuma pnyoo'-mah From G4154; a current of air, that is, breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively a spirit, that is, (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, daemon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy spirit KJV Usage: ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind.
2980
λαλέω
laleō lal-eh'-o A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, that is, utter words KJV Usage: preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter.
615
ἀποκτείνω
apokteinō ap-ok-ti'-no From G575 and κτείνω kteinō (to slay); to kill outright; figuratively to destroy KJV Usage: put to death, kill, slay.
This idea is not as far fetched as it sounds. The second wild beast acts like other heathen kings who forced people to worship false idols and gods. The only thing different here is that there is a spirit inside this image of the beast. Is the image a hologram, or a statue, or a painted picture? We don’t know, but whatever this replica of the beast is, it will speak. Now we can see why people will be seduced and deceived so easily. Maybe this image will be like the Great Oz, so long as no one pays attention to the man behind the curtain.
The second beast has some powers to make lightning fall as a proof of his power. He then commands the earth dwellers to make a copy of the beast and then gives it power to speak via an evil spirit. We know when a person goes through deliverance and has an evil spirit residing within him, many times the evil spirit speaks. Remember once when Jesus was casting out demons he told the demons not to speak because they knew who he was, Mark 1:34. There will be a demonic spirit that will speak through the image of the first wild beast. Then for those who do worship the first wild beasts’ image they take his mark.
Revelation 13:16 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:
Revelation 13:16 G2532 And G4160 he causes G3956 all, G3588 the G3397 small G2532 and G3588 the G3173 great, G2532 and G3588 the G4145 rich G2532 and G3588 the G4434 poor, G2532 and G3588 the G1658 free G2532 and G3588 the G1401 bondmen, G2443 that G1325 there should be given G1473 to them G5480 an imprint G1909 upon G3588 G5495 [3hand G1473 1their G3588 G1188 2right], G2228 or G1909 upon G3588 G3359 [2foreheads G1473 1their].
5480 LSJ Gloss:χάραγμα any mark engraven
Dodson:χάραγμα sculpture, a stamp, sign
sculpture; engraving, a stamp, sign.
Thayer:
1) a stamp, an imprinted mark
1a) of the mark stamped on the forehead or the right hand as the badge of the followers of the Antichrist
1b) the mark branded upon horses
2) thing carved, sculpture, graven work
2a) of idolatrous images
χάραγμα
charagma khar'-ag-mah From the same as G5482; a scratch or etching, that is, stamp (as a badge of servitude), or sculptured figure (statue) KJV Usage: graven, mark
5495 LSJ Gloss:χείρ the hand
Dodson:χείρ a hand.
Thayer:
1) by the help or agency of any one, by means of any one
2) fig. applied to God symbolising his might, activity, power
2a) in creating the universe
2b) in upholding and preserving (God is present protecting and aiding one)
2c) in punishing
2d) in determining and controlling the destinies of men
χείρ
cheir khire 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) KJV Usage: hand.
1188 LSJ Gloss:δεξιός on the right hand
Dodson:δεξιός on the right hand, right hand, right.
Thayer:
1) the right, the right hand
2)) metaph.
2a) a place of honour or authority
δεξιός
dexios dex-ee-os' From G1209; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes) KJV Usage: right (hand, side).
3359 LSJ Gloss:μέτωπον the space between the eyes, the brow, forehead
Dodson:μέτωπον the forehead the forehead, front.
Thayer:
1) the space between the eyes, the forehead
μέτοπον
metopon met'-o-pon From G3326 and ὤψ
ōps (the face); the forehead (as opposite the countenance) KJV Usage: forehead.
This second wild beast causes all people to have an imprint or stamp upon their right hand or their forehead. This mark of the beast has caused no small amount of fear among people. First, we must notice that all people, the wealthy as well as the political leaders and the common people will have this mark. If we go back to last week’s study, we remember the group associated with the beast will fight against the mixed population of people on the earth. The 1.3 billion will fight the 1.2 billion.
Babylon and her kings will be forced to submit to the wild beast. This is how the wild beast obtains his kings. Babylon’s kings will turn their power over to the wild beast. All people will be forced into this system of government as well as this religion.
The mark is described as a scratch or etching, like a branding of sorts. This will be the way people know who is of the wild beast and who is an enemy of the wild beast. We are talking about forcing people to submit and democide for those who refuse. Again democide is not an uncommon practice among governments, Syria is a modern day example.
Revelation 13:17 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.
Revelation 13:17 G2532 And G2443 that G3361 no one G5100 G1410 should be able G59 to buy G2228 or G4453 sell, G1508 except G3588 the one G2192 having G3588 the G5480 imprint, G2228 or G3588 the G3686 name G3588 of the G2342 beast, G2228 or G3588 the G706 number G3588 G3686 of his name. G1473
59 LSJ Gloss:ἀγοράζω to be in the a)gora/
Dodson:ἀγοράζω I buy.
Thayer:
1) to be in the market place, to attend it
2) to do business there, buy or sell
3) of idle people: to haunt the market place, lounge there
ἀγοράζω
agorazō ag-or-ad'-zo From G58; properly to go to market, that is, (by implication) to purchase; specifically to redeem KJV Usage: buy, redeem.
4453 LSJ Gloss:πωλέω to exchange
Dodson:πωλέω I sell I sell, exchange, barter.
Thayer:
1) to barter, to sell
2) sellers
πωλέω
pōleō po-leh'-o Probably ultimately from πέλομαι pelomai (to be busy, to trade); to barter (as a pedlar), that is, to sell KJV Usage: sell, whatever is sold.
3686 LSJ Gloss:ὄνομα by name
Dodson:ὄνομα name, character, reputation name, character, fame, reputation.
Thayer:
1) name: univ. of proper names
2) the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one's rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc.
3) persons reckoned up by name
4) the cause or reason named: on this account, because he suffers as a Christian, for this reason
ὄνομα
onoma on'-om-ah From a presumed derivative of the base of G1097 (compare G3685); a “name” (literally or figuratively), (authority, character) KJV Usage: called, (+ sur-) name (-d).
706 LSJ Gloss:ἀριθμός number
Dodson:ἀριθμός a number, total.
Thayer:
1) a fixed and definite number
2) an indefinite number, a multitude
ἀριθμός
arithmos ar-ith-mos' From G142; a number (as reckoned up) KJV Usage: number.
One of three things the earth dwellers must have in order to buy and sell are the image of the beast, the name of the beast, or the number of the beast. Would it be possible to carry around the talking image of the beast, like a smart watch or fitness watch or band? Could people etch or tattoo the symbol of the beast on themselves? Would it be possible to become numbered into a computer system? These three things depend upon where one lives on the earth.
People dwelling in jungles without proper electricity may end up tattooed as compared to those who can be counted in a computer system, or as compared to city dwellers who willingly wear an image on their wrist. The marking on one’s forehead would be a benefit to those in a hostile region so that the marked people won’t be killed; they will be easy to spot. Those in the computer system who walk up to a market place/agora, would not be able to leave or check out unless their name came up in the system. Since smart watches or fitness bands already “know” the person they are connected to, one probably could not share their image band with others, and these people will always have the words of the image of the wild beast on them. All three of these things are a manipulation by rationing food, medicines, and supplies to the followers of the wild beast and withholding necessities from non followers.
Revelation 13:18 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 13:18 G5602 Here G3588 G4678 is wisdom. G1510.2.3 G3588 The one G2192 having G3588 the G3563 mind G5585 tally G3588 the G706 number G3588 of the G2342 beast; G706 [3a number G1063 1for G444 4of a man G1510.2.3 2it is], G2532 and G3588 G706 his number is G1473 G5462.1 {600} G3577.2 {60} G2193.2 {6} .
We dissected this section last September. The number is not a number at all. It is Arabic writing. We will read from the previous blog picking up in Zechariah who is writing about the double sword part of the mark.
Zechariah 11:17 Alas for the vain shepherds that have forsaken the sheep! the sword shall be upon the arms of such a one, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be completely withered, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.
The sword shall be upon his arms and upon his right eye. This is quite literal. This vain shepherd will be one of three shepherds who lead Israel in the end days. He will have a sword upon his arms and upon his right eye. He will have a withered arm and a blind eye.
Zechariah 11:17G5599O G3588the ones G4165tending G3588the G3152vain things, G2532and G2641leaving behind G3588the G4263sheep; G3162a sword shall be G1909against G3588 G1023his arm, G1473 G2532and G1909against G3588 G3788[eye G3588 G1188 his right]. G1473 G3588 G1023His arm G1473 G3583withering G3583shall be withered, G2532and G3588 G3788[eyeG3588 G11881his right] G1473 G1626.4by blinding G1626.4shall be blinded
“Ones” is the word shepherds who tend the sheep. When we read vain things, we can understand idols or idolatrous things. These are shepherds feeding people idolatry and abandoning them. This one individual will have a sword against his arm and against his right eye. This is a double meaning, he will have a wound by a sword in his arm and in his right eye. Notice how specific Zechariah is in identifying this person’s right eye. It cannot be his left eye, only his right eye. This is true prophecy. The second meaning is that on the wound, the person will probably have a tourniquet for his arm and an eye patch for his eye. Printed or embroidered onto the cloth will be a double sword. “The sword will be against his arm and against his right eye”. To show allegiance to this individual, people will wear arm bands and head bands with a double sword.
…The people were told by the second beast to make an image of the first beast. Now, the image of the beast will have “life”, not life as in flesh life, but the word is pneuma, or spirit. The image will be filled with a spirit so that it will speak. If people do not worship the image with the spirit in it, they will be killed. Others will take his imprint, the total of his authority. Notice the three evil shepherds are working together, the risen wounded beast, the dragon, and the second beast with lamb horns.
…Wisdom says compute the number of the beast, it is the number of a man.
Revelation 13:18 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 13:18 Here is wisdom: let him that hath intelligence, compute the number of the beast of prey; for it is the number of a man: and its number is six hundred and sixty and six.
Let’s look at the word for number. It is not really number but “counting, reckoning, or arithmetic”.
Revelation 13:18G5602ADVὧδεG3588T-NSFἡG4678N-NSFσοφίαG1510V-PAI-3Sἐστίν·G3588T-NSMὁG2192V-PAP-NSMἔχωνG3563N-ASMνοῦνG5585V-AAM-3SψηφισάτωG3588T-ASMτὸνG706N-ASMἀριθμὸνG3588T-GSNτοῦG2342N-GSNθηρίου,G706N-NSMἀριθμὸςG1063CONJγὰρG444N-GSMἀνθρώπουG1510V-PAI-3Sἐστίν·G2532CONJκαὶG3588T-NSMὁG706N-NSMἀριθμὸςG846P-GSNαὐτοῦG5516A-NUI-ABBχξϛ'.
5585LSJ Gloss: ψηφίζω to count
Dodson: ψηφίζω I reckon, compute I reckon, compute, calculate.
Strong’s: ψηφίζω to use pebbles in enumeration, i.e. (generally) to compute
Derivation: from G5586; KJV Usage: count.
Thayer:
1) to count with pebbles, to compute, calculate, reckon
2) to give one's vote by casting a pebble into the urn
3) to decide by voting
ψηφίζω
psēphizō psay-fid'-zo From G5586; to use pebbles in enumeration, that is, (genitive case) to compute KJV Usage: count.
706 LSJ Gloss: ἀριθμός number
Dodson: ἀριθμός a number, total.
Thayer:
1) a fixed and definite number
2) an indefinite number, a multitude
ἀριθμός
142 LSJ Gloss: αἴρω to take up, raise, lift up
Dodson: αἴρω I raise, lift up I raise, lift up, take away, remove.
Strong's: αἴρω to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e. weigh anchor); by Hebraism (compare H5375) to expiate sin
Derivation: a primary root; KJV Usage: away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away, remove, take (away, up).
Thayer:
1) to raise up, elevate, lift up
1a) to raise from the ground, take up: stones
1b) to raise upwards, elevate, lift up: the hand
1c) to draw up: a fish
2) to take upon one's self and carry what has been raised up, to bear
3) to bear away what has been raised, carry off
3a) to move from its place
3b) to take off or away what is attached to anything
3c) to remove
3d) to carry off, carry away with one
3e) to appropriate what is taken
3f) to take away from another what is his or what is committed to him, to take by force
3g) to take and apply to any use
3h) to take from among the living, either by a natural death, or by violence
3i) cause to cease
αἴρω
airō ah'ee-ro A primary verb; to lift; by implication to take up or away; figuratively to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind); specifically to sail away (that is, weigh anchor); by Hebraism (compare [H5375]) to expiate sin KJV Usage: away with, bear (up), carry, lift up, loose, make to doubt, put away, remove, take (away, up).
Here is the understanding of the 666. It is not the number of a man, it is the arithmetic or sum total, counting or rising up, of a man, the man wearing this symbol. It is computing, counting, reckoning, estimating, adding up, or totaling.
We could read verse 18 this way: Let him that hath understanding compute the sum total of the beast: for it is the sum total of a man; and his sum total is…..
Or: Let him that hath understanding calculate the arithmetic of the beast: for it is the arithmetic of a man; and his arithmetic is…
Or: Let him that hath understanding calculate the estimate of the beast: for it is the estimate of a man; and his estimate is….
Or: Let him that hath understanding count the reckoning of the beast: for it is the reckoning of a man; and his reckoning is…..
Or: Let him that hath understanding reckon the rising of the beast: for it is the rising of a man; and his rising is…
Or: Let him that hath understanding compute the tally of the beast: for it is the tally of a man; and his tally is…
In modern speak we would say “put it all together” or “add everything up” or “do the math” regarding the beast.
People will imprint something upon their hand or their forehead. Most Bible translators have mistakenly thought this was an actual number. It is not. It is not Greek at all, it is Arabic. Notice how the definitions are not well defined, calling this combination of symbols obsolete and vain speculation.
5516 Strong's:
χξϛ
666 as a numeral Derivation: the 22nd, 14th and an obsolete letter (G4742 as a cross) of the Greek alphabet (intermediate between the 5th and 6th), used as numbers; denoting respectively 600, 60 and 6;KJV Usage: six hundred threescore and six.
Thayer:
1) six hundred and sixty six, the meaning of which is the basis of much vain speculation
χξς
chi xi stigma khee xee stig'-ma The 22nd, 14th and an obsolete letter (G4742 as a cross) of the Greek alphabet (intermediate between the 5th and 6th), used as numbers; denoting respectively 600, 60 and 6; 666 as a numeral KJV Usage: six hundred threescore and six.
Now look at this from the Tischendorf Greek, these are not Greek letters, these are Arabic. Anyone who reads Arabic can read this. Reading from right to left these two symbols ξϛ' read:
χξϛ'.
ϛ' In the name of
ξ allah
The two letters are slightly tilted downward to the right. The third symbol χ is understood as a double sword, in which the bottom of the χ actually has two “feet”. This is not my work, but I would direct you to view the online work of Walid Shoebat which has been around for some time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtquNNEO7Fw
Let’s read this again:
Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding calculate the rising up of the beast: for it is the rising up of a man; and his rising up is in the name of allah χ (double sword symbol)
Or:
Revelation 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding calculate the computation of the beast: for it is the computation of a man; and his computation is in the name of allah χ (double sword symbol)
John is saying “do the math, calculate the statistics and put it all together”.
This is far more logical as the beast rises from the dead, having a mortal wound. He is not completely whole, but he is risen in the name of his god and wears the double sword logo of his army. Compute or calculate the rising from the dead of the beast. Prophecy has always been extremely detailed and accurate.
Understanding Zechariah, the sword will be against his arm and against his eye, we see a double sword, the symbol of two crossed swords. Revelation 14 gives us a perspective on our timeline. Remember, it is important to keep time linear. The beast suffers a mortal wound and is raised to life. Then people are told to worship the image which has pneuma, spirit……
What does wisdom tell us? Wisdom tells us that the second wild beast will put a spirit into the image of the first wild beast. Then people will be forced to worship it. Who is left on the earth? What predominate majority will be followers of the beast? We must note here that Muslims believe that Jesus will return to earth. Let’s read this:
As mentioned earlier, the "savior" in our time is the penetration of the Quranic values to our souls and society. Upon his second coming, Jesus will wholeheartedly adhere to these revealed values favored by Allah and strive purely to spread them to people all over the world.
Just as Jesus will protect and guide all believers, the believers will also have to give wholehearted support to Jesus and help him in the services he renders for the sake of Allah. This time, in other words, during his second coming, believers should never make him ask again, "Who will be my helpers to Allah?" (Surah Al 'Imran: 52) Otherwise, one will feel deep regret and torment both in this world and hereafter.
https://www.islamicity.org/5640/jesus-will-return/
Is it possible that the first wild beast claims to be Jesus? Is this the blasphemy of the wild beast, that he claims to be Yahweh, the Creator, Mighty Almighty? It seems that we have overlooked this idea as a possibility. Now if we read what Muslims say regarding Jesus, we see that there is a fear based motivation to follow this “Jesus”. They believe Jesus is going to do away with the false religion. We can understand that to mean Babylon, as the wild beast kills Babylon. With the 1.6 billion Muslims left on the earth who believe in Jesus’ return to do away with the false religion and bring a new era of peace to the world, we can see why this is a time where even the Jews will be deceived. That is until the Jews recognize this wild beast cannot be the Messiah.
We want to remember that John knew Jesus quite well. John saw his earthly miracles, raising the dead, opening blind eyes, healing the sick and the broken hearted. John was on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured. John was also in the garden when Jesus was taken captive. John witnessed his death on the cross. John also outran Peter to the tomb to see that it was empty. John was among the people who saw Jesus in his resurrected body and then saw Jesus ascend to heaven. John was with the disciples on the day of Pentecost. And then John went out spreading the good news of Jesus being a risen Lord and Savior. So here on Patmos, John can clearly see that at this time of great tribulation there will be an impostor who will be given three and one half years to rule the world. He does not tell us everything plainly, instead he tells us to do the math, or compute the tally, as to who these players are at the mid-point of the tribulation. John expects us to add it all up.
If Muslims believe Jesus is coming back to the earth and Allah will help him, then we also must recognize the earth dwellers will be calling the dragon the Heavenly Father, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a true blasphemy, as the Father and the Son are not going to be directing people into the precepts of the quran. Jesus will come to earth at the end of the tribulation on the Day of the Lord, not at the three and one half year point, to take over rule and reign for one thousand years. It appears the Muslims will see the first three and one half years as a time of unrest in the world, but when their version of Jesus comes (who is the first wild beast) he will usher in their era of world domination. From the Muslim perspective, it seems logical that this “Jesus” could enter the holy of holies and not die. It also seems logical since they are awaiting his second coming that they will believe whoever comes with dragon/Allah infused power is their leader “Jesus”.
Now that the first wild beast has been given permission to rule all tribes, tongues, and nations for three and one half years, all people, rich and poor, high ranking officials or lowly people, will need either a mark, the name, or the number of the name of the beast. The symbol of a double sword and the letter symbols are the clue the Spirit of Wisdom wants us to understand. We must compute the total; we must put it all together. Let’s remember what Paul tells us about the son of perdition.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (KJV)
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
From a previous blog:
There will be a revealing of a man of sin who is also a son of destruction. Let’s look at that closely. Before the Day of the Lord (the day Jesus returns with his armies), there will be a great defection and then a great revealing. People will see the man of sin, the son of perdition. This person is an adversary and will elevate himself above all others. He will be called “god”; someone that people will worship.
2 Thessalonians 2:4G3588the one G480being an adversary G2532and G5229elevating himself G1909above G3956all G3004being called G2316god G2228or G4574object of worship; G5620so as for G1473him G1519[2in G35883the G34854temple G3588 G23165of God G56136as G23167God G25231to sit], G584exhibiting G1438himself G3754that G1510.2.3he is G2316God.
4574 LSJ Gloss: σέβασμα an object of awe
Dodson: σέβασμα an object of worship an object of worship or veneration.
Thayer:
1) whatever is religiously honoured, an object of worship
1a) of temples, altars, statues, idolatrous images
σέβασμα
sebasma seb'-as-mah From G4573; something adored, that is, an object of worship (god, altar, etc.) KJV Usage: devotion, that is worshipped.
3485 LSJ Gloss: ναός the dwelling of a god, a temple
Dodson: ναός a temple, shrine a temple, a shrine, that part of the temple where God himself resides.
Thayer:
1) used of the temple at Jerusalem, but only of the sacred edifice (or sanctuary) itself, consisting of the Holy place and the Holy of Holies (in classical Greek it is used of the sanctuary or cell of the temple, where the image of gold was placed which is distinguished from the whole enclosure)
2) any heathen temple or shrine
3) metaph. the spiritual temple consisting of the saints of all ages joined together by and in Christ
ναός
naos nah-os' From a primary word ναίω naiō (to dwell); a fane, shrine, temple KJV Usage: shrine, temple.
2523LSJ Gloss: καθίζω to make to sit down, seat
Dodson: καθίζωI set, make to sit (a) trans: I make to sit; I set, appoint, (b) intrans: I sit down, am seated, stay.
Thayer:
1) to make to sit down
1a) to set, appoint, to confer a kingdom on one
2) intransitively
2a) to sit down
2b) to sit
2b1) to have fixed one's abode
2b2) to sojourn, to settle, settle down
καθίζω
kathizō kath-id'-zo Another (active) form for G2516; to seat down, that is, set (figuratively appoint); intransitively to sit (down); figuratively to settle (hover, dwell) KJV Usage: continue, set, sit (down), tarry.
584LSJ Gloss: ἀποδείκνυμι to point away from
Dodson: ἀποδείκνυμι I show by proof, demonstrate, set forth
I show by proof, demonstrate, set forth, proclaim to an officer.
Thayer:
1) to point away from one's self, to point out, show forth, to expose to view, exhibit
2) to declare, to show, to prove what kind of person anyone is, to prove by arguments, demonstrate
ἀποδείκνυμι
apodeiknumi ap-od-ike'-noo-mee From G575 and G1166; to show off, that is, exhibit; figuratively to demonstrate, that is, accredit KJV Usage: (ap-) prove, set forth, shew.
This man will sit in the Holy of Holies and not die, and thus people will think that this is proof that he is god. He will reside where the Living God would reside if the Living God was in the temple as in the day of Solomon. Since this man does not die, many people believe him and worship him. Paul told them about this when he was visiting. John gives us more details regarding this man and this time period. Nevertheless there will be someone who is under the power of the satan who will pretend to be god.
We have to add another point to this son of perdition. This person who may claim to be “Jesus” will be a man of blood. Just as David could not build the temple because he had shed the blood of men, this man will also shed the blood of men. This is why Solomon had to be a politician, marrying women from surrounding countries in order to keep peace so that he would not have to go to war. The Messiah will not be a man of blood, a man of the sword, and a ruler who was mortally wounded and raised from the dead. The Messiah was a lamb without spot or blemish. And there we have it. The great blasphemy. A man who calls himself Jesus, Yahweh, Mighty Almighty, the Creator, then demands worship.
This son of perdition entering the holy of holies, at the mid-point in the tribulation is unclean, but he does not die. This gives the second wild beast, the false prophet, the “proof” that this man must be the Messiah. While the false prophet has the power to call down lightning as his own proof, the earth dwellers are finding themselves in a terrible situation. They must worship the first wild beast and his image, taking one of three types of proof of allegiance or they will be slaughtered and starved by the unholy trinity which is now ready to enslave the entire world in a one world system of government and religion for forty two months.
We understand that calling one’s self a god is accurate from the scriptures. However, calling one’s self The God is another matter entirely. Yahweh and the Holy Spirit created the earth. Yahweh walked and talked with Abraham. Enoch, Shem, Eber, Isaac, and Jacob all sought him and had a relationship with him. Moses saw the backside of His glory. The prophets all heard from him. David loved Him fervently. Jesus told the Pharisees he was I AM. Put it all together, compute the total, do the math. He healed the sick, raised the dead, opened blind eyes and deaf ears. Jesus was sinless, without spot, who died for the benefit of the world. In doing so he set the dead captives free, opening the way to Paradise, taking back the keys to death and hades. He came back in his resurrected body and showed himself to many eyewitnesses.
In contrast, this first wild beast does not heal anyone, he does not create anything, or control death, hades, or Paradise. He himself will be raised from the dead and then he will cause other people to kill his non-followers. He will have power over the world for three and one half years. The second wild beast will have a few powers too, and he will be the false prophet for the wild beast influencing people with the threat of death to follow the wild beast.
It may seem crazy that anyone would want to follow this wild beast considering the contrast to Yahweh, but if we recognize that today many people reject Jesus, and many follow after and worship other gods already, worshipping a wild beast and his image is not improbable or illogical at all. The two wild beasts are men infused with power from the dragon/the satan. They are untamable and devour even their own for their own intents and purposes; democide. What exactly is the real Jesus doing at this point in the mid-tribulation? We will explore that next time.
