καὶ ἵνα μή τις δύνηται ἀγοράσαι ἢ πωλῆσαι εἰ μὴ ὁ ἔχων τὸ χάραγμα, τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου ἢ τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ
Revelation 13:17 describes an oppressive system in which participation in the economy is limited to those who bear the mark of the beast. The Greek syntax reinforces the exclusivity and coercion built into this apocalyptic scenario. It is precise, juridical, and chilling in tone, establishing boundaries on action and identity.
Grammatical Foundations
The verse begins with a purpose clause: καὶ ἵνα μή τις δύνηται—“and in order that no one might be able.” ἵνα introduces the purpose or result, followed by δύνηται, a present middle/passive subjunctive of δύναμαι, expressing potential or ability. The negative particle μή governs the subjunctive: the goal is to prevent certain actions.
The two actions prohibited are ἀγοράσαι and πωλῆσαι—“to buy or to sell.” Both are aorist active infinitives, forming a complementary infinitive construction with δύνηται. The pair of verbs represents the totality of economic exchange: no participation in the market is possible without compliance.
The condition is introduced by εἰ μή—“except.” Only ὁ ἔχων (the one having) can participate. ἔχων is a present active participle, nominative masculine singular, from ἔχω, and functions substantively. What must one have? One of three things, expressed in apposition:
- τὸ χάραγμα—“the mark”
- τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου—“the name of the beast”
- τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ—“the number of his name”
The syntax presents these three elements as either synonyms or related expressions of the same reality. The definite articles and parallel structure give them a formal, legal tone, emphasizing precision and inflexibility.
Exegetical and Theological Implications
The verse portrays a dystopian form of worship through economic coercion. The grammar emphasizes total exclusion: no buying or selling without the mark. The Greek δύνηται ἀγοράσαι ἢ πωλῆσαι shows both the ability and the prohibition being tied to possession of the beast’s identifier.
Theologically, this system mimics divine ownership but inverts it. Instead of being sealed by God, the followers of the beast are marked with his name or number. The participle ὁ ἔχων becomes a gatekeeper term—belonging is tied to identification, not ethics. It reflects a counterfeit kingdom, where identity is enforced through surveillance and control.
Linguistic and Historical Perspectives
χάραγμα originally referred to a stamp or engraving—used for coins, documents, or branding slaves. In the Roman world, economic transactions were deeply tied to allegiance, especially in imperial cults. The use of χάραγμα here may allude to the emperor’s image stamped on coins—now subverted into a satanic imitation.
ἀριθμὸς τοῦ ὀνόματος plays on the practice of gematria, where names were assigned numeric values. The next verse (Rev 13:18) will identify the number as 666. The Greek’s symmetry and specificity capture the severity of this counterfeit system, where freedom of movement and economy depends on idolatrous alignment.
Table: Verbal and Structural Features in Revelation 13:17
| Text | Greek Verb / Phrase | Form | Function / Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revelation 13:17 | δύνηται | Present middle/passive subjunctive, 3rd person singular | “Might be able”; expresses restricted potential action |
| Revelation 13:17 | ἀγοράσαι / πωλῆσαι | Aorist active infinitives | “To buy or to sell”; actions made contingent on identity marker |
| Revelation 13:17 | ὁ ἔχων | Present active participle, nominative masculine singular | “The one who has”; identifies who qualifies to act economically |
The Verse as a Paradigm of Koine Greek Richness
Revelation 13:17 exemplifies how Koine Greek can encode theological and economic realities with precision. The subjunctive construction defines limits. The infinitives show totality of action. The participle and appositional phrases create a rigid system of inclusion and exclusion. Through this language, John paints a world where identity and allegiance are dictated by an anti-God power—and the grammar itself becomes part of the message.
