Definition: And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Revelation 14:9. It’s a pretty complex verse, but we can understand it at its core. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse deals with the final judgment and what happens to those who worship or imitate something that God considers evil – the Beast. Let’s look at each part: “And the third angel followed them…” : This refers to the Third Angel, which is a significant figure in Revelation. It’s not just any angel; it's a powerful, symbolic angel who represents God’s judgment and sovereignty. “…saying with a loud voice…” : The Third Angel speaks clearly and powerfully. “If any man worship the beast and his image…” : This is the core of the verse. It means someone is actively worshipping or idolizing something – specifically, the Beast. The “beast” in Revelation isn’t a literal animal; it represents the Antichrist – a powerful system of government and world power that will deceive people. “…and receive [his] mark…” : This is where it gets interesting. The Third Angel says that if someone worships the Beast, they'll be given a “mark” on their forehead or hand. This "mark" isn’t a physical tattoo; it represents something spiritual – a sign of being under God's control and of aligning with this system. “…in his forehead,” or “…in his hand.” : This is the crucial part. The Mark isn't just any mark. It's a specific, visible mark that signifies devotion to the Beast. Putting it all together – What does it mean? This verse essentially says: Anyone who worships or idols the Antichrist, by associating with him and mimicking his ways, will be given a sign of his power. It’s a warning about the dangers of idolatry – focusing on something other than God. Important Context (Briefly): Revelation 14 is part of a larger story about the final battle between good and evil. The Beast represents Satan and his influence in the world. This verse speaks to the consequences of rejecting God’s authority and choosing to worship anything that opposes him. In simpler terms: If you worship something that's designed to deceive, or if you mimic its power and behavior, you will be marked as a witness to God’s judgment. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on interpretation of the text within a theological framework. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain the symbolism behind the Beast? Discuss what kind of "mark" might be given?