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μέτωπον (metōpon)

metōpon

forehead

G3359 · Greek · New Testament · 8 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
8 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The Greek noun metōpon refers specifically to the forehead, the area of the face between the eyes and the hairline. In both the New Testament and the Septuagint, it serves as the standard term for this physical feature, appearing eight times in Scripture with a heavy concentration in the Book of Revelation.

This word carries significant symbolic weight in apocalyptic literature, where the forehead represents the public identity or allegiance of a person. John uses the image to distinguish between those marked by God and those bearing the mark of the beast (Revelation 7:3; 13:16). The placement on the forehead suggests something visible and outward, contrasting with internal thoughts.

The term’s etymology links it to the face or eyes, emphasizing its location as a central point of human expression. While everyday Greek might use other words for head or face, metōpon isolates this specific region, making it the chosen vessel for signs of ownership and judgment in biblical prophecy.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word metōpon points to the forehead, the visible space between the eyes and the hairline. In Scripture, this physical feature carries deep meaning about who we belong to. It is not just a part of the face but a place where identity is displayed for all to see. When Revelation speaks of marks on the forehead, it highlights public allegiance rather than hidden thoughts.

For your faith life, this reminds us that our devotion to Christ is meant to be evident. Just as a seal or name on the forehead shows ownership, our daily choices reflect where our hearts truly lie. This visibility invites honesty before God and encourages others to see the hope we hold in Jesus.

Ultimately, the image of the forehead points to eternal security. In Revelation 22:4, believers have God’s name on their foreheads as they behold His face. This promise assures us that our identity in Christ is secure, marked by grace and destined for eternal communion with Him.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • foreheads4×
  • forehead4×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • μετώπων4×
  • μέτωπον3×
  • μετώπου1×

Key Verses

  • Revelation of John 7:3
    saying, “Don’t harm the earth, the sea, or the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!”

    This verse establishes the forehead as the specific location for God's protective seal on His servants before judgment begins.

  • Revelation of John 14:1
    I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.

    Here the Lamb stands with the redeemed, each bearing both His name and the Father’s name on their foreheads as a sign of intimate belonging.

  • Revelation of John 22:4
    They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.

    The final promise shows believers with God’s name on their foreheads, indicating permanent ownership and direct vision of His face in eternity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does metōpon mean in the Bible?

Metōpon is the Greek word for forehead. In biblical usage, it refers to the area above the eyes and often symbolizes public identity or allegiance, especially in Revelation where marks indicate ownership by God or the beast.

Why is the forehead significant in Revelation?

The forehead is highlighted because it represents visible loyalty. In Revelation, receiving a mark on the forehead signifies open acceptance of authority, whether from God or the beast, contrasting with internal belief alone.

How many times does metōpon appear in the New Testament?

It appears eight times, all within the Book of Revelation. These occurrences focus on the contrast between those sealed by God and those marked by the beast or associated with Babylon.

Is there a difference between a mark on the hand and the forehead?

Yes, though both indicate allegiance. The forehead often suggests public declaration or identity, while the hand may imply action or work. Together they cover the whole person, showing complete submission to a master.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 1 books)

Revelation of John 8 verses
Revelation of John 7:3

saying, “Don’t harm the earth, the sea, or the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their…

Revelation of John 9:4

They were told that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree, but only…

Revelation of John 13:16

He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slave, to be given marks on their…

Revelation of John 14:1

I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his…

Revelation of John 14:9

Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and…

Revelation of John 17:5

And on her forehead a name was written, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE…

Revelation of John 20:4

I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for…

Revelation of John 22:4

They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.