χάραγμα (charagma)
charagma
image/mark
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun charagma refers to a stamp, imprint, or engraved mark. In the New Testament, it describes something physically impressed upon a surface, whether as a seal of ownership or a representation of an idol. The word appears nine times, primarily in the Book of Revelation and once in Acts.
In Acts 17:29, Paul uses it to describe "graven images" or sculptures made by human hands, contrasting them with the living God. This usage highlights the word’s root meaning of something carved or stamped into material like stone or metal. It serves as a concrete term for physical idols that people mistakenly worship.
Most significantly, charagma appears six times in Revelation to describe the "mark" placed on the forehead or hand of those who follow the beast. This is not merely a symbol but a permanent brand indicating allegiance. The imagery draws from ancient practices where slaves or soldiers bore marks showing their master’s ownership. In this context, it signifies a spiritual loyalty that opposes God, standing in direct contrast to the seal of God on the faithful.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word charagma describes a stamp, imprint, or engraved mark. In Acts 17:29, Paul uses it to describe idols carved by human hands from stone or metal, reminding us that God cannot be reduced to physical objects made by people. This usage grounds the concept in tangible reality, contrasting lifeless statues with the living Creator.
In Revelation, the term takes on a deeper spiritual weight. It refers to the mark placed on those who align themselves with the beast, serving as a permanent brand of allegiance. Just as ancient slaves bore their master’s sign, this mark indicates whose authority a person serves. The text contrasts this with the seal of God on the faithful, inviting us to consider where our ultimate loyalty lies.
This imagery challenges believers to examine their own lives. Are we shaped by the values of this world, or do we bear the imprint of Christ? The call is not to fear the mark itself, but to remain steadfast in faithfulness to God, trusting that He alone defines our identity and worth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mark5×
- a mark2×
- mark —1×
- a graven thing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χάραγμα7×
- χαράγματος1×
- χαράγματι1×
Key Verses
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Acts 17:29
Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man.
Paul uses this word to describe idols carved by human art, contrasting lifeless stone with the living God.
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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 right hands or on their foreheads;
The beast forces a mark on hands and foreheads, showing how worldly power seeks total control over individuals.
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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 receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,
Receiving this mark is directly linked to worshipping the beast, highlighting the spiritual cost of such allegiance.
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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 the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and such as didn’t worship the beast nor his image, and didn’t receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
Those who refused the mark are vindicated in judgment, showing that faithfulness to God endures beyond earthly persecution.