The doctrine of the Antichrist, often identified with the Beast of Revelation, centers on the emergence of a final world leader who will oppose God and deceive many before the Second Coming of Christ. This figure is described in apocalyptic and prophetic language primarily in Revelation, Daniel, and Pauline epistles. Interpretations vary widely across Christian denominations, with debates focusing on whether the Antichrist is a singular person, a symbol of evil systems, or has already appeared. Below are scriptures supporting and challenging the rise of a singular Antichrist figure, interpreted theologically and linguistically from the KJV.
I. SCRIPTURES FOR THE RISE OF THE ANTICHRIST (Beast of Revelation)
- Revelation 13:1 (KJV) – “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea…”
Interpretation: This vision introduces the “beast” as a powerful ruler arising from political chaos (“the sea”).
Theological View: Many theologians see this as a prophecy of a final world leader—the Antichrist—empowered by Satan. - Revelation 13:7 (KJV) – “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them…”
Interpretation: The beast is permitted to persecute believers globally.
Theological View: Points to the Antichrist’s unprecedented dominion and persecution in the last days. - 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (KJV) – “…that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God…”
Interpretation: Paul describes a singular figure who blasphemes God and seeks worship.
Theological View: Identified as the Antichrist who appears before Christ’s return. - Daniel 7:8 (KJV) – “…behold, there came up among them another little horn… in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man…”
Interpretation: The “little horn” is a symbolic Antichrist figure arising from other kingdoms.
Theological View: Futurists interpret this as a prophetic allusion to the Antichrist’s emergence from a confederation of nations. - 1 John 2:18 (KJV) – “…even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”
Interpretation: While plural antichrists are acknowledged, a singular “Antichrist” is also anticipated.
Theological View: Suggests an ultimate Antichrist to appear in the end times. - Daniel 8:23-25 (KJV) – “…a king of fierce countenance… shall destroy wonderfully…”
Interpretation: This king fits the description of a future evil ruler empowered by Satan.
Theological View: Linked with the Antichrist due to his deceit and persecution of the saints. - Revelation 17:8 (KJV) – “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit…”
Interpretation: Describes a mysterious reemergence of the beast with supernatural origins.
Theological View: Supports the idea of a future ruler who rises with demonic power. - Matthew 24:24 (KJV) – “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets… insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
Interpretation: Christ warns of deceptive end-time figures.
Theological View: Often applied to the Antichrist and his lying wonders meant to deceive the faithful.
II. SCRIPTURES AGAINST THE RISE OF A SINGULAR ANTICHRIST FIGURE
- 1 John 2:18 (KJV) – “…even now are there many antichrists…”
Interpretation: The term “antichrist” is plural and already present.
Theological View: Suggests the Antichrist is not one future person but a spirit opposing Christ throughout history. - 1 John 4:3 (KJV) – “…this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard… even now already is it in the world.”
Interpretation: The spirit of antichrist is not future but active during John’s time.
Theological View: Denies a singular end-time Antichrist, favoring a symbolic, ongoing opposition to Christ. - 2 John 1:7 (KJV) – “For many deceivers are entered into the world… This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”
Interpretation: Again, “many” antichrists are emphasized.
Theological View: Supports a generalization rather than an individual figure. - Revelation 1:1 (KJV) – “…things which must shortly come to pass…”
Interpretation: Implies that the prophecy’s fulfillment began in the first century.
Theological View: Preterist view: Antichrist imagery already fulfilled in early church history. - Revelation 17:9-10 (KJV) – “…The seven heads are seven mountains… and there are seven kings…”
Interpretation: Interprets the beast’s kingdom in symbolic, possibly historical terms.
Theological View: Some view this as referring to Rome or past empires, not a future Antichrist. - Matthew 24:34 (KJV) – “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”
Interpretation: Suggests prophetic signs occurred in Christ’s generation.
Theological View: Weakens the case for a future Antichrist by rooting fulfillment in the 1st century. - 2 Thessalonians 2:7 (KJV) – “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work…”
Interpretation: The spirit of lawlessness (possibly the Antichrist) was already at work.
Theological View: Suggests no future unique Antichrist but an ongoing spiritual rebellion. - Mark 13:6 (KJV) – “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
Interpretation: Deception will come from many, not a single Antichrist.
Theological View: Antichrist is a collective or repeated pattern, not a future individual.
Translation Debates
I. Overview of the Language and Translation Debates
The doctrine of the Antichrist—especially as connected to the “Beast” of Revelation—spans several biblical books originally written in Hebrew (Old Testament), Aramaic (parts of Daniel), and Greek (New Testament). Translation issues between the Hebrew/Aramaic, Koine Greek, and English (especially the KJV) have led to several theological debates on how this doctrine is interpreted.
II. Hebrew and Aramaic (Old Testament Roots)
- Daniel 7:8 (KJV) – “I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn…”
- Hebrew/Aramaic Term: קֶרֶן זְעֵירָה (qeren ze‘irah) = “little horn”
- Issue: The phrase “little horn” has been interpreted both literally (a minor king) and symbolically (a future Antichrist figure).
- Debate: Historicists argue this refers to the Roman Church, while futurists link it to a future world leader.
- Theological View: Hebrew does not explicitly identify this “little horn” as the Antichrist; the interpretation is built contextually.
- Daniel 8:23-25 (KJV) – “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance…”
- Hebrew/Aramaic Term: עֶזֶה פָּנִים (‘ezeh panim) = “fierce of face”
- Issue: The term can imply either terror or boldness—depending on translation emphasis.
- Debate: Jewish and liberal interpreters sometimes see this as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, while Christians often see a prophetic shadow of the Antichrist.
III. Koine Greek (New Testament)
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV) – “…that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”
- Greek Term: ὁ ἄνθρωπος τῆς ἁμαρτίας (ho anthrōpos tēs hamartias) = “the man of sin”
- Issue: Some Greek manuscripts read ἀνομίας (anomias = lawlessness) instead of ἁμαρτίας (sin).
- Debate: This variant affects whether the focus is moral failure (“sin”) or rebellion against divine law (“lawlessness”).
- Theological View: Many translations now favor “man of lawlessness,” affecting interpretations of the Antichrist’s identity.
- 1 John 2:18 (KJV) – “…as ye have heard that antichrist shall come…”
- Greek Term: ἀντίχριστος (antichristos) = “against Christ” or “in place of Christ”
- Issue: The word antichristos appears only in Johannine literature and never in Revelation.
- Debate: Though popularly connected to the Beast, technically the “Antichrist” term is not used in Revelation.
- Theological View: Raises a major interpretive issue—are “the Beast,” “the man of sin,” and “Antichrist” the same figure?
- Revelation 13:1 (KJV) – “…a beast rise up out of the sea…”
- Greek Term: θηρίον (thērion) = “beast,” implying wild, dangerous, untamed creature
- Issue: The term is symbolic and doesn’t specify a literal human form.
- Debate: Is the beast a man (i.e., Antichrist), a kingdom, or a system?
- Theological View: Futurists see a literal man empowered by Satan; others (idealist/historicist) interpret symbolically.
- Revelation 17:8 (KJV) – “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit…”
- Greek Term: ἄβυσσος (abyssos) = “abyss” or “bottomless pit,” often a realm of demonic confinement
- Issue: Suggests supernatural or demonic origin.
- Theological View: Support for Antichrist as a supernaturally empowered being.
IV. English Translation and KJV Distinctives
The KJV, completed in 1611, relies heavily on the Textus Receptus for the Greek New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Hebrew Old Testament.
- Advantages:
- Reverent and poetic style
- Faithful to early Reformation theology
- Conservative translation philosophy
- Challenges in the KJV:
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3 – “man of sin” rather than “man of lawlessness” (Textus Receptus vs. older Greek mss)
- Revelation Language – Ambiguity in symbolic imagery (e.g., “beast,” “horns,” “seven heads”) causes various interpretations depending on theological presuppositions
- No Direct Term for “Antichrist” in Revelation – Though commonly taught as the Antichrist, the Beast is never called that explicitly in the KJV or Greek.
V. Greek Translation Accuracy: How Reliable?
- Koine Greek Manuscripts:
- Over 5,800 NT manuscripts exist, most fragmentary, but critical textual variants can affect interpretation.
- Examples:
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3 variant (“sin” vs. “lawlessness”)
- Revelation’s complex symbolic grammar sometimes leads to interpretive bias in translation.
- Septuagint (LXX):
- The Greek OT used by the early Church (including Paul).
- Sometimes differs from the Hebrew Masoretic text (e.g., Daniel).
- Christians often quote the LXX where wording supports messianic interpretations, whereas Jews favor the Masoretic tradition.
- Translation Challenges:
- Greek is structurally different from Hebrew and English.
- Symbolism, participial phrases, and eschatological idioms in Revelation are notoriously hard to translate.
- No punctuation in the original Greek texts, which leads to varied sentence parsing.
VI. Theological Implications of Translation
- Literal vs. Symbolic
- Misinterpretation of apocalyptic symbols (e.g., “beast,” “horns,” “mark”) can lead to sensationalism or unwarranted predictions.
- Translation choices often reflect theological positions (e.g., preterist vs. futurist).
- Conflating Titles
- The KJV and other translations sometimes harmonize terms like “man of sin,” “Antichrist,” and “Beast,” though Greek texts use distinct terms.
- This can lead to a composite figure not explicitly outlined in scripture.
- Interpretive Biases
- KJV’s alignment with Reformation theology may reinforce a Protestant polemic (e.g., Papacy = Antichrist).
- Modern translations often reflect different doctrinal leanings, especially in apocalyptic passages.
Summary
A thorough analysis of the doctrine of the Antichrist reveals that significant interpretive variance stems not just from theology, but from translation and linguistic nuance across Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, and English (KJV). While Greek terms like antichristos, thērion, and anthrōpos tēs hamartias guide the discussion, translation variants—especially between the Textus Receptus and older manuscripts—can shift theological conclusions.
The KJV, though a masterwork of English prose, reflects certain textual choices and Reformation assumptions that shape Antichrist doctrine in traditional Protestantism. Greek manuscripts are largely accurate in form but complex in meaning, especially in Revelation, which is steeped in symbolism, parallelism, and typology.
Ultimately, doctrinal conclusions about the Antichrist depend heavily on how faithfully we handle the original languages and how cautiously we interpret apocalyptic prophecy, avoiding assumptions not clearly affirmed by the biblical text.
Denominational Views
1. Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church generally views the “Antichrist” as a singular figure arising at the end of time, but also emphasizes the spirit of Antichrist as present in ongoing rebellion against Christ and the Church. They interpret much of Revelation allegorically or symbolically rather than predicting a literal future world dictator. Catholic eschatology often highlights the triumph of the Church and Christ through persecution and deception.
View & Debate: Catholics historically rejected the Protestant claim that the Pope is the Antichrist, calling this view anti-Catholic polemic. They interpret the “man of sin” as a final figure of apostasy but not as the Pope himself.
Theological View For – 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV): “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…”
- Greek: ὁ ἄνθρωπος τῆς ἁμαρτίας (ho anthrōpos tēs hamartias)
- Catholics affirm the “man of sin” will arise but resist specific identification.
- hamartias (“sin”) is understood as rebellion against God’s law, not just individual acts.
Theological View Against – Revelation 13:1 (KJV): “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea…”
- Greek: θηρίον (thērion)
- Catholic theologians often interpret this as representative of a corrupt government or system, not one single individual.
Translation Note: The Vulgate (Latin) translates thērion as bestia, leading to symbolic and institutional interpretations.
2. Eastern Orthodox Church
The Eastern Orthodox Church maintains a similar eschatological position to Catholicism. The Antichrist is seen as a future deceiver and persecutor, but they are cautious about naming him or making rigid timelines. They emphasize readiness and spiritual vigilance over speculation.
View & Debate: Orthodox theology leans toward a mystical and liturgical understanding of prophecy, warning against literalist and sensationalist interpretations.
Theological View For – 1 John 2:18 (KJV): “…ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists…”
- Greek: ἀντίχριστος (antichristos)
- Interpreted spiritually as opposition to Christ in many forms, both then and in the end.
Theological View Against – Revelation 13:17 (KJV): “And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark…”
- Greek: χάραγμα (charagma) = “mark, stamp”
- Orthodox theologians caution against interpreting this mark literally as a microchip or technology, emphasizing instead spiritual allegiance.
Translation Note: Orthodox Bibles often use the Septuagint for the Old Testament and Byzantine Greek texts for the New Testament, matching the KJV in some but not all areas.
3. Evangelical
Evangelicals generally view the Antichrist as a future world leader who will oppose Christ, rule during the Tribulation, and be destroyed at the Second Coming. This view is heavily influenced by dispensational premillennialism.
View & Debate: Strong literalist interpretation. Some debate whether the Antichrist is alive today or if he represents a system of government.
Theological View For – Revelation 13:5 (KJV): “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies…”
- Greek: βλασφημίας (blasphēmias) = blasphemies
- Evangelicals link this with Daniel’s “little horn,” connecting blasphemy with self-deification.
Theological View Against – 1 John 4:3 (KJV): “…every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God…”
- Greek: ἔρχεται ἐν σαρκί (erchetai en sarki) = “comes in the flesh”
- While used to warn against doctrinal error, some evangelicals say this doesn’t refer to one specific Antichrist, but many.
Translation Note: Evangelicals heavily rely on KJV, NKJV, ESV, and NASB. KJV’s firm rendering of “antichrist” supports this doctrine clearly.
4. Protestant (General)
Mainline Protestants vary widely. Some accept a personal Antichrist, while others treat “Antichrist” as a symbol of opposition to truth, often within institutions.
View & Debate: The Reformation tradition (especially Luther and Calvin) identified the Papacy with the Antichrist. Modern Protestants tend to see this as outdated.
Theological View For – Daniel 7:25 (KJV): “And he shall speak great words against the most High…”
- Aramaic: מִלִּין רַבְרְבִין (millīn rabrabīn) = “great words” or blasphemous speech
- Seen as predictive of the Antichrist’s arrogant claims.
Theological View Against – 2 John 1:7 (KJV): “For many deceivers are entered into the world…”
- Greek: πλάνοι (planōi) = deceivers
- Some Protestants argue these deceivers were local heretics, not prophetic figures.
Translation Note: Protestant Bibles follow the Masoretic and Textus Receptus traditions, mirroring the KJV’s choices.
5. Baptist (Southern, Independent)
Most Baptists affirm the Antichrist as a future individual empowered by Satan. They adhere closely to the literal, dispensationalist reading of Revelation.
View & Debate: Debate exists on whether the Church will face the Antichrist or be raptured beforehand (pre-trib vs. mid/post-trib).
Theological View For – Revelation 13:7 (KJV): “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints…”
- Greek: ποιῆσαι πόλεμον (poiēsai polemon) = “to make war”
- Understood literally as persecution during the Tribulation.
Theological View Against – Matthew 24:24 (KJV): “…if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
- Greek: ψευδόχριστοι (pseudokristoi) = “false Christs”
- Some Baptists distinguish these from the final Antichrist.
Translation Note: KJV is dominant in Independent Baptist circles, reinforcing a traditionalist interpretation.
6. Methodist (United Methodist, AME)
Methodists generally interpret the Antichrist as symbolic of spiritual rebellion and systemic evil rather than a singular world leader.
View & Debate: Traditional Methodism avoids the sensationalism of dispensationalism, though some conservative circles differ.
Theological View For – 2 Thessalonians 2:8 (KJV): “…that Wicked be revealed…”
- Greek: ὁ ἄνομος (ho anomos) = “the lawless one”
- Viewed spiritually, representing rebellion, injustice, or antinomianism.
Theological View Against – Revelation 13:16 (KJV): “…to receive a mark in their right hand…”
- Greek: δεξιὰν χεῖρα (dexian cheira) = right hand
- Not taken literally—Methodists may see this as symbolic of loyalty.
Translation Note: Methodists use various translations; KJV remains respected for authority and tradition.
7. Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA)
Lutherans, particularly in confessional branches, historically identified the Papacy as the Antichrist. This remains in official Lutheran Confessions, though modern Lutherans may interpret differently.
View & Debate: ELCA downplays this historical view; Missouri Synod holds it doctrinally.
Theological View For – Daniel 11:36 (KJV): “…and shall exalt himself above every god…”
- Hebrew: יַתְגַּדַּל (yitgaddal) = to magnify oneself
- Interpreted as blasphemous arrogance of the Antichrist figure.
Theological View Against – 1 John 2:22 (KJV): “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”
- Greek: ἀντίχριστος (antichristos)
- Some modern Lutherans interpret this as applying to any false teacher.
Translation Note: Luther’s German Bible shaped Protestant eschatology; KJV followed that tradition closely.
8. Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI)
Pentecostals widely accept the Antichrist as a literal future world leader, linked to the Beast of Revelation. Emphasis is placed on supernatural deception and spiritual warfare.
View & Debate: Strong belief in a personal Antichrist during the Tribulation; UPCI, being Oneness Pentecostal, may frame this differently theologically.
Theological View For – Revelation 19:20 (KJV): “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet…”
- Greek: ψευδοπροφήτης (pseudoprophētēs) = false prophet
- Often seen as a political-religious partnership against Christ.
Theological View Against – Luke 21:8 (KJV): “Take heed that ye be not deceived…”
- Greek: μὴ πλανηθῆτε (mē planēthēte) = “be not misled”
- Focus is on vigilance, not necessarily timing.
Translation Note: KJV is heavily used in Pentecostal churches, reinforcing a futurist view.
9. Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses deny that the Antichrist is a single future individual. They define “Antichrist” as any person or organization that opposes Jehovah’s Kingdom, especially Christendom.
View & Debate: They teach the Beast of Revelation symbolizes political governments. The United Nations is sometimes described as the modern “image of the beast.”
Theological View For – 1 John 2:18 (KJV): “…as ye have heard that antichrist shall come…”
- Greek: ἀντίχριστος (antichristos)
- Understood as a collective of religious deceivers.
Theological View Against – Revelation 13:1 (KJV):
- Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret thērion symbolically as world government under Satan’s influence.
Translation Note: They use the New World Translation, but often cite KJV in discussion.
10. Mormonism (LDS)
The LDS Church believes in apostasy and future tribulation but does not emphasize a singular “Antichrist” as defined in Evangelical theology.
View & Debate: They believe many Antichrists have existed, especially those who deny Christ and the Restoration.
Theological View For – 2 Nephi 25:18 (Book of Mormon): speaks of those who deny Christ.
- LDS scripture aligns with 1 John 2:22 (KJV)
- antichristos is applied broadly.
Theological View Against – Revelation 13:5 (KJV):
- Seen symbolically; not used to define one man.
Translation Note: The KJV is the official English Bible of the LDS Church.
11. Seventh-day Adventist
SDAs believe the Antichrist system is the union of apostate Christianity and state power, especially the Papacy. They identify the Beast of Revelation with historical papal Rome.
View & Debate: Futurism is rejected; Historicism governs their eschatology.
Theological View For – Daniel 7:25 (KJV): “…he shall think to change times and laws…”
- Aramaic: יְשַׁנֵּא (yeshanneh) = to change or alter
- Applied to changes in Sabbath worship.
Theological View Against – Revelation 13:15 (KJV):
- Not a literal idol but symbolic of state-enforced false worship.
Translation Note: KJV is the standard Bible; Historicist interpretation dominates.
Summary
Across denominations, interpretations of the Antichrist doctrine vary widely—from literal future tyrants (Evangelicals, Baptists, Pentecostals) to symbolic spiritual forces (Catholics, Orthodox, Methodists). Linguistic details—such as the Greek antichristos, thērion, and Hebrew qeren (horn)—play key roles in shaping theology. The KJV generally preserves these nuances well, though debates over textual variants (e.g., hamartias vs. anomias) influence doctrinal divergence. Translation traditions, eschatological frameworks (Futurist, Historicist, Idealist), and denominational presuppositions all converge to form a complex but theologically rich landscape around the doctrine of the Antichrist.
Table 1: Denominational Views – For Interpretation of the Antichrist (Beast)
| Denomination | View | Interpretation | Scripture Basis (KJV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | Future deceiver, not necessarily one person | “Man of sin” refers to end-time apostasy, not specific individual | 2 Thessalonians 2:3 – “…and that man of sin be revealed…” |
| Eastern Orthodox | Spiritual opposition; present in many forms | Antichristos = opposition to Christ’s nature and truth | 1 John 2:18 – “…ye have heard that antichrist shall come…” |
| Evangelical | Literal future world leader ruling during Tribulation | Thērion = a specific beastly ruler empowered by Satan | Revelation 13:5 – “…a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies…” |
| Protestant (General) | Divided – symbolic or literal | “Little horn” and arrogant ruler in Daniel seen as prophetic of Antichrist | Daniel 7:25 – “…he shall speak great words against the most High…” |
| Baptist | Literal personal Antichrist during Tribulation | Polemon (war) and persecution are literal events | Revelation 13:7 – “…to make war with the saints…” |
| Methodist | Symbol of lawlessness and apostasy | Anomos = lawless spirit opposing God’s truth | 2 Thessalonians 2:8 – “…that Wicked be revealed…” |
| Lutheran | Traditional view: Papacy as Antichrist | Yitgaddal (exalt) from Daniel shows Antichrist as self-exalting religious figure | Daniel 11:36 – “…he shall exalt himself above every god…” |
| Pentecostal | Future world leader and false prophet | Pseudoprophētēs = spiritual deceiver linked to political leader | Revelation 19:20 – “…with him the false prophet…” |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | Antichrist = collective deceivers, false religions | Antichristos refers to groups, not individuals | 1 John 2:18 – “…even now are there many antichrists…” |
| Mormonism (LDS) | Broad term; not one man | Antichrist = anyone who denies Christ or the Restoration | 2 Nephi 25:18 (Book of Mormon) & 1 John 2:22 – “He is antichrist…” |
| Seventh-day Adventist | Systemic; Papal Rome identified as Beast | Yeshanneh = to change times/laws, seen in Sabbath change | Daniel 7:25 – “…think to change times and laws…” |
Table 2: Denominational Views – Against Specific/Literal Antichrist Interpretation
| Denomination | View | Argument Against Interpretation | Scripture Basis (KJV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | Cautions against individual labeling (e.g., Pope) | Thērion is symbolic of corrupted empires | Revelation 13:1 – “…a beast rise up out of the sea…” |
| Eastern Orthodox | Rejects literalism of mark, number, etc. | Charagma is spiritual loyalty, not a chip or physical mark | Revelation 13:17 – “…save he that had the mark…” |
| Evangelical | Some debate over exact identity of Antichrist | “False Christs” pluralized, implies many instead of one | Matthew 24:24 – “…they shall deceive the very elect.” |
| Protestant (General) | Some interpret antichrists as general deceivers | Planōi (deceivers) in 2 John refers to local heretics, not prophetic figures | 2 John 1:7 – “For many deceivers are entered into the world…” |
| Baptist | Debate on timing (pre-trib vs. post-trib) | False Christs and antichrists not always equivalent | Matthew 24:24 – “…false Christs and false prophets shall rise…” |
| Methodist | Not focused on literal mark of beast | Dexian cheira (right hand) is metaphorical for allegiance | Revelation 13:16 – “…to receive a mark in their right hand…” |
| Lutheran | Modern Lutherans reject Papacy as Antichrist | Many deceivers existed; not all are one man | 1 John 2:22 – “He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” |
| Pentecostal | Some resist pinpointing exact events | Focus on mē planēthēte = be not misled, rather than speculation | Luke 21:8 – “…Take heed that ye be not deceived…” |
| Jehovah’s Witnesses | Reject future Antichrist figure | Thērion is global political system under Satan, not a person | Revelation 13:1 – “…a beast rise up out of the sea…” |
| Mormonism (LDS) | Denies traditional concept of end-time Antichrist | Antichrist is spirit of denial, not singular being | Revelation 13:5 – (used symbolically in LDS theology) |
| Seventh-day Adventist | Rejects Futurism | Beast is historical system, not future world leader | Revelation 13:15 – “…speak, and cause that as many… should be killed…” |
Summary
The doctrine of the Antichrist brings together rich linguistic, prophetic, and doctrinal components. Greek terms like antichristos (opponent of Christ), thērion (beast), and charagma (mark) and Aramaic terms like millīn rabrabīn (great words) reveal how critical textual roots are to each denomination’s eschatology. Evangelicals and Baptists hold a literal futurist view, while Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant branches opt for a symbolic or spiritualized interpretation. Groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists adopt systemic or historicist frameworks. Despite shared scriptural texts (especially the KJV), differences in interpretation stem from broader theological systems and translation traditions. The Antichrist, therefore, remains both a doctrinal symbol and a lens through which denominations articulate deeper convictions about truth, deception, and the end of days.