20 Bible Verses About the Antichrist (With Commentary)

Many are curious about the enigmatic Antichrist mentioned in the Bible. The concept of an Antichrist plays a pivotal role in Christian eschatology, often seen as a harbinger of end times.

Our blog will guide you through key scriptures that provide insight into the identity and actions of this figure. Read on to uncover truths from ancient texts—let’s explore together!

Identification and Characteristics of the Antichrist

1 John 2:18

"Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time."

1 John 2:18 makes it clear that the last hour is upon us, and many antichrists have emerged. This is a sure sign that we are living in end times. These antichrists bring false teachings that stand against Jesus Christ, trying to lead people away from the truth.

Yet there’s hope for those who believe because no matter how many antichrists appear, they cannot overcome Jesus Christ’s ultimate victory. Keep an eye out for deceivers but stay strong in your faith; Jesus has already won the battle.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

"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, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."

Beware of the man of lawlessness, Paul warns. This figure opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god. He even sits in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. These words from 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 paint a clear picture of the Antichrist’s blasphemous acts.

Paul’s outline here is crucial. It helps us understand future prophecies about the Day of the Lord. The passage shows how deeply deceived some people will be by this son of destruction.

Revelation 13:1-8

"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."

A fierce beast rises from the sea in Revelation 13:1-8. It has ten horns and seven heads, with a blasphemous name on each head. This symbolizes great power and rebellion against God.

The dragon, who is the devil and Satan, gives it his own power. People all over the earth are amazed by the beast.

This beast has a mouth that speaks mighty things against God. It mocks everything sacred for forty-two months. It wages war against God’s people and wins over every tribe, people, language, and nation.

Everyone worships this beast except those chosen by God.

1 John 4:3

"And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."

1 John 4:3 is clear—any spirit that doesn’t recognize Jesus isn’t from God. This is the antichrist’s spirit, lurking and misleading in today’s world. It’s not just a future worry; false teachers with this deceiving spirit are already here.

Experts like John MacArthur warn us about those promoting “another Jesus.” They’re part of the many antichrists identified in the Bible. This verse serves as a crucial alert, guiding us to stand firm against such deceptions.

2 John 1:7

"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist."

The Bible warns us about tricksters and the Antichrist, people who tell lies about Jesus. In 2 John 1:7, anyone denying that Jesus came in a real human body is called a deceiver and an Antichrist.

This verse is clear – such teaching is dangerous and wrong.

Deceivers spread these false teachings across the world, but this scripture helps us spot them. They refuse to admit Jesus Christ lived as flesh and blood among us. Knowing their tricks keeps believers alert so they won’t be fooled by lies.

The Spirit of the Antichrist

1 John 2:22

"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son."

Who is a liar? According to 1 John 2:22, it’s someone who denies Jesus as the Christ. This verse paints the antichrist not just as a deceiver but an outright enemy of Christ. The term “antichrist” goes beyond one individual; it includes anyone opposing Jesus’ true identity.

They claim Jesus isn’t the Messiah, directly challenging God’s Word. In doing this, they show themselves against everything Jesus stands for. Denying that Jesus is the Anointed One spits in the face of centuries-old prophecies and God’s plan revealed through genesis and throughout scripture—actions only an antichrist would take.

2 Thessalonians 2:7

"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."

2 Thessalonians 2:7 reveals a secret power of lawlessness already at work. This mystery will set the stage for the Antichrist’s arrival. The “restrainer” is currently holding back these forces, keeping the satanic kingdom from taking over too soon.

The Bible tells us this unseen force will be taken away, paving the way for chaos that leads to Armageddon. It suggests that evil is being kept in check, but only until God decides it’s time for the end-times events to unfold.

Revelation 17:8

"The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is."

Revelation 17:8 speaks of a beast that was, is not, and yet will come up from the abyss. This mysterious creature fascinates many who study the Book of Revelation. It’s seen as part of a grander vision, telling us about an empire that rises again after falling.

The passage hints at something powerful—once gone but returning with force to control and deceive.

The Antichrist links closely to this beast—a figure rising with support from ten kings, bent on leading a rebellion against God’s authority. Empowered by evil forces, it challenges everything holy and good.

In the Bible, this beast makes its mark in human history by promoting false teachings before meeting its end in battle.

1 John 4:1-3

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."

Beware, for not every spirit is from God. 1 John 4:1-3 tells us to test them all. It warns of the Antichrist’s spirit that rejects Jesus. This enemy already moves among us.

Trust your faith to spot these false spirits. They refuse to say Jesus came in the flesh—this is how you’ll know they’re not on God’s side. Keep sharp and stay strong in truth; don’t let these spirits fool you.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved."

The Antichrist comes with a power that is nothing less than satanic. This man of sin showcases signs and wonders that could trick anyone. His acts are not just impressive; they’re fueled by evil forces, as clear in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10.

People fall for his lies because they didn’t love the truth enough to be saved.

He’ll offer fake miracles and deceive those who are lost. They chose wickedness over belief in the gospel. This is a serious reminder—the Antichrist’s coming brings a strong delusion.

It shows us how deep deception can run when hearts turn away from what’s true and pure.

The Antichrist’s Opposition to Christ

Daniel 7:25

"And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time."

Daniel 7:25 speaks of a leader, often linked to the Antichrist, who will say terrible things against God. He aims to change times and laws. People will be under his control for three and a half years.

This leader challenges the holy trinity by trying to overpower saints. But he won’t win forever. A time will come when he faces judgement for his actions. This verse is crucial for understanding end-time events and the rise of significant figures in prophecy.

Revelation 13:5-6

"And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."

In Revelation 13:5-6, the Antichrist boasts wildly and speaks terrible things against God. This powerful leader is full of pride and insults everything sacred. He even challenges God Himself, daring to attack His name and heavenly home.

It’s a scary time as this figure takes the stage in the world.

The beast’s words shock everyone. People who live on earth are amazed by his boldness. His actions draw them into worship; they’re captivated by his power and defiance. The Antichrist’s reign fills these verses with tension, signaling a dark turn in the Book of Revelation.

Daniel 8:25

"And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand."

Daniel 8:25 tells us about a cunning leader who will stand up against the Prince of princes. He’ll be clever and cause deceit to prosper. But he won’t use his own power; it’ll seem almost supernatural.

This ruler, like Antiochus Epiphanes from history, points to the end-time Antichrist.

He will trick many people with lies and smooth words. Even so, he’s heading for a fall—a big one. His defeat comes out of nowhere—no human hand is involved! It’s like one minute he’s on top, and the next, he’s done—just like that prophecy says.

Revelation 19:19

"And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army."

Revelation 19:19 shows a fierce battle—it’s the climax of good versus evil. Christ comes with heaven’s armies, shining bright and ready to fight. At this moment, the Antichrist stands against Him with his own forces, thinking he can win.

The Antichrist and False Prophet team up in this epic face-off. They want to overpower Jesus and His glory but have no idea what awaits them. The verses paint a vivid picture—Christ’s triumph is sure, and He will obliterate His enemies with just a word from His mouth.

Daniel 11:36-37

"And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all."

Daniel 11:36-37 speaks of a king with great power. This king will do as he pleases, exalting himself above all gods. He will speak outrageous things against the God of gods. He won’t respect the gods his ancestors honored or any god at all.

Instead, he’ll elevate himself higher than them all.

This passage gets us thinking—is this the Antichrist? Many scholars believe so. The words paint a picture of someone filled with pride and blasphemy, traits often linked to the Antichrist in biblical texts.

His actions fit into Daniel’s prophecies about a ruler who turns away from tradition and only honors a god of fortresses—a symbol for worshiping power itself.

The End Times and the Antichrist

Matthew 24:24

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

False christs and prophets will appear, performing great signs to trick even the chosen ones—Matthew 24:24 tells us this. Such warnings are crucial in discussions about the Antichrist and end times.

This verse is part of Jesus’ talk on end-time signs in Matthew’s book.

Believers must stay sharp to avoid deception by those posing as Christ or his messengers. Scholars link this warning with other Bible parts that describe false teachers rising in the last days.

The message is clear: watch out for impostors trying to lead you off the true path.

Revelation 20:10

"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."

Revelation 20:10 pulls back the curtain on the final fate of the devil. He’s thrown into a lake of fire, where he suffers forever. This isn’t just for him, though. The beast and false prophet share this fiery end.

Picture it—a place where those who deceive and oppose God face justice that never ends.

Imagine that scene in Revelation—the ultimate showdown of good versus evil. It shows us there’s no escape for those bent on wickedness against God and His people. The beast and his sidekick, the so-called prophet—both notorious for their lies—are destined to be tormented day and night without a break in sight.

They played their part in leading many astray, but now they pay a price with no exit sign.

2 Thessalonians 2:8

"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:"

The Antichrist will one day be exposed by the power of Jesus’ own breath. This is what 2 Thessalonians 2:8 tells us. The verse paints a picture where deceit doesn’t last forever, and truth emerges victorious.

It’s part of Paul’s message to clarify the end times—a time when religious trickery peaks but ultimately falls.

Imagine this: A world confused about the true Messiah sees clarity as Christ himself defeats deception with just a whisper. That’s the impactful moment described in this scripture from 2 Thessalonians.

No force can match God’s simple breath—powerful enough to consume falsehood and bring light to darkness.

Revelation 13:16-17

"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

Revelation 13:16-17 talks about the mark of the beast. This mark stands for loyalty to the Antichrist. Everyone, rich or poor, will need this mark to buy or sell things. It’s a symbol of control and power that defies God.

Without the mark, people can’t take part in daily commerce. The number 666 is tied to this evil system, representing all that opposes God the Father and Christ. These verses warn us about giving our worship to anyone other than God Himself.

Daniel 9:27

"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."

Daniel 9:27 speaks of a powerful figure making a strong covenant with many for one week. In the middle of that week, he stops sacrifices and offerings. This act brings desolation until the end, which is decreed to pour out on him.

Many scholars connect this verse to the Antichrist’s actions in end times. They see Daniel’s words as a direct prophecy about God’s enemy rising in power. He breaks his promises and causes great suffering—just like prophecies say the Antichrist will do.

The Seventy Weeks of Daniel tie him to this final week where chaos spreads across nations until judgment catches up with him.

Conclusion

The Antichrist stirs up fear and curiosity—but the Bible guides us through. It warns of false messiahs with its verses, painting a clear picture. Stay alert and hold onto your faith.

Remember, knowledge is power—arm yourself with these scriptures. Let’s stand firm, knowing good ultimately triumphs over evil.

FAQs

1. What does the Book of Revelation say about the Antichrist?

The Book of Revelation speaks of a figure called ‘the beast,’ which many believe refers to the Antichrist. This being is marked by the number 666 and has powers that challenge those of God.

2. Is there a specific Bible verse in Daniel that talks about the Antichrist?

Yes, indeed – Daniel 7 describes visions of beasts with grand power and influence, often interpreted by scholars as prophesies related to the coming of an Antichrist figure.

3. Do Bible verses describe how we can recognize the Antichrist?

While no single verse gives away everything, scriptures hint at signs—like posing as an angel of light or defiling the temple of God—that may help believers identify deceitful forces resembling that of an Antichrist.

4. Did apocalypticists only appear in New Testament times?

Apocalypticists have been around since biblical days and continue even now; people who study and interpret prophecies regarding world-changing events, which include predictions about figures like the Antichrist mentioned both in Genesis and The New Testament.

5. Will everyone be fooled by the Antichrist according to Bible verses?

Bible passages warn us — not all will see through tricks right away; however, guidance from texts like Matthew 4:8 gives insight into resisting temptation, while faith led by The Holy Spirit helps discern truth from deception.