The mysterious number 666 has captured the fascination of Bible scholars and regular Christians alike for over two thousand years. Referred to as the “number of the beast” in the Book of Revelation, the number 666 is considered evil and associated with the Antichrist in eschatology. But what is the real meaning behind 666 and why does it strike such fear in hearts?
The Number 666 in Revelation 13
The number 666 first appears in Revelation 13:16-18:
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. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
This passage describes the enforcement of the “mark of the beast” without which people cannot engage in commerce. It then urges to “count the number of the beast” which is “666”.
So in Revelation, 666 is:
- Associated with the Antichrist and his authoritarian world government
- Symbolic of standing against God and choosing the way of evil
- A number that must be discerned using wisdom and understanding
Symbolic Meaning of 666
Being called the “number of a man”, 666 contains symbolic meaning. Bible scholars have proposed several interpretations:
- It represents mankind falling short of perfection (7) as 3 indicates the divine (Trinity) and 6 represents the weakness of human flesh
- It parodies the holy 777 indicating triple completeness
- Gematria calculations link 666 to certain despised Roman emperors like Nero or Caligula
666 evokes humankind’s vulnerability to sin and submission to ungodly rulers. It is a warning not to be led astray by earthly authorities but to follow the way of Christ.
666 as the Mark of the Beast
The number is integrally linked to the mark of the beast introduced prior to the passage quoting 666. There are debates about the nature of this mark, such as:
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical mark | A visible sign on the right hand or forehead allowing buying and selling |
| Spiritual compromise | Making worldly allegiances instead of following God |
| Technological control | Digital IDs, implants, biometrics, cashless payments, surveillance |
So 666 has connotations of societal control, compromising faith in return for sustenance and security, and serving ungodly governmental powers. It represents entanglement with the corrupt world system ruled by the coming Antichrist.
Chi Xi Stigma Theory
An intriguing theory claims 666 originates from translating Roman emperor Nero Caesar into Hebrew, which equates to 666. Called the “chi xi stigma” interpretation, it has several merits:
- Uses a form of gematria (assigning numbers to letters)
- Fits the 1st century historical context addressing persecution under Nero
- Explains why some early Bible editions have “616” – alternate spelling of Nero
- Resonates with the assertion it’s the number “of a man”
So 666 may directly indicate Nero yet also contain symbolic meaning. The number encapsulates how ruthless, arrogant leaders can turn the state apparatus against the righteous.
The Significance of 666 Warnings for Modern Times
While biblical scholars debate the specifics, most agree 666 carries important warnings that remain highly relevant today. We must be vigilant so as not to:
- Compromise our faith for worldly rewards like money or status
- Become enthralled by charismatic yet deceptive political leaders
- Sleepwalk into authoritarian systems of surveillance and control
- Allow corrupt governments to persecute or discriminate against believers
The cautions against serving “two masters” echo down through history to our technology-driven era. 666 compels us to carefully examine the values embedded in social, economic and governmental structures for alignment with Christian truth.
Conclusion: 666 as a Symbol of Spiritual Rebellion and Persecution
The number 666 contains symbolic depth in terms of rebellion against God and undergone/inflicted suffering. It tours the Bible’s landscape of apocalyptic warnings about faithlessness and authoritarian control. Skyrocketing surveillance, digital tracking and cashless commerce render it newly prescient.
But 666 primarily signifies spiritual decay – the lure of godless security over heavenly riches. It manifests whenever followers of Christ must choose between compromise and conviction.
Faithfulness even under threat of exclusion and hardship is 666’s counterpoint. May we develop the wisdom, courage and discernment to resist all the subtle and overt ploys of the coming “beast”.