The number 6666 appears only once in the Bible, in the Old Testament book of 1 Kings. Specifically, it shows up in 1 Kings 10:14, which says that the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents.
At first glance, this does not seem to have any symbolic meaning. However, when looked at more closely within the context of the Bible, some interpret the number 6666 as having prophetic and even apocalyptic significance.
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Background on 666 and 6666
In the Bible, the number 666 is well-known as the “number of the beast” described in the New Testament book of Revelation:
“This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666” (Revelation 13:18).
So the connection between 6666 and 666 is clear. The number 666 symbolizes an antichrist figure, a ruler who will gain power and influence at the end times.
6666 is simply the number 666 taken to the next decimal point. And while Revelation 13 only mentions 666, the fact that 1 Kings contains an OT reference to the related number 6666 has caused some to propose that it has special meaning.
The Significance of Gold in the Bible
In the Bible, gold often represents value, wealth, power, and status. As one of the most precious metals in ancient times, gold was used to make idols, crown kings, and decorate holy places.
The vast quantity of gold coming to Solomon in 1 Kings 10:14 symbolizes the height of his kingdom’s extravagance and success. Some also see it as foreshadowing the future fall of his kingdom, as Solomon’s love of gold will eventually lead him to start worshipping false gods (1 Kings 11).
So the lust for gold and money is linked to the worship of things that are not God. This ties back to greed being idolatry (Colossians 3:5) and the antichrist figure seeking power and material gain above all else.
6666 as a Symbolic Reference to the “End Times Beast”
Putting these connections together, some Bible interpreters view 6666 in 1 Kings 10:14 as a symbolic prefiguring or foreshadowing of the 666 end times beast described in Revelation 13.
The antichrist ruler will have immense power, influence, and access to wealth – perhaps symbolized by the vast quantities of gold seen in Solomon’s kingdom at its peak. Like Solomon, the antichrist will set up an alternative worship system that draws God’s people away into idolatry.
This thematic and typological connection is seen by some as evidence that the number 6666 carries prophetic meaning pointing to the coming of a satanically-empowered global ruler who will terrorize the world. Though indirect, the link between 6666 in 1 Kings and 666 in Revelation adds intrigue to this peculiar Bible number.
Frequently Asked Questions About 6666 in the Bible
Here are answers to some common questions people have about the number 6666 in the Bible.
Is 6666 literally connected to the antichrist?
No direct connection is stated in the Bible between 6666 and the end times antichrist who is assigned the number 666 in Revelation 13. The link is purely symbolic, typological, and thematic.
The antichrist ruler gaining immense wealth and using it to set up an alternative worship system mirrors Solomon’s downfall into idolatry brought on by his greed. In this sense, some see Solomon’s 666 talents of gold as foreshadowing the later 666 beast.
Why is this number significant if it’s only mentioned once?
Some numbers that appear infrequently in Scripture still carry theological meaning when viewed in context. For example, Jesus references the “sign of Jonah” multiple times to refer typologically to his death and resurrection.
Likewise, many view 6666 in the historical context of Solomon’s kingdom as typologically linked to the coming of the satanically-empowered beast that will deceive many. Though subtle, this thematic connection gives intrigue and significance to this obscure Bible number.
Isn’t this just numerology – assigning arbitrary meaning to numbers?
It could be seen that way. However, the symbolic nature of numbers is legitimately seen in texts like Revelation and Daniel, where numbers carry assigned meaning. Types and symbolism are also exegetically valid means of interpretation in their own right.
While one should not make doctrinal assertions based solely on numerology, the reoccurring appearance of related numbers and themes may have significance. In any case, 6666 in the Bible invites discussion around biblical numerology and typology.
Couldn’t this just be a coincidence?
Absolutely, it could be purely coincidental. And again, 6666 itself does not directly symbolize or prophesy anything about the end times. It is merely viewed by some Bible interpreters as part of a tapestry of interwoven numerical motifs and types that point thematically back to 666 and the coming antichrist.
Whether this was intentional or not on the part of the biblical authors is debated. But the connection adds intrigue for Bible students either way.
Conclusion: Number 6666 Meaning
The number 6666 appears only once in Scripture, referring to the massive quantity of gold amassed by Solomon early in his reign. Though subtle, some draw a typological parallel between Solomon’s greed-fueled idolatry brought on by gold, and the coming antichrist’s satanically-empowered idolatrous kingdom symbolized by 666.
While the evidence is circumstantial, this connection provides food for thought. It invites discussion around themes like biblical numerology, typology, prophetic patterns, and symbolic foreshadowing. And it provokes reflection on present day idolatries that create modern “beasts” by prioritizing greed over godliness.
Ultimately, the meaning of obscure numbers like 6666 reminds Bible readers to study scripture contextually and wholistically, picking up on patterns that reinforce core teachings. Even small details can fits into the Bible’s larger mosaic, echoed across characters, eras and literary genres, pointing us to truth.