The Number Of The Beast: 666

Last updated on November 10, 2024

Many have attempted to explain the meaning of this mysterious Bible prophecy, but none of the explanations have been convincing. This prophecy refers to 666, also known as “the number of the beast.”

Revelation 13:18 “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.” (NKJV)

My insight into the “number of the beast” differs from others. Some, based on the concept of Gematria, believe that “666” refers to a specific person, such as Nero Caesar, and while this is the most widely accepted view, I completely disagree with it.

Furthermore, my understanding of the “number of the beast” is more relatable and grounded in the Holy Scriptures, and I want to share this with you in this post.

Translations Of The Greek Words

Revelation 13:18 “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.” (NKJV)

Note that the preceding verse is by the New King James Version.

However, the Holy Spirit has guided me to the International Standard Version (ISV) as the accurate interpretation as it can be connected to another prophecy in the Holy Scriptures.

Revelation 13:18 “In this case wisdom is needed: Let the person who has understanding calculate the total number of the beast, because it is a human total number, and the sum of the number is 666.” (ISV)

Here are the original Greek words that caused the differences in the translations’ meanings:

• Number
  ἀριθμὸς (arithmos)
  Noun – Nominative Masculine Singular
  Strong’s 706: A number, a total. Derived from airo; meaning a number.
• A man
  ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou)
  Noun – Genitive Masculine Singular
  Strong’s 444: A man, a human being. Derived from aner and ops; meaning a human.

The New King James Version translated ἀριθμὸς (arithmos) as “number” and “his number,” and ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou) as “a man.”

In contrast, the ISV translated ἀριθμὸς (arithmos) as “total number” or “sum of the number,” and ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou) as “a human.”

Hence, the key difference between the translations lies in the rendering of the words “man” and “number.”

Although the NKJV provides a valid translation, the ISV’s rendering of the prophecy also aligns with the original Greek text, and I regard it as the correct interpretation. Furthermore, the ISV’s translation establishes a connection to the prophecy of the Prophet Zechariah, adding more weight to its validity.

Now, let’s examine the prophecy of the Prophet Zechariah to establish a connection with the concept of 666 based on ISV’s translation.

The Shepherd And The Sheep

Zechariah 13:7 “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones.“

And the prophecy continues in the next verse:

Zechariah 13:8 “And in all the land, declares the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but a third will be left in it.“

In the prophecy of the Prophet Zechariah, the phrase “two-thirds” is a key element that connects to “666.”

While this explanation may seem straightforward, I encourage you to consider it further. When you calculate 2 divided by 3​ (2/3) or two-thirds, the result is 0.666 or simply 666 (represented as χξϛ or χξϝ in Greek). I believe these numbers are what the Apostle John saw in his vision, excluding the decimal point.

According to the ISV, the number “666” signifies the “human total number” and “the sum of the number,” which we understand as “two-thirds”. In other words, the “beast” government system would comprise two-thirds of the world’s population living at that time.

Revelation 13:18 “In this case wisdom is needed: Let the person who has understanding calculate the total number of the beast, because it is a human total number, and the sum of the number is 666.” (International Standard Version)

Furthermore, those who become part of the “666” or the “two-thirds” will be regarded as spiritually dead because they will embrace “the lie” and will fall away and rebel against God. They will assist the Beast and the False Prophet in persecuting the believers of God and Jesus Christ in the last days.

The Falling Away or The Rebellion

The Lord Jesus Christ warned about the “falling away” while quoting the prophecy of the Prophet Zechariah.

Jesus Christ said in Mark 14:27, “You will all fall away, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’”

Moreover, the following verses describe the fate of the “number of the beast”, the “666” or the two-thirds of the world’s population who will “fall away” and rebel against God.

2 Thessalonians 2:9 “The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, 10and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. 11For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, 12in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness.“

Walking In The Light

However, those who diligently seek the truth discover light in the Word of God and are saved.

1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.“

When Jesus Christ returns, it will be Daytime again—this is what believers eagerly await.

Romans 13:11 “And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. “

Yet, that day will not arrive until there is a falling away, and the beast, the false prophet, and the man doomed to destruction, are defeated. Therefore be vigilant!

Conclusion

What the number 666 stands for is “two-thirds”. Two-thirds of humanity or .666 will join the coming beast world government system. Therefore we must resist to join the 666 and walk in the light of the Son of God, Jesus Christ instead.