Revelation 13:18

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.

Here {G5602} is {G2076} wisdom {G4678}. Let him that hath {G2192} understanding {G3563} count {G5585} the number {G706} of the beast {G2342}: for {G1063} it is {G2076} the number {G706} of a man {G444}; and {G2532} his {G846} number {G706} is Six hundred threescore and six {G5516}.

This is where wisdom is needed; those who understand should count the number of the beast, for it is the number of a person, and its number is 666.

Here is a call for wisdom: Let the one who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and that number is 666.

Here is wisdom. He that hath understanding, let him count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man: and his number is Six hundred and sixty and six.

Commentary on Revelation 13:18 (KJV)

Revelation 13:18 is one of the most enigmatic and discussed verses in the Bible, famously introducing "Six hundred threescore and six" as the "number of the beast." This verse serves as a climactic conclusion to the description of the two beasts in Revelation chapter 13, calling for spiritual insight to understand their true nature and the power they represent.

Context

Chapter 13 of Revelation introduces two powerful symbolic figures: the first beast, rising from the sea, representing a global political and religious power that blasphemes God and receives worship; and the second beast, rising from the earth, acting as a false prophet who performs signs and wonders to deceive humanity. This second beast forces people to worship the first beast and mandates a mark of the beast on their right hand or forehead, without which they cannot buy or sell. Verse 18 directly follows this description, providing a key to identifying this oppressive system.

Key Themes

  • Divine Call for Wisdom and Discernment: The opening phrase, "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast," emphasizes that understanding this prophecy is not for everyone, but requires spiritual insight and discernment from God. It's not a mere mathematical puzzle, but a call to perceive the underlying spiritual realities.
  • The Nature of the Beast: The phrase "it is the number of a man" suggests that the beast, while having supernatural power, is ultimately tied to human systems, human rebellion, or perhaps a specific human leader. It points to a human-centric opposition to God, rather than purely demonic.
  • Symbolism of 666: The number "Six hundred threescore and six" (666) is widely understood as a symbol of imperfection and opposition to God. In biblical numerology, the number 7 often represents completeness or divine perfection (e.g., God resting on the 7th day, 7 churches, 7 seals). The number 6, falling short of 7, can symbolize human imperfection, incompleteness, and rebellion. Three 6s (666) can signify triple imperfection, or the ultimate failure of human systems and powers when they set themselves against God. Many historical interpretations have used "gematria," a system where letters are assigned numerical values, to link the number to specific historical figures, though this remains speculative.
  • Allegiance and Spiritual Warfare: The demand for the mark and the understanding of the beast's number highlight the ultimate choice humanity faces: allegiance to God or allegiance to worldly powers that oppose Him. This is a central theme throughout Revelation, calling the faithful to endurance and perseverance.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Wisdom" (Greek: sophia): This term implies practical spiritual insight and understanding, not merely intellectual knowledge. It's the ability to apply divine truth to discern spiritual realities.
  • "Count" (Greek: psephizo): While literally meaning "to count" or "to calculate," in this context, it also carries the nuance of weighing, discerning, or solving a riddle. It suggests active engagement with the text, not passive reception.
  • "Six hundred threescore and six" (Greek: hexakosioi hexekonta hex): The precise rendering of the number. The repetition of 'hex' (six) three times is significant, reinforcing the symbolic meaning of imperfection and human limitation in opposition to divine perfection.

Practical Application

Rather than obsessing over identifying a specific person or modern entity with the number 666, the core message of Revelation 13:18 for believers today is about spiritual vigilance and discernment. It calls us to:

  • Discern Deception: Be wary of systems, ideologies, or leaders that demand absolute allegiance, promote self-worship, or oppose Christ.
  • Prioritize God's Kingdom: Recognize that all human systems are ultimately flawed and temporary. Our ultimate allegiance must be to God alone.
  • Live by Faith: Understand that the struggle between good and evil is ongoing. The call to wisdom is an invitation to rely on the Holy Spirit for insight and to stand firm in faith, regardless of worldly pressures.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 15:2

    And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

  • Revelation 17:9

    And here [is] the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

  • Revelation 21:17

    And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred [and] forty [and] four cubits, [according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

  • Daniel 12:10

    Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

  • Revelation 1:3

    ¶ Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.

  • Mark 13:14

    But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

  • Hosea 14:9

    Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

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