plural ordinal from ἕξ and ἑκατόν; six hundred:--six hundred.
Transliteration:hexakósioi
Pronunciation:hex-ak-os'-ee-oy
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἑξακόσιοι (hexakósioi), Strong's number `{{G1812}}`, is a cardinal number meaning "six hundred." It is derived from the combining of ἕξ (hex), meaning "six" `{{G1803}}`, and ἑκατόν (hekaton), meaning "hundred" `{{G1540}}`. As a numerical adjective, it denotes a precise quantity. Its semantic range is strictly arithmetical, indicating the sum of six multiplied by one hundred. In ancient thought, numbers often carried symbolic weight beyond their literal value, and while hexakósioi itself is simply a quantity, its specific biblical usage imbues it with profound symbolic significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἑξακόσιοι (hexakósioi) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Revelation:
* **[[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." (KJV)
In this pivotal verse, ἑξακόσιοι forms the initial part of the infamous "number of the beast," which is presented as "six hundred sixty-six" (ἑξακόσιοι ἑξήκοντα ἕξ). The context is highly apocalyptic, describing a beast rising from the sea, empowered by the dragon, and demanding worship from all humanity. The number is presented as a riddle requiring "wisdom" and "understanding" to decipher. It is explicitly stated to be "the number of a man" (ἀριθμὸς γὰρ ἀνθρώπου ἐστίν), suggesting a human origin or a representation of humanity's fallen state. The precise numerical value, rather than merely "six hundred," is critical in this context, as it points to the culmination of human rebellion and opposition to God. Interpretations of 666 are numerous, ranging from gematria (assigning numerical values to letters in names) to symbolic representations of imperfection and incompleteness, falling short of the divine perfection often associated with the number seven.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἑξακόσιοι (hexakósioi) is enriched by considering its components and related numerical concepts, especially within the symbolic language of Revelation:
* **ἕξ (hex)** `{{G1803}}`: The number "six" itself often symbolizes human imperfection, toil, and falling short of divine completeness (represented by seven). Humanity was created on the sixth day. In a theological sense, six is always "less than seven," signifying a failure to achieve divine standards.
* **ἑκατόν (hekaton)** `{{G1540}}`: "Hundred," a multiplier that amplifies the base number, suggesting a full measure or significant quantity.
* **ἑξήκοντα (hexekonta)** `{{G1804}}`: "Sixty," which, along with ἕξ (six), completes the number "six hundred sixty-six." The repetition of sixes (6-60-600) reinforces the symbolic meaning.
* **ἀριθμός (arithmos)** `{{G706}}`: "Number," the general term used in [[Revelation 13:18]] to describe the quantity associated with the beast.
* **θηρίον (therion)** `{{G2342}}`: "Beast," the entity to whom the number is ascribed, representing an oppressive and anti-God power.
* **Symbolic Numerology**: Revelation frequently employs numbers symbolically (e.g., 7 for completeness/perfection, 12 for the people of God, 4 for the created world, 3.5 for a limited time of tribulation). The number 666 stands in stark contrast to these divine or divinely ordained numbers, emphasizing its negative spiritual significance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἑξακόσιοι (hexakósioi) is entirely bound up with its unique appearance as the first part of "six hundred sixty-six" in [[Revelation 13:18]]. This number is arguably the most famous and debated numerical symbol in biblical prophecy.
1. **Symbol of Imperfection and Rebellion**: The repetition of the number six (6-6-6) strongly reinforces the idea of human imperfection and rebellion against God. Whereas seven often signifies divine perfection, completion, and rest, six falls short of this. Three times six suggests a profound and complete manifestation of this human deficiency and opposition to God. It represents humanity reaching its zenith in rebellion, attempting to establish its own authority apart from or in defiance of God.
2. **The "Number of a Man"**: The explicit declaration that it is "the number of a man" (ἀριθμὸς γὰρ ἀνθρώπου ἐστίν) is crucial. It points to a human system, human pride, and human efforts that are fundamentally flawed and opposed to divine order. It can signify humanity's attempt to deify itself or its leaders, rather than worshiping the true God. This stands in contrast to the divine and eternal nature of God.
3. **Identification of the Antichrist System**: While hexakósioi itself is just a number, its place within 666 marks it as a key identifier of the antichrist system – a power that seeks to usurp God's authority, deceive humanity, and establish a global system of control and false worship. It signifies the ultimate expression of evil in human history, characterized by idolatry, economic coercion, and spiritual deception.
4. **A Call to Discernment**: The passage's call for "wisdom" and "understanding" to "calculate" the number suggests that its meaning is not immediately obvious but requires spiritual discernment. This implies that the revelation of this number serves not merely as a literal identifier but as a profound theological statement about the nature of evil and the need for believers to be spiritually awake and discerning in the last days.
### Summary
The Greek term ἑξακόσιοι (hexakósioi), meaning "six hundred," is a numerical adjective whose singular occurrence in the New Testament carries immense symbolic weight. Found exclusively in [[Revelation 13:18]] as the initial component of "six hundred sixty-six," it forms part of the "number of the beast." This number is explicitly identified as "the number of a man," signifying human imperfection, rebellion, and a profound falling short of divine standards. The repetition of the number six (6-6-6) emphasizes a complete and ultimate manifestation of humanity's opposition to God, serving as a key symbol of the antichrist system's deceptive and oppressive nature. While arithmetically simple, its biblical context transforms hexakósioi into a potent theological marker within apocalyptic prophecy, calling for spiritual wisdom and discernment.
TRV