the 22nd, 14th and an obsolete letter (στίγμα as a cross) of the Greek alphabet (intermediate between the 5th and 6th), used as numbers; denoting respectively 600, 60 and 6; 666 as a numeral:--six hundred threescore and six.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G5516}}` (χξϛ, *chx stigma*) is a numerical representation, specifically denoting the number 666. It is composed of three Greek letters used as numerals: chi (χ), which represents 600; xi (ξ), representing 60; and stigma (ϛ), an archaic letter serving as 6. The "stigma" itself was an obsolete letter (intermediate between the 5th and 6th letters in some ancient Greek alphabets), and its name is related to the word for a "mark" or "brand." However, in this context, its primary and singular function is to convey the specific numerical value of six hundred sixty-six. Its semantic range is therefore extremely narrow, confined to this precise numerical designation, yet its theological and symbolic implications are profound due to its unique biblical occurrence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The number 666, represented by `{{G5516}}`, appears explicitly only once in the New Testament, in the apocalyptic 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."
This verse concludes a passage describing two Beasts. The first Beast emerges from the sea, possessing characteristics of a leopard, bear, and lion, and is given authority by the dragon (Satan). The second Beast emerges from the earth, having two horns like a lamb but speaking like a dragon. This second Beast performs great signs, deceives humanity, and causes all people to receive a "mark" (χάραγμα, `{{G5480}}`) on their right hand or forehead, without which they cannot buy or sell. It is in this context of absolute economic and spiritual control that the number 666 is revealed as the "number of the beast" and, significantly, "the number of a man."
The phrase "number of a man" (ἀριθμὸς ἀνθρώπου, `{{G706}}` `{{G444}}`) is crucial. It suggests that the Beast's power, while formidable, is ultimately human in origin or limitation, not divine. This could refer to a specific human individual, a human system, or even humanity in its fallen state. The call for "wisdom" and "understanding" to "count" the number implies a need for spiritual discernment beyond mere arithmetic, suggesting that the identification of the Beast is not straightforward but requires divine insight.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{G5516}}` is intrinsically linked to several key terms and concepts within Revelation and broader biblical theology:
* **`{{G5480}}` (χάραγμα - *charagma*):** The "mark" of the Beast. This mark is directly associated with the number 666 and signifies allegiance to the Beast, enabling participation in economic life but leading to divine judgment.
* **`{{G2342}}` (θηρίον - *thērion*):** The "Beast." This term refers to the two oppressive, anti-God powers described in Revelation 13, whose ultimate identity is tied to the number 666.
* **`{{G444}}` (ἄνθρωπος - *anthrōpos*):** "Man." The number is called "the number of a man," highlighting a human element in the Beast's identity or power.
* **`{{G706}}` (ἀριθμός - *arithmos*):** "Number." The general concept of a numerical value, but here specifically applied to a symbolic and identifying figure.
* **Gematria:** While not explicitly stated as the method by the text, the ancient practice of assigning numerical values to letters (common in both Greek and Hebrew cultures) is often considered by scholars as a potential interpretive key for 666, where names or titles could sum to this number.
* **Apocalyptic Literature & Eschatology:** The context of 666 is firmly within apocalyptic prophecy, dealing with end-time events, the struggle between good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of God.
* **Idolatry & Allegiance:** The mark and the number represent a demand for ultimate allegiance to the Beast, standing in direct opposition to worship of God and loyalty to Christ.
### Theological Significance
The number 666 carries profound theological significance, primarily as a symbol of ultimate rebellion against God and the epitome of human imperfection and evil:
* **Symbol of Imperfection and Deficiency:** In biblical numerology, the number 7 often symbolizes perfection, completeness, and divine fullness (e.g., seven days of creation, seven spirits of God). The number 6, falling short of 7, frequently denotes human imperfection, incompleteness, or a striving that fails to reach divine standards. The triplication of 6 (6-6-6) emphasizes this deficiency to the highest degree, perhaps as a perversion or mockery of the divine Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). It signifies a system or individual that is thoroughly human, fallen, and antithetical to God's perfect order.
* **Representation of Antichrist/Antithetical Power:** As "the number of the beast," 666 identifies the ultimate human or systemic power that opposes God, Christ, and His people. This power seeks to usurp divine authority, demand worship, and control all aspects of human life, including economic activity. It embodies the pinnacle of human pride and rebellion.
* **Humanity's Rebellion and Limitation:** The designation "the number of a man" underscores that even the most formidable evil force is ultimately human and therefore limited. It is not divine and will ultimately be overthrown by God. This provides comfort and perspective to believers facing such oppressive powers.
* **Testing and Discernment:** The call to "wisdom" and "understanding" to "count the number" implies that discerning the Beast and its mark is a spiritual challenge. It requires discernment, faithfulness, and a deep understanding of God's truth to resist the deception and pressure of the anti-God system. For believers, it is a test of their allegiance and spiritual insight.
* **Warning Against Idolatry:** Embracing the mark and the number 666 signifies an act of ultimate idolatry, pledging allegiance to a created power rather than the Creator. The severe judgments pronounced in Revelation against those who receive the mark highlight the gravity of this spiritual choice.
### Summary
The Greek term `{{G5516}}` (χξϛ, *chx stigma*) uniquely represents the number 666, appearing climactically in [[Revelation 13:18]]. Its core meaning is purely numerical, derived from the Greek letters chi (600), xi (60), and stigma (6). Contextually, 666 is explicitly identified as "the number of the beast" and "the number of a man," signifying a powerful, anti-God entity or system that demands worship and economic control. Theologically, 666 serves as a potent symbol of humanity's rebellion, imperfection, and the ultimate manifestation of evil that opposes God's reign. Its triadic repetition of 6, falling short of the divine 7, underscores its nature as a counterfeit, a perversion of divine perfection, and a sign of ultimate human rebellion against the Creator. It stands as a stark warning against idolatry and a call for spiritual discernment in the face of deceptive and oppressive powers.
TRV