666 is a biblical number widely recognized and referenced in religious, cultural and societal contexts. Known as the ‘number of the beast,’ this number finds its origin in the Bible, specifically in the book of Revelation in the New Testament. Its purpose, significance and implications are woven into prophecies and are integral to eschatological discussions. The Bible often uses numbers symbolically and 666 is no exception. It portrays human imperfection, sinful desires, and represents the antithesis of godly and divine purity.
What is the ‘Number of the Beast’ in the Bible?
Referred to as the number of the beast, 666 in the Bible is a symbol of evil. Bible scholars have interpreted the Beast to symbolize a person, system, or entity that stands in opposition to God. The beast’s number, 666, is believed to signify the imperfection and evil residing in humans, entities or systems that act counter to divine authority and righteousness.
Who Are Associated with 666 in the Bible?
In the book of Revelation, 666 is associated explicitly with the Beast, often thought to represent the Antichrist. This satanic figure is believed to come at the end of the world, misleading many away from the path of God through treachery and deceit. Certain biblical interpretations also link 666 with oppressive governments or systems, basing this association on the symbolic representation of the Beast. Nevertheless, the comprehensive identity of who or what the Beast represents remains a widely debated topic among Bible scholars.
Why is 666 Significant in the Bible?
The significance of 666 extends beyond its symbolic connection to ungodliness and evil. Numerology plays a vital role in biblical text and interpretations. The number 7 in the Bible represents divine completeness or perfection, which is seen in the seven days of creation in Genesis. In contrast, 6 falls short of 7, symbolizing imperfection and incompleteness. Therefore, the triple appearance of the number 6 in 666 amplifies this sense of incompletion and imperfection, making it emblematic of anything that opposes the divine and the perfect.
When is 666 Cited in the Bible?
666 is mentioned in the Bible in the Apocalyptic book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 13:18. This is the only instance where it directly appears in the biblical text, making its interpretation and understanding all the more enigmatic. The verse itself refers to ‘wisdom’ and ‘understanding’ being required to interpret the number, implying that it holds a profound and deep symbolic meaning.
Where Does the Fear of 666 Come From?
The fear of 666, also known as Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia, emerges from its biblical interpretation as the number of the beast, linked to the Antichrist and engraved with mushrooming connotations of evil. The fact that these fears have been perpetuated in popular culture, creating a sense of ominous foreboding, further escalates the apprehension associated with this number. Therefore, a combination of biblical symbolism and cultural amplification has contributed to the phonomenon of fear surrounding 666.
Below is our full list of bible verses on 666 (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About 666
Revelation 13:18
“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.”
Revelation 13:16-18
“16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.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.”
Revelation 13:17
“17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
2 Chronicles 9:13
“13 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;”
Related Themes: Gold
Revelation 20:4
“4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
Related Themes: Persecution Hell Resurrection
Revelation 13:16
“16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:”
Revelation 13:8
“8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
Related Themes: Foundation
Ezra 2:13
“13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.”
Revelation 14:9
“9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,”
Related Themes: Hell
Revelation 15:2
“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.”
Related Themes: Music
Revelation 13:2
“2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.”
Revelation 14:9-11
“9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”
Related Themes: Hell
Revelation 19:20
“20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
Related Themes: Hell Benevolence Vindictiveness Armageddon Pride
1 Kings 10:14
“14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,”
Related Themes: Gold
Revelation 13:1
“1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.”
Related Themes: Abomination Technology Omnipotence
Revelation 13:11-18
“11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.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.”
Related Themes: Armageddon
Revelation 17:9
“9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.”
Daniel 7:25
“25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”
Related Themes: Change
Revelation 13:7
“7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.”
Related Themes: Armageddon
Deuteronomy 18:18
“18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”
Related Themes: Prophecy
Revelation 14:11
“11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”
Revelation 13:4
“4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?”
Related Themes: Armageddon
Revelation 14:12
“12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
Related Themes: Patience Perseverance Sports Laziness
1 John 2:18
“18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”
Revelation 13:5
“5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.”
Revelation 13:15
“15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”
Related Themes: Technology
Revelation 12:9
“9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
Related Themes: Reaping Satan Armageddon Reaping What You Sow Pride
Isaiah 45:1
“1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Humility Creation Corruption
John 6:66
“66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”
Related Themes: Apostasy Omnipotence
2 Thessalonians 2:4
“4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”
Related Themes: Abomination Rebuilding
