Number of the Beast

For other uses, see Number of the Beast (disambiguation).

The number of the beast is 666 by William Blake.

The Number of the Beast (Greek: Άριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου, Arithmon tou Thēriou) is a term in the Book of Revelation, of the New Testament, that is associated with the first Beast of Revelation chapter 13, the Beast of the sea.^[1] In most manuscripts of the New Testament and in English translations of the Bible, the number of the Beast is 666. In critical editions of the Greek text, such as the Novum Testamentum Graece, it is noted that 616 is a variant.^[2]

Revelation 13:18

Christian eschatology
Eschatology views
Viewpoints • Preterism • Idealism • Historicism • Futurism
The Millennium • Amillennialism • Postmillennialism • Premillenialism • Prewrath Rapture • Posttribulation Rapture
Biblical Texts • The Olivet Discourse • The Sheep and the Goats • The Book of Revelation • The Book of Daniel     Seventy Weeks • Apocrypha     Enoch     2 Esdras
Key Terms • Abomination of Desolation • Armageddon • Four Horsemen • New Jerusalem • Rapture • Second Coming • May 2011 Prediction • Seven Seals • Tribulation • Two Witnesses • Antichrist • in Historicism • Son of Perdition • The Beast • in Preterism
Israel & the Church  • Supersessionism • Covenant Theology • New Covenant Theology • Dispensationalism • Olive Tree Theology • Dual Covenant Theology
Christianity portal	v · d · e

666

The Number of the Beast is described in the passage of Revelation 13:15–18 and the actual number is only mentioned once, in verse 18. In the Greek manuscripts, the number is rendered in Greek numerical form as χξϛʹ,^[3] or sometimes literally as ἑξακόσιοι ἑξήκοντα ἕξ, hexakósioi hexēkonta héx, "six hundred and sixty-six".^[4][5] There are several interpretations-translations for the meaning of the phrase "Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast" where the peculiar Greek word ψηφισάτω (psefisato) is used. Possible translations include not only "to count", "to reckon" but also "to vote" or "to decide".^[6]

In the Textus Receptus, derived from Byzantine text-type manuscripts, the number 666 is represented by the final 3 letters χξς:

¹⁷καὶ ἵνα μή τις δύνηται ἀγοράσαι ἢ πωλῆσαι εἰ μὴ ὁ ἔχων τὸ χάραγμα, τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου ἢ τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ. ¹⁸Ὧδε ἡ σοφία ἐστίν· ὁ ἔχων τὸν νοῦν ψηφισάτω τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου· ἀριθμὸς γὰρ ἀνθρώπου ἐστί· καὶ ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτοῦ χξϛʹ.^[7]

In the Novum Testamentum Graece, the number is represented by the final three words, ἑξακόσιοι ἑξήκοντα ἕξ, meaning "six hundred sixty-six":

¹⁷καὶ ἵνα μή τις δύνηται ἀγοράσαι ἢ πωλῆσαι εἰ μὴ ὁ ἔχων τὸ χάραγμα, τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θηρίου ἢ τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ. ¹⁸ὧδε ἡ σοφία ἐστίν· ὁ ἔχων νοῦν ψηφισάτω τὸν ἀριθμὸν τοῦ θηρίου, ἀριθμὸς γὰρ ἀνθρώπου ἐστίν· καὶ ὁ ἀριθμὸς αὐτοῦ ἑξακόσιοι ἑξήκοντα ἕξ.^[8]

Hebrew Bible parallels

In the Hebrew Bible, both 1 Kings 10:14 and 2 Chronicles 9:13 state that Solomon collected "six hundred threescore and six" talents of gold each year.^[4]

616

Fragment from Papyrus 115 (P115) of Revelation in the 66th vol. of the Oxyrhynchus series (P. Oxy. 4499).^[9] Has the number of the Beast as 616.

Although Irenaeus (2nd century AD) affirmed the number to be 666 and reported several scribal errors of the number, there is still doubt by a minority of theologians about the original reading^[10] because of the figure 616 being given in two of the best manuscripts: C (Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus, Paris), by the Latin version of Tyconius (DCXVI, ed. Souter in the Journal of Theology, SE, April 1913), and by an ancient Armenian version (ed. Conybaere, 1907). Irenaeus knew about it [the 616 reading], but did not adopt it (Haer. v.30,3). However, Jerome had adopted it. (De Monogramm., ed. Dom G Morin in the Rev. Benedictine, 1903). "The number 666 has been substituted for 616 either by analogy with 888, the [Greek] number of Jesus (Deissmann), or because it is a triangular number, the sum of the first 36 numbers (1+2+3+4+5+6...+36 = 666)"^[11] The NRSV translation for Rev 13:18 includes this translation note: "Other ancient authorities read six hundred and sixteen".

Around 2005, a fragment from Papyrus 115, taken from the Oxyrhynchus site, was discovered at the Oxford University’s Ashmolean Museum. It gave the beast’s number as 616. This fragment happens to be the oldest manuscript (about 1,700 years old) of Revelation 13 to date.^[12][13]

Another manuscript attesting to 616, even before the P115 finding, is the later Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus (C, a palimpsest). This text has 616 written in full: ἑξακόσιοι δέκα ἕξ, hexakosioi deka hex (lit. "six hundred and sixteen").^[14]

Papyrus 115 and Ephraemi Rescriptus has led some scholars to conclude that 616 is the original number of the beast.^[15] If this variant is the original number of the Beast, it would be catastrophic to existing dispensational literature.^[16]

Interpretations

Interpreting the identity and the number of the Beast falls into three categories:^[1]

1. Using gematria to calculate the number of a world leader’s name, in order to match it with the number of the Beast.
2. Associating the number of the Beast as the duration of the beast’s reign, in order to compare the length of reign to an entity, such as: a heathen state, Islam, or the Papacy.
3. Corresponding symbolism for the Antichrist and antichristian power.

Identification by gematria

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. (Rev.13:18-NKJV)

In Greek isopsephy and Hebrew gematria, every letter has a corresponding number. Summing these numbers gives a numeric value to a word or name. The use of isopsephy to calculate "the number of the beast" is used in many of the below interpretations.

As Nero

Bust of Nero at Musei Capitolini, Rome

Preterist theologians typically support the numerical interpretation that 666 is the equivalent of the name and title, Nero Caesar (Roman Emperor from 54-68).^{[17][18][19][20][21][22][23]} Charagma is well attested to have been an imperial seal of the Roman Empire used on official documents during the 1st and 2nd centuries.^[24] In the reign of Emperor Decius (249–251 AD), those who did not possess the certificate of sacrifice (libellus) to Caesar could not pursue trades, a prohibition that conceivably goes back to Nero, reminding one of Revelation 13:17.^[25]

However, others believe the Book of Revelation was written after Nero committed suicide in AD 68. The Catholic Encyclopedia has noted that Revelation was "written during the latter part of the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, probably in A.D. 95 or 96".^[26] Additional Protestant scholars are in agreement.^[27][28] Because some believe Revelation 13 speaks of a future prophetic event, "All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." (Revelation 13:8 NKJV), some have argued that the interpretation of Nero meeting the fulfillment is an impossibility if Revelation was written around 30 years after the death of Nero.^{[29] [30] [31]} However, rumors circulated that Nero had not really died and would return to power.^[32] It has also been suggested that the numerical reference to Nero was a code to imply but not directly point out emperor Domitian,^[33][34] whose style of rulership resembled that of Nero and who put the people of Asia (Lydia), whom the Book of Revelation was primarily addressed to at the time, under heavy taxation.^[35]

An Aramaic scroll from Murabba'at, dated to "the second year of Emperor Nero", refers to him by his name and title.^[36] In Greek it is Nrwn Qsr (Pronounced "Nerōn Kaisar"). In Latin it is Nro Qsr (Pronounced "Nerō Kaisar").

Nrwn Qsr

The Greek version of the name and title transliterates into Hebrew as נרונ קסר , and yields a numerical value of 666,^[36] as shown:

Resh (ר)	Samekh (ס)	Qoph (ק)	Nun (נ)	Vav (ו)	Resh (ר)	Nun (נ)	Sum
200	60	100	50	6	200	50	666

Nro Qsr

The Latin version of the name drops the second Nun (נ), so that it appears as Nro and transliterates into Hebrew as נרו קסר , yielding 616:^[17]

Resh (ר)	Samekh (ס)	Qoph (ק)	Vav (ו)	Resh (ר)	Nun (נ)	Sum
200	60	100	6	200	50	616

As the Papacy

Main articles: Vicarius Filii Dei and Antichrist (historicism)

Protestant Reformers and historicist expositors have equated the Beast of the earth, of Revelation chapter 13, with the Papacy.^[37] Using Hebraic gematria, the letters for a title of the Pope, Vicarius Filii Dei (Vicar of The Son of God), are summed to total 666 in Roman numerals. The earliest extant record of a Protestant writer on this subject is Andreas Helwig in 1612 in his work Antichristus Romanus. The title was contained in the Donation of Constantine,^[38] by which large privileges and rich possessions were conferred on the pope and the Roman Church.^[39]

Various documents from the Vatican contain wording such as "Adorandi Dei Filii Vicarius et Procurator quibus numen æternum summam Ecclesiæ sanctæ dedit",^[40] translated as "As the Vicar and Caretaker of the worshipful Son of God, to whom the eternal divine will has given the highest rank of the Holy Church".

V	I	C	A	R	I	V	S	F	I	L	I	I	D	E	I	TOTAL
5	1	100	0	0	1	5	0	0	1	50	1	1	500	0	1	666

Seventh-day Adventist view

In 1866, Uriah Smith supported this numeric interpretation and promoted it in his teachings to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He maintained this interpretation in various editions of Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,^[41] which was influential in the Adventist church and some still continue to adhere to this identification.^[42]

The Adventist view had taken a turning point with Adventist scholar, Samuele Bacchiocchi, who was awarded a gold medal by Pope Paul VI for the distinction of summa cum laude, Latin for "with highest praise".^[43] Bacchiocchi documented the pope using the title, VICARIUS FILII DEI.^[44][45] He states:

"We noted that contrary to some Catholic sources who deny the use of Vicarius Filii Dei as a papal title, we have found this title to have been used in official Catholic documents to support the ecclesiastical authority and temporal sovereignty of the pope. Thus the charge that Adventists fabricated the title to support their prophetic interpretation of 666, is unfair and untrue." - Samuele Bacchiocchi^[46]

Bacchiocchi then concedes, "It has been wise for our Adventist church to abandon the traditional numeric interpretation of VICARIUS FILII DEI which lacks both exegetical and historical support."^[47]

As Muhammad

Further information: Medieval Christian view of Muhammad

Gematria has also been used with the Greek word Maometis. In Quia Maior, the encyclical calling for the Fifth Crusade, Pope Innocent III identifies Muhammad with the beast of Revelation (however later popes do not). A leading exponent of the Maometis interpretation was Charles Walmesley, the Roman Catholic bishop of Rama. He observed that the name Muhammad was spelled Maometis or Moametis by Euthymius Zygabenus and the Greek historians Zonaras and Cedrenus.^[48][49] Other proponents include Charles Montagu, Gilbert Genebrard, Francois Feuardent, and Rene Massuet.^[48] Maometis in Greek gematria totals 666:

M	A	O	M	E	T	I	S	TOTAL
40	1	70	40	5	300	10	200	666

Other suggested names

• Arethas of Caesarea in his Commentary on Revelation gives seven names: Lampetis (the lustrous one), o Niketes (victor), Teitan, Palai baskanos (ancient sorcerer), Kakos Odegos (bad guide), Alethes Blaberos (really harmful), and Amnos Adikos (unjust lamb) each of which gives a total of 666. Most of these names are repeated by Arethas of Caesarea, who in his Commentary adds Teitan from Irenaeus and O Niketes (the winner).^[50]
• Victorinus of Pettau gives the names Teitan, Antemos (opponent), Diclux (double-dealer) and Genserikos; the last he calls Gothic. As it is plainly Genseric, the Vandal king, who captured Rome in 455 AD, the passage as whole can not go back to Victorinus, who belonged to the 3rd century. It is not, however surprising that the commentary should be brought up to date, after Genseric became notorious through the sack of Carthage or of Rome. Of the other names in Victorinus only Diclux needs mention. It is said to be the Latin counterpart of Teitan and by reckoning each letter at its value in Roman numerals, the total of 666 is again given.^[50]
• Beatus, a Spanish monk, gives eight names among which are Damnatus (Damned), Antichristus (Antichrist), and Acxyme (for aichime or achine=666). The numerical interpretation of Antichristus is based on the order of letters in the Latin alphabet, a = 1 to x = 300, but the accusative must be taken and spelled Antechristum.^[50]

Mark of the Beast

Preterist view

A preterist view of the Mark of the Beast is the stamped image of the emperor's head on every coin of the Roman Empire: the stamp on the hand or in the mind of all, without which no one could buy or sell.^[51] New Testament scholar Craig C. Hill says, "It is far more probable that the mark symbolizes the all-embracing economic power of Rome, whose very coinage bore the emperor's image and conveyed his claims to divinity (e.g., by including the sun's rays in the ruler's portrait). It had become increasingly difficult for Christians to function in a world in which public life, including the economic life of the trade guilds, required participation in idolatry."^[52] A similar view is offered by Craig R. Koester. "As sales were made, people used coins that bore the images of Rome's gods and emperors. Thus each transaction that used such coins was a reminder that people were advancing themselves economically by relying on political powers that did not recognize the true God."^[53]

The passage is also seen as an antithetical parallelism to the Jewish institution of tefillin – Hebrew Bible texts worn bound to the arm and the forehead during daily prayer. Instead of binding their allegiance to God to their arm and head, the place is instead taken with people's allegiance to The Beast.^[51]

Futurist view

A futurist view of the mark of the Beast is the rise of a supranational currency could be a hallmark of the End Times and that the mark of the beast will be a sign on the forehead and/or upper side of the hand.^[54]

Religious difficulties with a supranational currency currently exist (see World currency – Political difficulties). According to the Futurist view, to overcome the extant difficulties the Antichrist will use forced religious syncretism^[55] (i.e. in the name of counterterrorism and world economic stability) to enable the creation of the supranational currency. Some interpret the mark as a requirement for all commerce to mean that the mark might actually be an object with the function of a credit card, such as subdermal RFID tags.^[56]

Seventh-day Adventists believe that the "mark of the beast" (but not the number 666) refers to a future, universal, legally enforced Sunday-worship. "Those who reject God's memorial of creatorship — the Bible Sabbath — choosing to worship and honor Sunday in the full knowledge that it is not God's appointed day of worship, will receive the 'mark of the beast.'"^[57] "The Sunday Sabbath is purely a child of the Papacy. It is the mark of the beast."^[58]

Numerical significance

Bahá'i

In the writings of the Bahá'í Faith, `Abdu'l-Bahá states that the numerical value given to the beast referred to the year^[59] when the Umayyad ruler Muawiyah I, who opposed the Imamate, according to the beliefs of the Shi'ites, took office as Caliph in 661 AD – see also the scholarly accepted year of birth of Jesus about 666 years before as well as the concept of Mawali who were non-Arab Muslims but not treated as other Muslims – who continued to pay the tax required of nonbelievers and were excluded from government and the military, and thus bore a social "mark".^[60]

Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that The Beast for which 666 stands symbolizes many unified governments, harmonizing with the symbolic depiction of past governments (denoted as "kings") in the Book of Daniel as wild beasts. The Beast is said to have "a human number" in that the governments that the beast symbolizes are all of a human origin, they aren't made up of spirit or demon entities. Furthermore, the number 666 "itself all point to one unmistakable conclusion—gross shortcoming and failure in the eyes of Jehovah," thus imperfection (7 is used by God in many ways to indicate perfection such as days in the week, hence 6 is the number of imperfection, falling short of 7).^[61]

Kabbalah

In Kabbalistic Judaism the number 666 represents the creation and perfection of the world. The world was created in 6 days, and there are 6 cardinal directions (North, South, East, West, Up, Down). 6 is also the numerical value of one of the letters of God's name.^[62]

Influence

• Aleister Crowley (1875–1947) claimed that he was The Beast prophesied in the Book of Revelation and took the name "Το μεγα θηριον" (To Mega Therion),^[63] Greek for "The Great Beast", which adds up to 666 by isopsephy, the Greek form of gematria.^[20][64]

See also

Christianity portal

• The Beast (Revelation)
• Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia
• Leviathan number
• 666 (Thelema)

Footnotes

1. ^ ^{a b} Beale 1999, p. 718
2. ^ Novum Testamentum Graece, Nestle and Aland, 1991, footnote to verse 13:18 of Revelation, page 659, this is of course in Greek: "-σιοι δέκα ἕξ" as found in C [C=Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus]; for English see Metzger's Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, note on verse 13:18 of Revelation, page 750: "the numeral 616 was also read ..."; The NRSV translation for Rev 13:18 includes this translation note: "Other ancient authorities read six hundred and sixteen".
3. ^ "Revelation 13:18". Stephanus New Testament. Bible Gateway. http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2013:18;&version=69;. Retrieved 2006-06-22. 
4. ^ ^{a b} "Revelation 13:18". Westcott-Hort New Testament. Bible Gateway. http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2013:18;&version=68;. Retrieved 2006-06-22. 
5. ^ "Revelation 13:18" (JPEG). Codex Alexandrinus. Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts. Archived from the original on 23 March 2006. http://web.archive.org/web/20060323002944/http://www.csntm.org/Manuscripts/GA+02/GA02_132b.jpg. Retrieved 2006-06-22. 
6. ^ The Revelation of St. John the Divine self-interpreted - Thomas Whittaker page 226
7. ^ Textus Receptus Greek NT (edition Stephanus, 1550): Revelation 13:17 and 18
8. ^ Revelation in the 26th/27th edition of the Novum Testamentum Graece
9. ^ Parker 2009, p. 73
10. ^ Anderson, Tom (2005-05-01). "Revelation! 666 is not the number of the beast (it's a devilish 616)". The Independent (London). http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/revelation-666-is-not-the-number-of-the-beast-its-a-devilish-616-526779.html. Retrieved 2009-03-01. 
11. ^ Paul Lewes, A Key to Christian Origins (Watts & Co., London, 1932, p. 140
12. ^ Stewart 2011, p. 40-1
13. ^ "Papyrus Reveals New Clues to Ancient World". News.nationalgeographic.com. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/04/0425_050425_papyrus_2.html. Retrieved 2010-08-11. 
14. ^ Hoskier, Herman C. (1929). Concerning the Text of the Apocalypse: A complete conspectus of all authorities (vol. 2 ed.). 
15. ^ Philip W Comfort and David P Barrett, The Text of the Earliest New Testament Greek Manuscripts, (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers Incorporated, 2001)
16. ^ Stewart 2011, p. 41
17. ^ ^{a b} Cory 2006, p. 61
18. ^ Garrow 1997, p. 86
19. ^ sources, translated from the original languages with critical use of all the ancient (2005) (Rev. ed. ed.). Winona, Minn.: Saint Mary's Press. ISBN 9780884897989. http://books.google.com/books?id=SnORJqkR7qsC&pg=RA7-PT1423. 
20. ^ ^{a b} Just, Felix (2002-02-02). "666: The Number of the Beast". http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/666.htm#Academic. Retrieved 2006-06-06. 
21. ^ Hillers, D.R. (1963). "Revelation 13:18 and a Scroll from Murabba'at". Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research 170 (170): 65. doi:10.2307/1355990. JSTOR 1355990.  Note: website requires subscription.The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Ed. Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, and Roland E. Murphy. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1990. 1009
22. ^ Some Recently Published NT Papyri from Oxyrhynchus: An Overview and Preliminary Assessment by Peter M. Head, Tyndale Bulletin 51 (2000), pp. 1–16 http://www.tyndale.cam.ac.uk/Tyndale/staff/Head/NTOxyPap.htm#_ftn39
23. ^ (whose name, written in Aramaic, can be valued at 666, using the Hebrew numerology of gematria), a manner of speaking against the emperor without the Roman authorities knowing. Also "Nero Caesar" in the Hebrew alphabet is נרון קסר NRWN QSR, which when used as numbers represent 50 200 6 50 100 60 200, which add to 666. The Greek term χάραγμα (charagma, "mark" in Revelation 13:16) was most commonly used for imprints on documents or coins.
24. ^ Elwell 1996, p. 462
25. ^ Haines 1995, p. 41-2
26. ^ Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Encyclopedia, p. 861
27. ^ Understanding Bible Prophecy for Yourself by Tim LaHaye p. 126
28. ^ Hegel's grand synthesis: a study of being, thought, and history By Daniel Berthold-Bond p. 118, notes in consensus that Revelation was written around 95 AD
29. ^ Understanding the book of revelation by dr.terri lewis - He along with other scholars note that Revelation was written about 95 AD.
30. ^ books.google.com Your Study of the New Testament Made Easier Part 2: Acts Through Revelation], By David J. Ridges p. 409 - states "The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John about AD 95"
31. ^ books.google.com The New York Times guide to essential knowledge], By The New York Times p. 73
32. ^ Harpers Bible Commentary, ed. James L. Mays (Harper Collins: San Francisco:1988), 1300
33. ^ An introduction to the New Testament and the origins of Christianity By Delbert Royce Burkett, p.510
34. ^ Encyclopedia of prophecy By Geoffrey Ashe, p.204
35. ^ From every people and nation: the book of Revelation in intercultural perspective, p.193
36. ^ ^{a b} Hillers, D. R. (1963). Revelation 13:18 and A Scroll from Murabba'at. BASOR, 170. p. 65. 
37. ^ Halley, H. H., Halley's Bible Handbook, Zondervan Publishing house, 1978, p. 726
38. ^ "CONSTITUTUM CONSTANTINI (Donation of Constantine)". The Latin Library. http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/donation.html. Retrieved 2010-09-01. 
39. ^  "Donation of Constantine". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. 1913. 
40. ^ Decree of Paul VI elevating the Prefecture Apostolic of Bafia, Cameroon, to a Diocese: Acta Apostolicæ Sedis, Commentarium Officiale, vol. LX (1968), n. 6, pp. 317-319. Libreria Editrice Vaticana. ISBN 8820960680, 9788820960681.
41. ^ Uriah Smith, The United States in the Light of Prophecy. Battle Creek, Michigan: Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association (1884), 4th edition, p.224.
42. ^ Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, 223
43. ^ http://www.adventistarchives.org/docs/AAR/AAR19751027-V80-43__C.pdf#view=fit
44. ^ http://www.biblicalperspectives.com/endtimeissues/et_145.htm
45. ^ ENDTIME ISSUES NEWSLETTER NUMBER 146
46. ^ Samuele Bacchiocchi, slide 116
47. ^ Samuele Bacchiocchi, slide 116
48. ^ ^{a b} The contribution of British writers ... - Google Books. Books.google.ca. 1983. ISBN 9783161444975. http://books.google.ca/books?id=UUmpvt3hM7cC&pg=PA89. Retrieved 2010-07-17. 
49. ^ The general history of the Christian ... - Google Books. Books.google.ca. 1820. http://books.google.ca/books?id=Z8kPAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA342. Retrieved 2010-07-17. 
50. ^ ^{a b c} Henry A. Sanders (1918) "The Number of the Beast in Revelation", Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 37, No. 1/2. (1918), pp. 95-99 (Subscription required for JSTOR link.)
51. ^ ^{a b} Paul Spilsbury (2002), The throne, the lamb & the dragon: A Reader's Guide to the Book of Revelation, InterVarsity Press; p. 99
52. ^ Craig C. Hill (2002), In God's Time: The Bible and the Future, Eerdmans; p. 124
53. ^ Craig R. Koester (2001), Revelation and the End of All Things, Eerdmans; p. 132
54. ^ ble.org/seriespage/here-comes-beast-revelation-131-18 "Here Comes the Beast (Revelation 13:1–18)". Bible.org. http://bi ble.org/seriespage/here-comes-beast-revelation-131-18. Retrieved 2010-08-11. 
55. ^ "Verse-by-Verse Commentary by Dr. Grant C. Richison". Versebyversecommentary.com. 1998-12-31. http://versebyversecommentary.com/1998/12/31/revelation-1311-18/. Retrieved 2010-08-11. 
56. ^ Scheeres, Julia (2003). "When Cash Is Only Skin Deep". Wired News. wired.com. http://wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,61357,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_2. Retrieved 2003-11-25. 
57. ^ Seventh-day Adventists Believe (2nd ed). Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. 2005. p. 196. 
58. ^ Advent Review, Vol. I, No. 2, August, 1850.
59. ^ Research Department of the Universal House of Justice (1986-01-07). "Interpretation of Biblical Verses". Bahá'í Library. http://bahai-library.com/uhj_interpretation_biblical_verses. Retrieved 2007-05-16. 
60. ^ "Student Resources, Chapter 12: The First Global Civilization: The Rise and Spread of Islam, The Arab Empire of the Umayyads - Converts and "People of the Book"". Occawlonline.pearsoned.com. http://occawlonline.pearsoned.com/bookbind/pubbooks/stearns_awl/chapter12/objectives/deluxe-content.html. Retrieved 2010-08-11. 
61. ^ "Identifying the Wild Beast and Its Mark". The Watchtower. 2004-04-01. http://www.watchtower.org/e/20040401/article_02.htm. Retrieved 2006-06-29. 
62. ^ "Six Six Six " Ask The Rabbi " Ohr Somayach". Ohr.edu. http://ohr.edu/ask_db/ask_main.php/277/Q1/. Retrieved 2010-07-17. 
63. ^ Carroll, Robert Todd (2003). The Skeptic's Dictionary (Aleister Crowley). Wiley. ISBN 0-471-27242-6
64. ^ Crowley, Aleister. The Magical Diaries of Aleister Crowley (Tunisia 1923), Skinner, Stephan (editor). Samuel Weiser. ISBN 0-87728-856-9

References

• Beale, G.K. (1999). Revelation : a commentary on the Greek text (3. Dr. ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans. ISBN 9780802821744. 
• Cory, Catherine A. (2006). The Book of Revelation. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press. ISBN 9780814628850. http://books.google.com/books?id=IzzAFl2ONfAC&pg=PA61. 
• Elwell, ed. by Walter A. (1996). Evangelical dictionary of biblical theology. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books [u.a.]. ISBN 0-8010-2049-2. http://www.biblestudytools.com/Dictionaries/BakersEvangelicalDictionary/bed.cgi?number=T462. 
• Garrow, A.J.P. (1997). Revelation. London.: Routledge. ISBN 9780415146418. http://books.google.com/books?id=SkOg-tEYbR4C&pg=PA86. 
• Haines, C. Marvin Pate & Calvin B. (1995). Doomsday delusions : what's wrong with predictions about the end of the world. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press. ISBN 9780830816217. 
• Parker, David C. (2009). Manuscripts, texts, theology : collected papers 1977-2007 ([Online-Ausg.]. ed.). Berlin: Walter de Gruyter. ISBN 9783110211931. 
• Stewart, Bart D. Ehrman & Daniel B. Wallace in dialogue ; Robert B. (2011). The reliability of the New Testament. Minneapolis: Fortress Press. ISBN 9780800697730. 

Further reading

• Kleinhenz, edited by Christopher; LeMoine, Fannie J. (1999). Fearful hope : approaching the new millennium. Madison, Wis.: University of Wisconsin Press. ISBN 9780299164348. http://books.google.com/books?id=mYEBG4rWTFIC&pg=PA157. 

External links

words that equal 666 (novusordoseclorum)