Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Revelation Chapter 13 mean?

This chapter contains four of the most iconic concepts contained in Revelation. The two “beasts” described here are the figures often referred to as the Antichrist and the False Prophet. The symbol mandated for all followers of Antichrist, administered by the False Prophet, is the mark of the beast, which is further related to the number 666.

The first beast is described as coming from the sea. Most interpreters see this as a reference to the Mediterranean, and this person as a political-military leader with roots in that area. The description of this creature is peculiar, but entirely symbolic, with each aspect representing part of that figure’s power or character. This figure will be empowered by Satan to exert near-unlimited power over the earth. This includes persecution and murder of Christians, accompanied by overt blasphemy against God, and cult-like worship from the people of earth. In most interpretations, this is the end-times figure popularly referred to as the Antichrist (Revelation 13:1–10).

The second beast arises from the land, which some interpret as a reference to Israel. As with the first beast, the symbolic description suggests his role and characteristics. In this case, those are mostly spiritual and religious. This person is most typically labelled as the False Prophet, though his attempts to mimic Jesus suggest it might be fair to title this figure as “the” Antichrist. This person is also supernaturally empowered by the Devil, performing false miracles and leading people to worship the first beast (Revelation 13:11–15).

The second beast also implements a worldwide identification: the mark of the beast. Earlier passages referred to God placing a “seal” on His people. This used the Greek root word sphragis, which is a signet or signature expressing value and protection. The “mark” of Satan, however, is described using the word charagma, which is what livestock owners use to mark their animals: a brand. Later statements in Revelation make it clear the mark of the beast is not something taken by accident—those who accept this mark do so knowing that it means worshipping the beast and rejecting God. Those who refuse to take this mark—such as Christians—will be unable to buy or sell anything, and many will be executed. This mark is connected, in some unknown way, to the figure 666 (Revelation 13:16–18).

Chapter Context
Revelation 13 introduces the last two major figures described in this extended section. Two ”beasts,” which are actually evil, powerful men, corrupt Israel by forcing idolatry on everyone. While not explicitly given these names in the Bible, the two men mentioned here are most often referred to as the Antichrist and the False Prophet. Later, The Lord sends the northern aggressor into Israel to punish their idolatry. This text also mentions two other infamous concepts: the mark of the beast, and the number 666, which are mentioned in later verses as identifying those who have rejected God in favor of Satan. Related Scriptures are Exodus 20:1–6; Daniel 2:31–43; 7:1–8; and Revelation chapters 9 and 12.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

John saw a beast rising from the sea: the sixth of seven major figures described in this part of Revelation. Bible geography would identify this as the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, the beast rises from the region of the Mediterranean. The beast is literally human, but the term “beast” is used for good reason. The Greek word thērion conjures up characteristics such as violent, ferocious, savage, and wild.

The beast John saw had ten horns and seven heads with diadems on the horns. The picture recalls the description of ten kings represented by the toes on the image Daniel interpreted to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:41). Revelation 17:12 tells us the ten horns are ten kings. The seven heads likely represent the seven hills of Rome.

The blasphemous names on the beast’s heads are not identified, but they may indicate that the beast, the powerful ruler in the Mediterranean region, commits blasphemy. This blasphemy may be what 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ascribes to the man of lawlessness. He “opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”

This first beast is the end-times figure often referred to as Antichrist, or “the” Antichrist. This is the political and social leader serving the interests of Satan during the events of the tribulation.

Verse 2. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear ‘s, and its mouth was like a lion ‘s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.

John further described the beast from the sea as resembling a leopard with feet like a bear’s feet and a mouth like a lion’s mouth. It’s important to remember that these descriptions are meant to be symbolic—the reader is meant to understand them that way, not as a literal depiction of a mythical animal.

Daniel 7:3–7 mentions three beasts, representative of certain empires, as rising from the sea. Daniel also mentions a fourth beast, a more powerful empire, meaning the Revived Roman Empire. The three empires represented by the lion, the bear, and the leopard are in order: Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. These three empires followed each other in history. The Medes and the Persians conquered the Babylonian Empire, and the Greeks conquered the Persian Empire.

The revived Roman empire will likely include the conquered territories once held by Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. The beast from the sea, described in these verses, is therefore head of the Revived Roman Empire, and he receives his power from the dragon, the Devil. Also, the dragon gives him the authority to reign as a king from his throne. This political and social leader is the end-times figure most commonly called the Antichrist.

Verse 3. One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.

This verse tells us the beast seemed to have a fatal wound, but it was healed. This has resulted in much speculation, since John’s descriptions here are meant to be taken in such a symbolic fashion. Since the first beast is the end-times figure known as the Antichrist, this statement can mean more than one thing.

Perhaps this wound refers to the fall of the Roman Empire, and the healing refers to the Empire’s revival. The Roman Empire had six forms of government: kings, consuls, dictators, decemvirs, tribunes, and emperors. The sixth form under the Caesars ended, but it will reappear in the tribulation and control roughly the same territory as it did prior to collapse. This would correspond to a highly symbolic “wounding” and subsequent healing.

Others see this as a reference to the Antichrist being physically stricken with a mortal wound and being raised from the dead by Satan. Some speculators even think a revived Judas will be this beast, though this is not a well-supported view. However, literally raising the dead seems to be a divine prerogative—this verse being the only hint that Satan might be allowed to perform such an act. If the Devil cannot raise the dead, he may be able to heal the beast who receives an otherwise mortal wound, saving him from death. This would certainly lead people to worship or follow this political leader.

However this plays out in the real world, the entire world will marvel at the revival of the Roman Empire or at the head of the empire.

Verse 4. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”

This verse provides a stark assessment of religion and spirituality in the end times. The dragon, described in earlier passages, is Satan. In other words, Devil-worship will accompany the rise of the beast from the sea. Worshippers will recognize that Satan empowered the beast, but they will also worship the beast. This worship is the deification of a man. The worshippers assume that the beast is so powerful that no one can fight against it.

This end-times figure, commonly called Antichrist, will grasp all power in his hands and will oppose and exalt himself against every so-called god or object of worship. He will even proclaim himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:4). Like the Caesars of old, he places himself in the role of God and demands worship.

It is not hard to believe worship will be ascribed to a man. To some extent, this trend is apparent today as people virtually worship charismatic religious leaders. Some even hand over all their property to a religious leader, or ingest poison if asked to do so. The Antichrist will be empowered by Satan—possibly even being supernaturally healed (Revelation 13:3)—making it even more likely that people would respond in worship.

Verse 5. And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.

This verse depicts the Antichrist—the beast from the sea (Revelation 13:1)—as boastful and blasphemous. This is hardly a new approach: like evil dictators before him, the beast glories in his accomplishments. He is smug, and his ego extends to the heavens.

King Nebuchadnezzar displayed this attitude. He vented his pride by constructing a huge golden image on the plain of Dura. At the dedication of the image, he decreed that music be played and at its sound every person must fall down and worship the image or be cast into a burning fiery furnace (Daniel 3:1–7). Another time, as he walked on the roof of his palace, he gloated, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:28–30).

While Nebuchadnezzar possessed overflowing pride at the beginning of the times of the Gentiles, the beast from the sea possesses overflowing pride at the end of the times of the Gentiles. The beast also commits blasphemy. He sees himself as God. Nevertheless, his reign will not last beyond three and a half years, according to this verse. Daniel 7:25 also notes that he is blasphemous but will reign for “a time, times, and half a time,” which means one year, two years, and a half a year for three and a half in total.

Context Summary
Revelation 13:5–10 further describes the actions of the figure most commonly called ”Antichrist:” the first beast of this chapter and the sixth of seven major characters in this part of Revelation. This beast from the sea is both an empire and a ferocious ruler. He is also mentioned in Daniel 7:23–24 and Revelation 17:9–11. Matthew 4:8 demonstrates the fact that the Devil possesses the kingdoms and therefore can grant the final world empire to the beast from the sea. Daniel 2:36–41 predicts the beast’s kingdom.

Verse 6.It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.

The beast depicted here is the end-times figure known as the Antichrist. He shows utter contempt for God, insulting God by declaring himself divine (2 Thessalonians 2:4). The beast blasphemes not only God but also those who dwell in heaven. In Psalm 73, Asaph described arrogant, prosperous people as setting their mouths against the heavens (Psalm 73:9). And Psalm 74:18 calls “foolish” those who revile the name of God. The beast will blaspheme God and display enormous pride, but he is foolish to do so and ultimately will discover where his foolishness lands him.

In Leviticus, God pronounced the death penalty for anyone who blasphemed His name. He said, “Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him” (Leviticus 24:16). The Lord will put a sudden end to the beast’s blasphemy by consigning him to eternal punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20).

First Timothy 1:20 names two men, Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom Paul handed over to Satan so they would learn not to blaspheme. These scriptural references show how seriously God responds to blasphemy.

Verse 7. Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation,

The Antichrist—the “beast” seen coming from the sea (Revelation 13:1)—becomes a worldwide power. The whole world will feel the impact of his rule. He will exercise his authority over tribe, people, language, and nation. No doubt, there will be no law but his law. No one will be able to disagree with him or fail to worship him without risking life and limb (Revelation 13:15).

A tyrant with that kind of power would certainly make it almost impossible for a country to offer asylum to anyone who opposes him. However, many who accept the message preached by the 144,000 will provide shelter and food for persecuted believers (Revelation 12:14; Matthew 25:31–40). The beast will make the saints—meaning those who are saved, God’s people—his personal target. He will “conquer” the saints, meaning he will be able to oppress, kill, and abuse them. However, he will be unable to destroy their faith or fully exterminate them (Revelation 15:2). Today, many believers around the world are being martyred for their faith in Christ, but neither “tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword” or even “death” can separate believers “from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 38–39).

Verse 8. and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

The Antichrist will become so powerful and arrogant that he will accept worship from the people of earth (Revelation 13:4). This “beast” (Revelation 13:1) receives almost universal worship. This praise is not entirely universal because believers will not revere him. Their names are written in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. The Lamb, of course, is Jesus Christ, who freely offered Himself on the cross for our sins. Galatians 1:4 says he “gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” The truth of this verse is seen in the fact that believers refuse to be part of the evil age over which the beast reigns.

The Lamb’s book of life will be opened at the great white throne judgment, and those whose names are not found written there will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12,15). Believers’ names were written in the Lamb’s book of life “before the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:4 that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. We cannot understand all that was involved in this divine selection, but we can marvel at the grace God has showered upon us.

Verse 9. If anyone has an ear, let him hear:

The invitation extended in this verse reminds us of a similar call given to the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2–3). This invitation, however, is addressed more broadly to all Christians as individuals, because the church will have been raptured to heaven before the tribulation. God always speaks to those who accept His invitation to listen (Matthew 11:15; Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8). During the tribulation, most of mankind will heed the dictates of the beast from the sea. A remnant of faithful believers will listen to and heed the Lord’s voice.

In Revelation 18:4, The Lord’s people will hear Him summon them to come out of Babylon. Although some believers may think it is wise to join heart and hands with the evil world system, Paul emphasized the importance of not letting the world conform us to its mold. He wrote: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

Verse 10. If anyone is to be taken captive,to captivity he goes;if anyone is to be slain with the sword,with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

Obeying the beast—the Antichrist of the end times—brings serious consequences. The beast enslaves people who oppose him and even kills many who refuse to bow down to him, but the law of retribution works against the beast. Ultimately God will take the beast captive and slay him (Revelation 19:20–21).

In view of the law of retribution, the Lord’s people are encouraged to heed the call for endurance and faith. Endurance is the exercise of patience in the face of trials. Faith is the trust we need to put in the Lord to help us endure. James 1:12 encourages trial-weary Christians to remain steadfast under trial. He explains that when the believer has stood the test, “he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). It will be extremely difficult to refuse to worship the beast, but the Lord will richly reward those who stand against him with endurance and faith.

This verse echoes similar sentiments given by prophets such as Isaiah (Isaiah 33:1) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 43:11).

Verse 11. Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon.

John saw another beast. This second beast is the seventh dominant character described in this part of Revelation. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. This beast was rising from the earth. Many understand this to be a reference to Israel, because this beast sets up an idol in the temple (Matthew 24:15; Revelation 13:14–15). Whereas the first beast rises up from the Gentile world, the second beast emerges from Israel and poses as a lamb. By this interpretation, the second beast is apparently a Jew who may present himself as Israel’s messiah, although he is a false messiah whose speech is Satanic. He deceives his followers.

Many Bible teachers, if not most, view the first beast, the beast from the sea, as the “Antichrist.” Still, it’s in keeping with Scripture to call this second beast the Antichrist. However, neither beast is specifically named “the Antichrist” in the book of Revelation. So, this designation is not crucial, and no one should be dogmatic about identifying any specific figure using that exact term. The word “antichrist,” can mean both “against Christ” and “in the stead of Christ.”

Both beasts are opposed to Christ, but the second beast appears to assume the role of Christ, the Lamb of God. Further, every mention of “antichrist” in the New Testament refers to him in a religious context, not a political context (see 1 John 4:1, 3, 6; 2 John 1:7).

Context Summary
Revelation 13:11–18 focuses on the second beast of this chapter, the last of seven major figures described in this part of Revelation. This figure is most often labelled as the ”False Prophet.” While the first beast came from the sea, this one comes from the land. The earth is often equated with Israel, leading many to believe the False Prophet will be ethnically Jewish. The second beast poses as a lamb but speaks like a dragon. It’s possible to identify this beast, rather than the first, as the ”antichrist” because every reference to antichrist or the spirit of antichrist in the New Testament has a religious context (1 John 4:1, 3, 6; 2 John 1:7). Whereas the first beast is a political ruler, the second beast is a religious figure who deceives many. This passage also introduces the controversial and ominous ”mark of the beast.”

Verse 12. It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed.

The two beasts of Revelation are partners in evil. They both receive their power from the dragon, the Devil, and they both endeavor to advance the Devil’s work. These two figures are most often referred to as the Antichrist and the False Prophet, respectively. However, it’s possible that this second beast might be more correctly given the label “antichrist.” Revelation itself does not given them those titles, so either is a possibility.

The second beast is as powerful as the first beast. This person uses his power to make earth’s inhabitants worship the first beast. In this role the second beast imitates Christ, who directs worship to the Father (Luke 11:1–4; John 1:18; 14:6). This verse’s statement is part of the basis for believing that there will be a single, world-wide religion enforced during the end times.

Revelation 13:3 describes the first beast as having a mortal wound that was healed. Perhaps this is a reference to the Roman Empire as having a mortal wound. If so, the wound may refer to the fall of the Roman Empire, and the healing refers to the Empire’s revival. The Roman Empire had six forms of government: kings, consuls, dictators, decemvirs, tribunes, and emperors. The sixth form under the Caesars ended, but it will reappear in the tribulation and cover roughly the same territory as it previously held.

Verse 13. It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people,

The second beast (Revelation 13:1–2; 13:11) is most commonly referred to as the “False Prophet.” This person is a partner in evil with the first beast, most often labelled as the Antichrist. The False Prophet puts on quite a show to convince people that he is Israel’s messiah. He performs great signs and even makes fire drop down from heaven, as the prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice (1 Kings 18:36–39). The exact meaning or scope of these signs is unknown. Undoubtedly, he will perform great signs by the power of Satan (Matthew 24:24; 2 John 1:7).

This is another effort to imitate the true Christ, who performed many miracles when He ministered on earth. Christ’s miracles were designed to convince people that He is the Messiah: the Promised One. The apostle John constructed his gospel around miracles or signs Jesus performed. He wrote: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book [the Gospel of John]; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30–31).

Verse 14. and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived.

Unfortunately, the False Prophet’s display of great signs works. He leads those who dwell on the earth astray. Second John 1:7 speaks about this deception: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” Jesus Himself predicted that at some point, false miracles would fool people into error (Matthew 24:24). This might refer to literal supernatural power. Or, given advancements in computer-generated imagery and other technology, it might mean something entirely artificial.

Duped by the False Prophet, unbelievers make an image for the first beast. He is described again as having been wounded but recovered. This time we learn he was wounded by the sword. This is perhaps a reference to the military power that overthrew the Roman Empire. Or, it might simply refer to a weapon, as in an assassination attempt.

It stands to reason that the image for the beast is some kind of statue or sculpture resembling the beast (Revelation 13:15). Human pride often pits itself against God. In his pride, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the construction of such an image to be placed in a highly visible location and commanded his subjects to fall down and worship it (Daniel 3:1–7).

Verse 15. And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.

Prior verses noted that the second beast—typically known as the False Prophet of the end times—will be able to perform false miracles to deceive people (Revelation 13:13–14). This person also oversees construction of some kind of idol honoring the first beast, the person most often identified as the Antichrist.

The False Prophet is able to give breath to the idol and empowers it to speak. Decades ago, the idea that a person could fool others into thinking such a thing was real was unheard of. Today’s technology allows for the possibility that the false miracles of this chapter might be just that: entirely faked. Perhaps the False Prophet will build or have others build a sophisticated robot within the idol. Or, this might be an actual, supernatural power granted by Satan.

Regardless of what the nature of this event is, the second beast puts under a mandatory death sentence those who refuse to worship the idol. Righteous Jews—and, presumably, saved Gentiles—will recall the commandment God gave to the Israelites in the wilderness: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image…You shall not bow down to them or serve them” (Exodus 20:4–5). Their refusal to disobey this commandment puts their lives in jeopardy.

The false prophet’s ruling is like Nebuchadnezzar’s ruling that whoever refused to bow down to and worship his image must be executed. At that time, Daniel’s three friends refused to worship the image and were thrown into a white-hot furnace, but God delivered them (Daniel 3). Similarly, a remnant of faithful believers will refuse to bow down and worship the image the false prophet places in the holy of holies.

Verse 16. Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead,

God seals all who trust in His Son as Savior by placing the Holy Spirit in them. This seal designates believers as belonging to God. Similarly, in the end times, the evil False Prophet will cause everyone, regardless of social or economic status, to choose whether to receive a mark on the right hand and on the forehead. This mark will identify the recipients as belonging to the kingdom of the beast. Revelation 14:9–11 indicates that those who accept this mark are identifying themselves with Satan, and rejecting God. Revelation 20:4 explains that true believers will refuse this mark, and many will be executed as a result.

The Greek word used for this “mark of the beast” is charagma, related to the brand seared into animals to denote their ownership. The word is also used of idols and other negative ideas. In contrast, the followers of God are “sealed,” from the Greek root word sphragis, referring to a proof or inscription. The symbolism of these words is powerful: God places a symbol of value on His people—Satan brands his followers like animals.

Verses 16 and 17 have created vast speculation about the exact nature of this mark. Some suggest this to be a tattooed barcode or symbol—either easily seen or visible under ultra-violet light. Others suggest that implanted computer chips or other technology might be part of this mark. Today, company-issued ID cards can unlock doors at the workplace, and RFID chips are used to access goods and services. The connection between the mark and commerce, as shown in the following verse, is a large part of these speculations.

Scripture itself gives very little detail about the nature of the mark of the beast. What we can be sure of is that this mark will not be disguised. “Innocent” people will not take the mark of the beast by accident. Later verses make it clear that the act of taking the mark of the beast is intimately connected to offering worship and loyalty to the Antichrist. Verses 17 and 18 will connect this mark, somehow, to the name or “number of the name” of the beast.

Verse 17. so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.

This verse continues to describe the False Prophet’s implementation of the “mark of the beast.” This comes from a Greek word, charagma, which is used to describe the branding of livestock. The purpose of this mark is to identify the bearer as one loyal to the Antichrist. Other statements in the book of Revelation make it clear that true believers will reject this mark (Revelation 20:4), and those who take it are knowingly rejecting God and His gospel (Revelation 14:9–11). In other words, the mark is not something “innocent” people will be tricked into accepting.

When the False Prophet successfully brands unbelievers with a mark on the right hand and on the forehead, everyone will be required to display it in order to purchase anything—from a can of corn to a classy car. No one will be able to sell a hot dog or a house without possessing the mark of the beast.

Some speculate that the transition towards a cashless society hints at the meaning of the mark of the beast. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted in lieu of cash in many instances. With a credit card we can purchase almost anything. In some cases, RFID chips or other forms of identification can be linked to personal data and bank accounts. These can even be implanted, such as into the hand or the forehead (Revelation 13:16). This, again, shows how modern technology might fit into these predictions. Or, at least, that these concepts are well within man’s capability.

We cannot say, for sure, what the form or function of the mark of the beast will be. Scripture does not give enough details to be sure. Without the mark, however, a person’s life will be all but cut off from modern society. He will not be able to buy food or gain medical attention or find shelter or sell anything. Imposing the mark of the beast on people will be an incredibly evil act.

This verse also ties the mark to the name—or the “number of the name”—of the beast. This introduces, in verse 18, the infamous and often-debated 666.

Verse 18. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

Speculation about the meaning of the number 666, the number of the beast, has been intriguing but futile. Some individuals have assigned a numeric value to the letters of the alphabet and applied the values to names. Political figures, popes, and dictators have been subject to such a numeric system. It’s important to remember that there are only so many numerals—only ten, in fact—and only so many letters in any given alphabet. Given enough time and creativity, almost any name can be connected or manipulated into some connection with 666.

Other possibilities abound. Some are more obscure, and unlikely, than others. Ezra 2:13 gives the number of descendants of Adonikam as 666. Because “Adonikam” means “the lord who rises up” or “lord of the enemy,” a few interpreters suggest the beast who rises from the earth will bear the name Adonikam. The mathematical value of 6x6x6 is 216, leading some to believe that this number, not “six hundred and sixty six” will be the “number of the name” of the beast.

In reality, no one knows exactly what 666 means. We can only draw on basic concepts to understand some of its implications. For example, 6 is one short of 7, which is the biblical number of perfection. The number 6 represents imperfection and is therefore man’s number. God is perfectly holy—thrice holy—as the seraphim of Isaiah’s vision proclaim. They called to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts” (Isaiah 6:3). Repeating this three times emphasizes its absolute nature. By contrast, imperfect man is unholy, unholy, unholy: 6 6 6.

End of Chapter 13.

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