Meaning of Numbers: The Number 666
The meaning of the number 666 is derived primarily from the mark of the Beast Power discussed in the book of Revelation. This sequence of three 6's is also related to fabulous wealth, adversaries other than Satan the devil, and the rejection of Jesus by the majority of his disciples.
The sequence 666 symbolizes the perfection of man's overall system that is separated from God and under the constant influence of Satan the devil. Six in the Bible represents, by itself, incompleteness or imperfection, as it is one less than perfect seven. Man's system on earth is made up of three parts, each represented by a six in the numeric 666.
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The first six of the three 6's symbolizes the perfectly false religions of man under Satan's lead. The devil is the god of this world, and allowed to deceive mankind, until the return of Jesus Christ (2Corinthians 4:3 - 4). The second six is for the deceived false governments of this world. The third six of 666 is symbolic of mankind's self-centered economic system.
Appearances of Number Six Hundred Sixty Six
The number 666 represents the world and all that it does to appease and gratify human nature. The book of 1John (written by the apostle John who also wrote Revelation) contains an often-overlooked set of three verses that uses a subtle form of 6. This hidden form of six, found in the total times the word "world" is used, warns believers to separate themselves from man's system which is soon to die (John 2:15 - 17).
In order to show that the book of Revelation was inspired, Ireneaus (120 - 202 AD), an early church apologist, noted that he had consulted the "most approved and ancient copies" of Revelation for verification of this mystical numeric.
King Solomon, after assuming the throne of Israel upon his father David's death, soon became wealthy. Although money streamed to him due to the heavy taxation of the Israelites (see 1Kings 4:24), it was the gold that came to him through a variety of other ways that made him the richest man in human history. Every year he received 666 talents of gold (1Kings 10:14 - 15)
And the weight of gold which came to Solomon in one year was six hundred sixty six talents of gold (1Kings 10:14, HBFV).
This amount of riches and wealth received each year is confirmed by the first century Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 8, Chapter 7).
Mass Rejection and Number 666
John 6:66 (666) reveals Jesus' greatest mass rejection by his followers he endured during his ministry. Around Passover in 29 A.D., one year prior to his crucifixion, the Lord is preaching in a Capernaum synagogue on the Sabbath.
During Jesus' message he states he is the Bread of Life which came from heaven (John 6:47 - 48). He then teaches something that so shocked the Jews listening to him that they thought he was promoting cannibalism (verses 52)!
I am the living bread, which came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is even My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world . . .
Truly, truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, you do not have life in yourselves (John 6:51, 53, HBFV).
Many of Jesus' followers, who also hear the above teaching, become offended at what they thought were his harsh and ridiculous words (John 6:60 - 61). The number 666 reveals the actions taken by many of them in response to what he said.
From that time, many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him (verse 66 of John 6, HBFV).
These disciples, marked by 666, decided to no longer believe in Christ as the prophesied Messiah. Their swift rejection meant that they would no longer associate with or follow him and that they would no longer believe his teachings came from God!
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 666
Listing 666 in the Hebrew section of Strong's Concordance is the word apher. This Hebrew word, which means "a covering," is found only twice in the Old Testament. It is translated as "ashes" in both King James occurrences.
So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes (apher) upon his face (1Kings 20:38, KJV).
And he hasted, and took the ashes (apher) away from his face; and the king of Israel discerned him that he was of the prophets (1Kings 20:41, KJV).
Listing 666 in the Greek section of Strong's Concordance is the word apousia. This Greek word, found only once in the New Testament, is translated as "absence" in the King James.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence (apousia), work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12, KJV).
The addition of the consecutive integers from 1 to 36 (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 . . . + 36) is equal to 666.
The product of 2 x 3 x 3 (or 3 squared) x 37 is equal to 666. 2, 3 and 37 are all prime numbers.
666 is also equal to the squares of the first seven consecutive prime numbers 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 and 17 added together (4 + 9 + 25 + 49 + 121 + 169 + 289).
Three people in the Bible stand out as special adversaries of God and his people. They are Goliath the giant, King Nebuchadnezzar who ruled the Babylonian Empire, and the End Time Antichrist. Each, in one way or another, has the mark of six hundred sixty six branded upon them.
Goliath, who fought David when he was quite young, had a height of 6 cubits (plus a "span"). He also had 6 pieces of armor and his spear's head weighed 6 x 100 (600) shekels of iron for 666 (1Samuel 17:4 - 7).
Nebuchadnezzar, the great King of Babylon, set up a "golden image" in the plain of Dura. The idol he had created was 60 cubits high and 6 cubits wide (Daniel 3:1). He then commanded all those he ruled, when they heard the sound of 6 instruments (cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery and dulcimer in the King James translation, verses 5, 10, 15) to worship the statue. Those who rejected his edict were thrown into a furnace of fire (verse 6).
The last special adversary of God is the Antichrist whose name numbers or "counts" to 666 (Revelation 13:18).