50 Facts and Speculations About the Number 666 in the Bible

The number 666 has fascinated scholars, theologians, and enthusiasts for centuries. Found in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, it is often referred to as the “number of the beast.” Below is a comprehensive list of 50 facts and speculations surrounding this enigmatic number. Note that the following facts do not represent belief of our church, these “facts” / speculations are found in popular culture. The reader is invited to carefully consider the bible study on the number 666 and the complete study on the book of revelation.

---

1. Biblical Reference

• Location in Scripture: The number 666 appears in Revelation 13:18 of the New Testament.

2. The Number of the Beast

• Association with the Beast: It is called the “number of the beast,” symbolizing an entity opposing God.

3. A Human Number

• Interpretation: The verse mentions “it is the number of a man,” suggesting a human connection.

4. Gematria Practice

• Numerical Values: Gematria assigns numerical values to letters and words, used to interpret 666.

5. Nero Caesar Connection

• Historical Figure: In Hebrew gematria, the letters in “Nero Caesar” sum up to 666.

6. Symbol of Imperfection

• Numerical Symbolism: While 7 signifies perfection in the Bible, 6 falls short, and 666 amplifies this imperfection.

7. Alternate Manuscripts

• The Number 616: Some early biblical manuscripts list the number as 616 instead of 666.

8. Numerological Interpretations

• Various Meanings: Numerologists have assigned multiple interpretations to 666 over time.

9. Association with the Antichrist

• Eschatology: Often linked to the Antichrist figure in Christian end-times prophecy.

10. Economic Control

• Buying and Selling: Revelation 13 mentions that no one can buy or sell without the beast’s mark.

11. The Mark of the Beast

• End Times Sign: Some believe 666 represents a future mark required for commerce.

12. Historical Speculations

• Various Identities: Figures like Hitler, Stalin, and others have been speculated to be linked with 666.

13. Pythagorean Numerology

• Mystical Meanings: Numbers hold special significance in Pythagorean traditions.

14. Cultural Superstitions

• Avoidance of 666: Some people steer clear of the number due to its ominous reputation.

15. Barcodes Myth

• UPC Codes: A theory suggests that barcodes contain the number 666, though this is debunked.

16. Social Security Numbers

• Conspiracy Theories: Some speculate that government numbering systems relate to 666.

17. Hebrew Letters and WWW

• Numerical Values: The Hebrew letter ‘vav’ equals 6; thus, ‘WWW’ could symbolically represent 666.

18. Isopsephy

• Greek Numerology: Similar to gematria, it assigns numbers to Greek letters.

19. Emperor Domitian Theory

• Alternative Interpretation: Some scholars think 666 refers to the Roman Emperor Domitian.

20. Modern Technology Speculations

• Computers and Chips: Theories propose that 666 symbolizes technological advancements controlling humanity.

21. Pop Culture Influence

• Movies and Music: The number is frequently used in horror genres to evoke fear.

22. A Triangular Number

• Mathematical Property: 666 is the sum of all numbers from 1 to 36.

23. Magic Square Connection

• Numerical Patterns: In a 6×6 magic square, the sums can relate to 666.

24. Carbon Atom Theory

• Biological Link: Carbon, essential to life, has 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons.

25. Phobia Name

• Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia: The fear of the number 666.

26. Biblical Numerology

• Study of Numbers: The significance of numbers like 3, 7, 12, and 40 is prevalent in the Bible.

27. Imperfection Amplified

• Triple Sixes: The repetition emphasizes incompleteness or imperfection.

28. Influence on Literature

• Books and Stories: Authors often incorporate 666 to symbolize evil.

29. Warning Against False Prophets

• Biblical Caution: The number serves as a sign to discern true teachings from false ones.

30. Greek Word “Paradosis”

• Numerical Value: The word meaning “tradition” adds up to 666 in isopsephy.

31. Symbolism in Hebrew

• Names and Numbers: Hebrew names and words can be calculated to reach 666.

32. Mathematical Curiosities

• Prime Factors: 666 equals 2 × 3 × 3 × 37.

33. Positive Meaning in China

• Good Fortune: In Chinese culture, 666 can mean “things going smoothly.”

34. Aviation and 666

• Flight Numbers: Some airlines have flights numbered 666, sometimes on Friday the 13th.

35. License Plates

• Public Avoidance: Many opt out of vehicle plates containing 666.

36. Not 6³

• Common Misconception: 6 to the third power is 216, not 666.

37. Apocalyptic Context

• End Times Imagery: 666 is part of the vivid symbolism in Revelation.

38. RFID Chip Theories

• Mark of the Beast: Some believe microchips implanted in humans relate to 666.

39. Ronald Reagan Anecdote

• Numerical Coincidence: His full name, Ronald Wilson Reagan, contains six letters in each name.

40. Credit Card Fears

• Modern Commerce: Concerns about financial systems being linked to 666.

41. Alternate Number 616

• Scholarly Debates: Some ancient texts suggest 616 as the correct number.

42. Artistic Depictions

• Visual Arts: Artists have portrayed 666 in various mediums to represent evil.

43. Monster Energy Controversy

• Logo Interpretation: Some claim the logo’s design resembles three Hebrew ‘vavs’ (666).

44. Use in Video Games

• Symbolism: Games may use 666 to denote dark forces or antagonists.

45. Beast from the Sea

• Biblical Imagery: The beast associated with 666 rises from the sea in Revelation.

46. Roulette Wheel Sum

• Gambling Fact: Numbers on a roulette wheel add up to 666.

47. Unicode Character

• Digital Reference: Unicode U+0666 represents the Arabic-Indic digit six.

48. Islamic Numerology

• Misconceptions: While sometimes mentioned, the Quran does not have exactly 6666 verses.

49. The Year 1666

• Historical Events: The Great Fire of London led to apocalyptic fears due to the year’s number.

50. Influence on Street Addresses

Property Numbering: Some buildings skip 666 in their numbering.