the number of the beast

#1

666 was always thought to be the number of the beast, from the book of revelation, and various complicated letter puzzles have been applied to explain it's significance - my favourite being the links to the name of emporer nero. but recently a new copy of revelations was found with the dead sea scrolls, which appears to be the earliest version yet found. in this text it seems the number is not the same, and the later translations may have gotten it wrong. does anyone know what this new number is?

Bot · #2

For some reason the number 7 is stuck in my head... but that's supposed to be God's or something, isn't it?

#3

Here's a little workup from a previous thread, check it out Lightfoot...

http://www.ayhja.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=348&t=2901

#4

Yes, from what I undertsand 666 is the devils number and 777 is a divine number.

#5

thanks for the link, ayhja, i'd given that one a gander earlier on but it didn't really answer the question.

does anyone know the number of the beast, as detailed in the dead sea scrolls version of revolations?

#6

Rev 13:16 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:
Rev 13:17 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.
Rev 13:18 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.

According to verse 17, there are three different characteristics that distinguish the beast:
* his mark (of authority)
* his name
* the number of his name (666).

It might be argued by some that 666 must be applied to one man's name, and that this will then help identify him as the antichrist. I would offer the following verse to show that 666 need not apply solely to a man's name:

Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

The same Greek word translated as name (onoma: G3686) that appears in Revelation 13:17-18 is also used in chapter 19:16, so clearly the word can also apply to a title, and not just one man's name. Now, we are told that it takes a certain understanding and wisdom to discern just how this number is actually applied. Based on the fact that 666 can apply to a title, below are several words and phrases that have been put forth over the centuries as probable solutions to the enigma of 666.

#7

the oldest fragments on extant Greek versions of "Revelations" has hexakosiai deka hex as opposed to hexakosioi hexēkonta hex., [font=Symbol:ddebe98c9b]ciz [/font:ddebe98c9b]

hexakosiai deka hex is 616; or six hundred ten and six.

#8

oh fucks. got that written on my balls since i was born. :twisted:

#9

Yea, I remember hearing that 666 isn't the number of the Devil. I think if I remember the number right it's is 616 like Raum said...I know it isn't the 3 consecutive numbers though like 666 or 777

#10

Religous christians believe 666 or 777 I think.