Revelation 13:18

Here is a call for wisdom: Let the one who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and that number is 666.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The narrator addresses the readers of Revelation as the vision of the beast demands a commercial mark. The directive interrupts the apocalyptic sequence to issue a direct command to the audience.

The words — ὁ ἔχων τὸν νοῦν (ho echōn ton noun) translates literally to "the one having the understanding." It is paired with ὦδε ἡ σοφία (hōde hē sophia), meaning "here is wisdom," to frame the subsequent instruction.

The thread — The identical structural phrase "This calls for a mind with wisdom" appears in Revelation 17:9 regarding the interpretation of seven heads. The numerical theme continues in Revelation 21:17, which specifies the use of human measurement for the city wall.

Why it lands — The text explicitly commands readers to calculate the beast's numerical value, stating it is the number of a man and identifying it as 666. It requires active analysis of the given figure rather than passive compliance.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Revelation 15:2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God,
Revelation 17:9 This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits.
Revelation 21:17 And he measured its wall to be 144 cubits, by the human measure the angel was using.
Daniel 12:10 Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand.
Mark 13:14 So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.
Hosea 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.
Psalms 107:43 Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD.
Deuteronomy 3:11 (For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)
Romans 3:5 But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms.