| − | The '''Number of the Beast''', or Mark of the Beast, is a mysterious phrase used in [[Revelation]]{{cquote|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.<ref>Revelation 13:18, ESV.</ref>}}The number seven represents perfection in the Bible. As six is somewhat less than seven, it can be considered beastly. The invitation to calculate implies that a code of some kind is being used. The phrase "number of a man" suggests that the number represents a personal name. The letters of the name "Nero Caesar," emperor at the time Revelation was written, adds up to 666<ref>In some translations the number is 616 rather than 666.</ref> when written in Hebrew characters. "Many interpreters expect a future, greater fulfillment in a world ruler who is violently opposed to God and his people," according to the ''ESV Study Bible.''<ref>Crossway Bibles. ESV Study Bible (Kindle Locations 330753-330754). Crossway. Kindle Edition.</ref><br>. | + | The '''Number of the Beast''', or Mark of the Beast, is a mysterious phrase used in [[Revelation]]:{{cquote|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.<ref>Revelation 13:18, ESV.</ref>}}The number seven represents perfection in the Bible. As six is somewhat less than seven, it can be considered beastly. The invitation to calculate implies that a code of some kind is being used. The phrase "number of a man" suggests that the number represents a personal name. The letters of the name "Nero Caesar," emperor at the time Revelation was written, adds up to 666<ref>In some translations the number is 616 rather than 666.</ref> when written in Hebrew characters. "Many interpreters expect a future, greater fulfillment in a world ruler who is violently opposed to God and his people," according to the ''ESV Study Bible.''<ref>Crossway Bibles. ESV Study Bible (Kindle Locations 330753-330754). Crossway. Kindle Edition.</ref><br>. |
| | According to the [[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)#Futurism|Futurist]] interpretation of the [[Book of Revelation]] it is a mark that will be forced upon the citizens of the world by the government of the [[Antichrist]]. The penalty for not accepting the number is either death, [[persecution]], or a lack of financial security. Those who do accept it however, will suffer eternal damnation (Revelation 20:4 "the second death"). According to the Book of Revelation:{{cquote|And it will cause all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the bond, to have a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and it will bring it about that no one may be able to buy or sell, except him who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of its name.<ref>Revelation 13: 16-18</ref>}} | | According to the [[Revelation, Book of (historical exegesis)#Futurism|Futurist]] interpretation of the [[Book of Revelation]] it is a mark that will be forced upon the citizens of the world by the government of the [[Antichrist]]. The penalty for not accepting the number is either death, [[persecution]], or a lack of financial security. Those who do accept it however, will suffer eternal damnation (Revelation 20:4 "the second death"). According to the Book of Revelation:{{cquote|And it will cause all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the bond, to have a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and it will bring it about that no one may be able to buy or sell, except him who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of its name.<ref>Revelation 13: 16-18</ref>}} |