The Number of the Beast (Rev. 13:18)

"Count" = "compute" (Strong's #5585) Computation involves two or more numbers but only one seems to be given here. What is the other number?

Another number appears in the next verse (14:1): 144,000 have the name of the Father in their foreheads. There is an obvious connection here to the mark or name of the beast in the previous verse. Both marks are placed in the forehead.

So, then, what is the computation with these two numbers: 666 and 144,000?

Everything in the prophecy of Revelation is told in symbols; therefore, the number 666 must represent something. What does it signify?

We are told that it is the number of A MAN.

It is not the number of: MEN as in a group or organization;

nor is it the number of: MAN as in a spiritual characterization;

nor is it the number of: THE MAN as in identifying a unique individual;

but it is the number of: A MAN as in only one man, but no one man in particular.

Similarly, the number 144,000 must represent something. One might ask the simple question,

"If 666 = one man, how many men are in the 144,000?"

Performing this computation yields: 144,000 ÷ 666 = 216.216216 ...., which is not overly informative until we realize that: 216 = 6 x 6 x 6.

Now we're on to something, thus:

Those bearing the seal of the name of the Father = 12 x 12,000 = 144,000

Those bearing the mark of the beast = 6 x 6 x 6 x 666 (six sixes!) = 143,856

The difference = 144

There is a very striking relationship between the 144 and the 144,000. It is a specific remnant, 1 out of every 1000. It is a common recurring theme in Scripture that only the remnant is saved, because the vast majority are worshipping false gods.

But isn't this impossible amongst those who have been sealed with the name of the Father upon their foreheads? Not if the mark of the beast is indistinguishable from the name of the Father because the beast is using the name of the Father to make its mark.

144,000 is a representative number of the remnant that will be redeemed of all those who claim they worship the one true God. However, most worshippers making this claim are, in fact, worshipping the beast.

This is great wisdom.