pseudepigraphal work, gives an example of gematria used with the name of Jesus. Some NT scholars think the genealogies in Matthew 1 could be an example of gematria, where three lists of 14 generations each correspond to the numerical value of David’s name. This was actually a well-known practice, although it is debated how prevalent this is in Scripture. Gematria is a process by which letters in a name are given numerical values or vice versa. Many scholars have looked to gematria to help understand the mark of the beast. This calculation would presumably lead to identification of a specific individual. Thus, the statement of John is that the number of the beast is related to his name (Rev 13:17).

Using pebbles to count was a common ancient means of tabulation. The term derives from ψῆφος, which means pebble. John’s command to “calculate” (ψηφισάτω) the number of the beast is a term that was used for numerical calculation. Thus, when six is used three times in the mark of the beast, it is emphasizing the completeness of imperfection.Īlthough this view is possible, it is unlikely.

Beale, for example, argues in his commentary that the mark of the beast is 666 because six is the number of imperfection. Many notable scholars have read the mark of the beast symbolically. Not everyone sees 666 as a reference to Nero.

Download nero in the bible