Lexical Summary chxs: Six hundred sixty-six Original Word: χξς (χξϛ) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance six hundred sixty-six. The 22nd, 14th and an obsolete letter (stigma as a cross) of the Greek alphabet (intermediate between the 5th and 6th), used as numbers; denoting respectively 600, 60, and 6; 666 as a numeral -- six hundred threescore and six. see GREEK stigma NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origini.e. chi xi sigma Definition abb. for six hundred sixty-six, variant reading for NG1812, NG1835, NG1803, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5516: χξςχξς, six hundred and sixty-six (chi Χ = 600; xi Ξ = 60; sigma ς' = 6), a mystical number the meaning of which is clear when it is written in Hebrew letters, קסר נרון, i. e. Νέρων Καῖσαρ, 'Nero Caesar' (sometimes the Jews write קסר for the more common קיסר, the Syriac always rSK [ Topical Lexicon Numeric identity and symbolic force χξς is the Greek alpha-numeric shorthand that renders the value 666. Unlike a regular word, it functions solely as a numeral, yet its presence in Revelation 13:18 invests it with deep theological resonance. By repeating the digit “6” threefold, Scripture sets the number in deliberate contrast to the fullness signified by “7,” underscoring the beast’s counterfeit and incomplete pretensions to deity. Revelation 13:18 in context “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 six hundred sixty-six.” (Revelation 13:18) John positions the numeral at the climax of his description of the second beast who enforces a global economic system tied to idolatrous worship. The verse urges saints to employ spiritual discernment (“wisdom”) in identifying the beast and in refusing his mark. χξς, therefore, is not offered as a puzzle for idle speculation but as a warning that true allegiance cannot be shared between Christ and any anti-christian power. Echoes in the Old Testament canon 1 Kings 10:14 records that Solomon received “six hundred sixty-six talents of gold” in a single year, a detail that, in hindsight, hints at the seductive pull of wealth and the seeds of eventual compromise in Solomon’s reign. Ezra 2:13 lists “the descendants of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-six,” placing the figure within a register of returnees from exile; here, the number is purely statistical yet serves to remind readers that even among the covenant people numeric completeness without faith avails little. These occurrences prepare readers for the apocalyptic use of 666 as an emblem of self-exalting human systems that fall short of divine perfection. Historical interpretations within the church • Early Christian writers such as Irenaeus (Against Heresies 5.30) defended the text of 666 against variants and warned believers not to speculate beyond Scripture. Gematria and pastoral caution The verse invites calculation, but the call for “wisdom” guards against sensationalism. Gematria can illustrate how the number may encode real historical figures (e.g., Nero Caesar in Hebrew letters totals 666), yet Scripture never authorizes date-setting or naming contemporary individuals with certainty. The enduring pastoral thrust is vigilance, not speculation. Theological significance 1. Counterfeit lordship: 666 mimics divine completeness (777) while betraying perennial human rebellion. Ministry applications • Discipleship: Teach congregations to resist cultural idols that promise security at the price of conscience, echoing Revelation’s exhortation. Apologetic value The precision of χξς, its consistency across manuscripts, and its integration with broader biblical numerics showcase Scripture’s internal coherence. The fulfillment of prophetic patterns—partial in past tyrants, final in the future Antichrist—demonstrates the reliability of God’s Word to diagnose human sin and to announce ultimate victory in Jesus Christ. Conclusion χξς is more than an ancient numeral; it concentrates the Bible’s teaching on counterfeit authority, spiritual discernment, and steadfast loyalty to the Lamb. Properly understood, it equips believers to recognize the limitations of human power, to resist idolatrous systems, and to persevere in hope until the kingdoms of this world become “the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). Forms and Transliterations χόεις χουςLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Χίου — 1 Occ.χιτὼν — 1 Occ. χιτῶνά — 4 Occ. χιτῶνας — 6 Occ. χιών — 2 Occ. χλαμύδα — 2 Occ. διαχλευάζοντες — 1 Occ. ἐχλεύαζον — 1 Occ. χλιαρὸς — 1 Occ. Χλόης — 1 Occ. χλωρὸν — 1 Occ. χλωρός — 2 Occ. χοϊκοί — 1 Occ. χοϊκός — 2 Occ. χοϊκοῦ — 1 Occ. χοίνικες — 1 Occ. Χοῖνιξ — 1 Occ. χοίρων — 6 Occ. χοῖροι — 1 Occ. χοίρους — 5 Occ. |
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