King Solomon's Number ???

RandyPNW · May 24, 2026

2PhiloVoid said:
Many of us have read the 18th verse of the 13th chapter of Revelation and thought about the possible meaning or identification of the Number of the Beast, 666.

To be honest, I'm not one of those persons who will come out and say that I know with any certainty what or who this now infamous number specifically refers to, but I'm inclined to agree with John Higgins in the following video below where he shares that he thinks it refers to King Solomon.

Higgins states that some of the way in which he approaches his interpretation of this verse of Revelation has been influenced by bible scholar, G.K. Beale, such as in the article from the Gospel Coalition linked below. Beale's work has also informed some of my interpretive approach to the Bible as well, but Higgins adds that he thinks there's something that G.K. Beale doesn't dig into deeply enough which might be needed here for further consideration.

Why Is the Number of the Beast 666?

Greg Beale explains why the number of the beast in Revelation 13:8 is 666.

www.thegospelcoalition.org

666 - The Number of the Beast - The Number of Solomon? - The Bible As Art

So I'm wondering. How many of you out there think Higgins' understanding is correct? Or do you think he's off base in his interpretation?

The meaning of this one verse in the Bible [Revelation 13:18] has always intrigued me and if what John Higgins says is correct, it makes me pause for much deeper reflection over the possible connotations it might have for us as we attempt to live our daily lives, especially if we're trying to be more mindful of the Lord's will. It even gives me additional pause to think about ways that I might still be deficient in responding to God's Will in my own life or that countless other people out there in the world may still be deficient as well.

Is there more we need to be thinking of here?

I don't really have to watch the video. The passage itself explains that the number represents the number of a man. It is using Gematria. Some say the number adds up to Nero. Though this may be an allusion to Nero as a type, the actual number adds up to the sense of a Roman ruler, generically speaking. In other words, 666 suggests that the Beast will be a Roman ruler. The number is not indicating a particular person, but only his ethnic inheritance in the Roman tradition. It is the 4th Kingdom Daniel saw in his dream, and Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. It is at the time when the Roman Empire dissolves into 10 nations. The emperor who rises to take over this confederation will be "666," ie the emperor over the revived Roman Empire.

2PhiloVoid · May 24, 2026

RandyPNW said:
I don't really have to watch the video. The passage itself explains that the number represents the number of a man. It is using Gematria. Some say the number adds up to Nero. Though this may be an allusion to Nero as a type, the actual number adds up to the sense of a Roman ruler, generically speaking. In other words, 666 suggests that the Beast will be a Roman ruler. The number is not indicating a particular person, but only his ethnic inheritance in the Roman tradition. It is the 4th Kingdom Daniel saw in his dream, and Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. It is at the time when the Roman Empire dissolves into 10 nations. The emperor who rises to take over this confederation will be "666," ie the emperor over the revived Roman Empire.

I agree with some smaller part of what you're saying, but I think I'll stick with what I've said in reference to all I've already posted in this thread, videos and all.

Thanks for the comments.

RandyPNW · May 25, 2026

2PhiloVoid said:
I agree with some smaller part of what you're saying, but I think I'll stick with what I've said in reference to all I've already posted in this thread, videos and all.

Thanks for the comments.

You're welcome. I'm always interested in how solid Christians view these difficult prophecies.

I just haven't found that trying to tie 666 in gematria to modern names seems at all Bible-like. There are riddles given in Revelation for Christians, but this doesn't seem to be the purpose of the 666 language.

It is determining 1st that it represents not just a kingdom but an individual ruler. And 2nd, it is associated with something that number depicts to those at the time. Irenaeus apparently considered it was easily associated wih a "Latin man." That fits Daniel's 4 Kingdom, which was Rome, for me. Since Rome was sin power at the time John wrote this Revelation it makes sense he would use cryptic riddles depicting it at that time.

Thanks. I wish you well on your studies and considerations.

2PhiloVoid · May 25, 2026

RandyPNW said:
You're welcome. I'm always interested in how solid Christians view these difficult prophecies.

I just haven't found that trying to tie 666 in gematria to modern names seems at all Bible-like. There are riddles given in Revelation for Christians, but this doesn't seem to be the purpose of the 666 language.

I agree. None of us can afford to jump to quick conclusions.

RandyPNW said:
It is determining 1st that it represents not just a kingdom but an individual ruler. And 2nd, it is associated with something that number depicts to those at the time. Irenaeus apparently considered it was easily associated wih a "Latin man." That fits Daniel's 4 Kingdom, which was Rome, for me. Since Rome was sin power at the time John wrote this Revelation it makes sense he would use cryptic riddles depicting it at that time.

Thanks. I wish you well on your studies and considerations.

Daniel Martinovich · May 25, 2026

No one thinks it's strange that 666 is exactly the number of years between the beginning of the age of the four gentile empires when Nebuchadnezzar first conquered Judeah and the end of the First Covenant age when Jeusalm was destroyed in 70 AD by Rome?
597 BC - 70 AD equals 666 years due to there being no year -0-.

2PhiloVoid · May 25, 2026

Daniel Martinovich said:
No one thinks it's strange that 666 is exactly the number of years between the beginning of the age of the four gentile empires when Nebuchadnezzar first conquered Judeah and the end of the First Covenant age when Jeusalm was destroyed in 70 AD by Rome?
597 BC - 70 AD equals 666 years due to there being no year -0-.

I'm pretty sure that 666 doesn't have anything to do with time measurement. But we all have our different ways of interpreting Revelation and the number of the Beast, don't we?

Douggg · May 25, 2026

I did an "exact phrase match" for "children of God" in kjv. And here are the results.

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/search.php?q=children+of+god&bsec=&order=0&bookfilter=&s=1

Now I will explain where I am going with this....

The children of God are followers of God.

By adopting "Adonikam" as his name - which the name Adonikam itself means "my risen lord", the beast person (who will be mortally wounded but healed - i.e. risen from death) may entice his followers to take the 666 number, citing Adonikam's descendants numbered 666.

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Also the person when he becomes the King of Israel thought-to-be messiah, his natural name that his parents gave him may not add to 666 - which will at that time will be used to counter any attempts by critics to say that he is the Antichrist.

as the little horn - going by his natural parent given name that does not add to 666.

then as the prince that shall come - going by his natural parent given name that does not add to 666.

then as the Antichrist - going by his natural parent given name that does not add to 666.

then as the revealed man of sin - going by his natural parent given name that does not add to 666.

then as the beast - things change - adoptation of the name "Adonikam", which is related to the number 666 by the number of Adonikam's descendants - that had been counted.

Revelatoin 13:18 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.

2PhiloVoid · May 25, 2026

Douggg said:
I did an "exact phrase match" for "children of God" in kjv. And here are the results.

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/search.php?q=children+of+god&bsec=&order=0&bookfilter=&s=1

Now I will explain where I am going with this....

The children of God are followers of God.

By adopting "Adonikam" as his name - which the name Adonikam itself means "my risen lord", the beast person (who will be mortally wounded but healed - i.e. risen from death) may entice his followers to take the 666 number, citing Adonikam's descendants numbered 666.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also the person when he becomes the King of Israel thought-to-be messiah, his natural name that his parents gave him may not add to 666 - which will at that time will be used to counter any attempts by critics to say that he is the Antichrist.

little horn - natural parent given name that does not add to 666.
prince that shall come - natural parent given name that does not add to 666.
Antichrist -natural parent given name that does not add to 666.
revealed man of sin - natural parent given name that does not add to 666.
the beast - adoptation of the name "Adonikam", which is related to the number 666 by the number of his descendants - that had been counted.

Revelaton 13:18 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.

That's interesting, but I'm sticking with my own interpretation. Thanks.

Douggg · May 25, 2026

2PhiloVoid said:
That's interesting, but I'm sticking with my own interpretation. Thanks.

So what is the name of the beast in your opinion ?

2PhiloVoid · May 25, 2026

Douggg said:
So what is the name of the beast in your opinion ?

I have no idea what his or its actual name is, was or will be. But I think it has some thematic association with King Solomon.

JSRG · May 25, 2026

RandyPNW said:
You're welcome. I'm always interested in how solid Christians view these difficult prophecies.

I just haven't found that trying to tie 666 in gematria to modern names seems at all Bible-like. There are riddles given in Revelation for Christians, but this doesn't seem to be the purpose of the 666 language.

It is determining 1st that it represents not just a kingdom but an individual ruler. And 2nd, it is associated with something that number depicts to those at the time. Irenaeus apparently considered it was easily associated wih a "Latin man." That fits Daniel's 4 Kingdom, which was Rome, for me. Since Rome was sin power at the time John wrote this Revelation it makes sense he would use cryptic riddles depicting it at that time.

Thanks. I wish you well on your studies and considerations.

This is not quite what Irenaeus said. I've seen a lot of people say that Irenaeus associated it or offered "Latin man" as an interpretation, but that's not really the case.

Here is Irenaeus's words:

Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol I: IRENÆUS: Chapter XXX.&#... | Internet Sacred Text Archive

Read Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol I: IRENÆUS: Chapter XXX.&#... | Internet Sacred Text Archive - Christian texts including church fathers, mystical Christiani

sacred-texts.com

It is therefore more certain, and less hazardous, to await the fulfilment of the prophecy, than to be making surmises, and casting about for any names that may present themselves, inasmuch as many names can be found possessing the number mentioned; and the same question will, after all, remain unsolved. For if there are many names found possessing this number, it will be asked which among them shall the coming man bear. It is not through a want of names containing the number of that name that I say this, but on account of the fear of God, and zeal for the truth: for the name Evanthas (ΕΥΑΝΘΑΣ) contains the required number, but I make no allegation regarding it. Then also Lateinos (ΛΑΤΕΙΝΟΣ) has the number six hundred and sixty-six; and it is a very probable [solution], this being the name of the last kingdom [of the four seen by Daniel]. For the Latins are they who at present bear rule: I will not, however, make any boast over this [coincidence]. Teitan too, (ΤΕΙΤΑΝ), the first syllable being written with the two Greek vowels ε and ι, among all the names which are found among us, is rather worthy of credit. For it has in itself the predicted number, and is composed of six letters, each syllable containing three letters; and [the word itself] is ancient, and removed from ordinary use; for among our kings we find none bearing this name Titan, nor have any of the idols which are worshipped in public among the Greeks and barbarians this appellation. Among many persons, too, this name is accounted divine, so that even the sun is termed “Titan” by those who do now possess [the rule]. This word, too, contains a certain outward appearance of vengeance, and of one inflicting merited punishment because he (Antichrist) pretends that he vindicates the oppressed. And besides this, it is an ancient name, one worthy of credit, of royal dignity, and still further, a name belonging to a tyrant. Inasmuch, then, as this name “Titan” has so much to recommend it, there is a strong degree of probability, that from among the many [names suggested], we infer, that perchance he who is to come shall be called “Titan.” We will not, however, incur the risk of pronouncing positively as to the name of Antichrist; for if it were necessary that his name should be distinctly revealed in this present time, it would have been announced by him who beheld the apocalyptic vision. For that was seen no very long time since, but almost in our day, towards the end of Domitian’s reign.

Irenaeus throws out three names as possibilities: Evanthas, Lateinos, and Teitan. The point he is trying to make is how there are so many names that can add up to six hundred and sixty six that there is no point in trying to figure it out based on that.

For those curious about how they add up to that, it's because the letters were used for numerals; see here. So for Teitan, we have T (300), E (5), I (10), T (300) A (1), and N (50). 300+5+10+300+1+50=666.

The whole idea that Irenaeus says it can mean "Latin man" comes from the fact that in Greek, Lateinos (in addition to being a name) is also a noun that can mean a "Latin person". This is technically true, but that is a bit like saying that Irenaeus is saying that it could refer to a giant being (a titan) because he viewed that as a possible name. Irenaeus was talking specifically about the name Lateinos--derived from the Latin name Latinus--could possibly be the name, not the identically spelled but separate noun of a Latin person. Such would actually run afoul of the text of Revelation, which explicitly says that the Number of the Beast comes from the name of the beast (it does not say description, but name). So if it was Lateinos, it would be someone's name, not a description of them.

Incidentally, that is also why the claim made at the start of the topic that it refers to Solomon doesn't make that much sense. Yes, he received six hundred and sixty six talents of gold in 1 Kings 10:14, but that has nothing to do with his name.

One thing to note, though: Irenaeus writes Lateinos (Λατεινος) and Teitan (Τειταν), but those are not the normal spellings of those in Greek. The normal spellings are Latinos (Λατινος) and Titan (Τιταν), which do not add up to six hundred and sixty six. Of course, spellings were less standardized back in the 2nd century when he wrote.

Douggg · May 25, 2026

2PhiloVoid said:
I have no idea what his or its actual name is, was or will be. But I think it has some thematic association with King Solomon.

The number 666 is associated with the beast's name.

I don't think a thematic association with Solomon's character reflects the character of the beast who will be worshiped. I don't think Solomon ever was worshiped, nor a statue image made of him that was worshiped. Solomon was never mortally wounded but healed, like the beast will be.

2PhiloVoid · May 26, 2026

Douggg said:
The number 666 is associated with the beast's name.

Right. Exactly. However in my view, the mistake in understanding the number comes in assuming that 666 is a form of gematria when it may very well not be. Plus, to read 666 as gematria is to break with applying a consistent, biblically based interpretive method when reading Revelation...........especially Revelation.

Douggg said:
I don't think a thematic association with Solomon's character reflects the character of the beast who will be worshiped. I don't think Solomon ever was worshiped, nor a statue image made of him that was worshiped. Solomon was never mortally wounded but healed, like the beast will be.

I think it does, and the problem here hermeneutically is to get outside of assuming a "correspondence" sort of imputed meaning. The point of the number is to imply something about the inherent character of the 1st Beast, not a literal denotation of exactly how people will define it. On the other hand, if one looks deeper, I think a case for Solomon could be made out in more literal terms as well, especially these days.

I you read chapter 13 differently, then I'm not going to scold you for doing so. I don't think any of us has a final, comprehensive understanding of Revelation anyway. We're all seeing through a glass darkly on this book.

Douggg · May 26, 2026

2PhiloVoid said:
Right. Exactly. However in my view, the mistake in understanding the number comes in assuming that 666 is a form of gematria when it may very well not be. Plus, to read 666 as gematria is to break with applying a consistent, biblically based interpretive method when reading Revelation...........especially Revelation.

I think it does, and the problem here hermeneutically is to get outside of assuming a "correspondence" sort of imputed meaning. The point of the number is to imply something about the inherent character of the 1st Beast, not a literal denotation of exactly how people will define it. On the other hand, if one looks deeper, I think a case for Solomon could be made out in more literal terms as well, especially these days.

I you read chapter 13 differently, then I'm not going to scold you for doing so. I don't think any of us has a final, comprehensive understanding of Revelation anyway. We're all seeing through a glass darkly on this book.

In identifying who that person may be, the first criteria is that he must be a Jew.

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Next, applying gematria to the person's name to see if the numbers of his name total 666, may or may not work.

And even if a person's name, gematria speaking, is 666, that in itself does not make a person the future beast person. I use the Gematria Calculator site to plug in different suspect's name to see if it adds to 666.

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The person who becomes the beast must initially be over ten kings - i.e. leaders. Who, those ten leaders, near the middle of the 7 years will hand their kingdom over to the beast person, Revelation 17:17.

So that becoming over the ten leaders, along with being a Jew, is one of the first activities to look for.

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Another thing to look for is - does the suspect have military expertise, as that is one of the things that the Jews (Judaism) are looking for in their messiah (who will turn out to be the Antichrist and later the beast).

And the Jews (Judaism) are expecting the person to have political ability.

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None of us know for sure at this stage in time who that person is. But let's stay alert, because eventually things are going to come together.

(I hope my post came across as friendly, because I not intending to be argumentative.)

2PhiloVoid · May 26, 2026

Douggg said:
In identifying who that person may be, the first criteria is that he must be a Jew.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next, applying gematria to the person's name to see if the numbers of his name total 666, may or may not work.

And even if a person's name, gematria speaking, is 666, that in itself does not make a person the future beast person. I use the Gematria Calculator site to plug in different suspect's name to see if it adds to 666.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The person who becomes the beast must initially be over ten kings - i.e. leaders. Who, those ten leaders, near the middle of the 7 years will hand their kingdom over to the beast person, Revelation 17:17.

So that becoming over the ten leaders, along with being a Jew, is one of the first activities to look for.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another thing to look for is - does the suspect have military expertise, as that is one of the things that the Jews (Judaism) are looking for in their messiah (who will turn out to be the Antichrist and latter the beast).

And the Jews (Judaism) are expecting the person to have political ability.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

None of us know for sure at this stage in time who that person is. But let's stay alert, because eventually things are going to come together.

(I hope my post came across as friendly, because I not intending to be argumentative.)

I have a different, more historicist reading of Revelation and interpret it a little differently than you do, but even though that is the case, I still agree with you that we need to be alert today. And I'm not offended if you have your own viewpoint on Eschatology. We all try our hand at it as best we can and some of what you say may turn out to be true.

King Solomon's Number ???

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Why Is the Number of the Beast 666? Greg Beale explains why the number of the beast in Revelation 13:8 is 666. www.thegospelcoalition.org

666 - The Number of the Beast - The Number of Solomon? - The Bible As Art​

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