King James Version

What Does Revelation 13:18 Mean?

Revelation 13:18 in the King James Version says “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his nu...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 13:18 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

16

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand , or in their foreheads: to receive: Gr. to give them

17

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of beast from sea and earth - antichrist's power, false prophet, mark of the beast employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 13:18 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ὧδε1 of 22

“Here”

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

ἡ2 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σοφία3 of 22

“wisdom”

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

ἐστίν4 of 22

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ5 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔχων6 of 22

“Let him that hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὸν7 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νοῦν8 of 22

“understanding”

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

ψηφισάτω9 of 22

“count”

G5585

to use pebbles in enumeration, i.e., (generally) to compute

τὸν10 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀριθμὸς11 of 22

“number”

G706

a number (as reckoned up)

τοῦ12 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θηρίου13 of 22

“of the beast”

G2342

a dangerous animal

ἀριθμὸς14 of 22

“number”

G706

a number (as reckoned up)

γὰρ15 of 22

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀνθρώπου16 of 22

“of a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐστίν17 of 22

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ18 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ19 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀριθμὸς20 of 22

“number”

G706

a number (as reckoned up)

αὐτοῦ21 of 22

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

χξς22 of 22
G5516

666 as a numeral

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 13:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 13:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 15:2Revelation 17:9Revelation 21:17Daniel 12:10Revelation 1:3Mark 13:14

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