New Testament

Revelation 13:18

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 13:18, the text emphasizes the need for wisdom and understanding when interpreting the number of the beast, which is identified as 666.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

This calls for wisdom. Let anyone with understanding calculate the number of the beast, because it is the number of a man. His number is 666.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 13:18, the text emphasizes the need for wisdom and understanding when interpreting the number of the beast, which is identified as 666. This number is symbolic and has been the subject of much speculation throughout history. The phrase 'number of a man' suggests a connection to humanity, possibly indicating imperfection or incompleteness, as the number seven often symbolizes perfection in biblical texts. The call to calculate the number implies that it requires discernment and insight, hinting that those who are wise will recognize its significance. This verse serves as a warning to be vigilant and discerning in the face of evil and deception, particularly in the context of the end times. The number 666 has been interpreted in various ways, often associated with opposition to God and His people, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials and tribulations.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 13:18 to your life

This verse encourages us to seek wisdom and understanding in our spiritual lives. As we navigate challenges and moral dilemmas, we should be discerning and aware of the influences around us. Staying grounded in faith and scripture helps us recognize and resist deception.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 13:18 mean?

Revelation 13:18 emphasizes the importance of wisdom and understanding in interpreting the number of the beast, which is identified as 666. This number symbolizes imperfection and serves as a warning to be discerning in the face of evil.

What is the significance of the number 666 in Revelation 13:18?

The number 666 in Revelation 13:18 is often interpreted as a symbol of opposition to God and His people. It represents a connection to humanity and imperfection, contrasting with the biblical symbolism of the number seven, which signifies completeness.

What does 'number of a man' mean in Revelation 13:18?

The phrase 'number of a man' in Revelation 13:18 suggests a link to humanity and may indicate imperfection or incompleteness. It highlights the idea that the number 666 is associated with human flaws and opposition to divine authority.

How can I apply Revelation 13:18 to my life?

Revelation 13:18 encourages individuals to seek wisdom and discernment in their daily lives. By staying grounded in faith and scripture, one can better recognize and resist deception and navigate moral challenges.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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