Before Jerusalem Fell

198 BEFORE JERUSALEM FELL
reading of Revelation was properly “666,” it is remarkable that “616”
appeared in certain ancient manuscripts and traditions dating back
to the second century. The significance of this variant in the text
tradition will be dealt with shortly.
Th Meaning of 666
Perhaps in the inquiry into the significance of the cryptogram it
would be best to begin with the position the present writer deems
most compatible with the available evidence. After presenting the
case for the identification of “666,” then some of the problems with
the designation will be dealt with. A compelling case can be made
that the referent of 666 is none other than the infamous tyrant Nero
Caesar. Now although the entire weight of the argument for the date
of the Revelation can not be borne by this identification alone, when
the probable identification of “666” as “Nero Caesar” is made, then
the complex of evidences considered together is seen to cohere most
impressively.
As we begin our inquiry we must bear in mind that John clearly
says “the number of the beast” is “the number of a man” (Rev.
13: 18). Thus, this beast, despite the apocalyptic imagery used to
describe him, is a man (Gk: 6v@pmw) – not an angelic or demonic
being, or a non-human creature of some sort, or an idea. 20
The beast
imagery describes his cruel character, not his physical form.
As a great many scholars have come to conclude with a satisfying
degree of confidence, the name which fits the circumstances most
admirably is that of the nefarious Nero Caesar. And as noted just
above, it would not be the first time Nero was the subject of a
cryptogram. Earlier we noted a riddle based on the Greek spelling
of his name. Here we must realize that the name “Nero Caesar,” if
spelled according to a Hebrew spelling (John and most first century
Christians were of Hebrew extraction),21 gives us precisely the value
20. “The number of the beast is the number of a certain man. . . . The reference is
undoubtedly to some definite historical person” (Mounce, RtwMims, p. 264). “The man
here, i.e. one of the heads of the Beast, is himself the Beast. If we discover the name of
the man it is for the time the name of the Beast. This conclusion is of paramount
importance in the interpretation of the verse as a whole” (R. H. Charles, 77u Rwslation
oJSt. John, 2 VOIS. International Critical Commentary [Edinburgh: T. & T. C1ark, 1920]
1:365).
21. See discussion below of the strong Hebrew element in Revelation.