Number of the Beast to calculate "the number of the beast" is used in many of the below interpretations. Preterist theologians typically support the numerical interpretation that 666 is the equivalent of the name and title Nero Caesar (Roman Emperor 54–68 AD). Written in Aramaic, this can be valued at 666 using the Hebrew numerology of gematria, and was used to secretly speak against the emperor. Also "Nero Caesar" in the Hebrew alphabet is "NRON QSR", which when used as numbers represent 50 200 6 50 100 60 200, which add to 666. The Greek term ("charagma", "mark" in Revelation 13:16) was most commonly
Historicist interpretations of the Book of Revelation the number in question. It is the number of the beast, the papacy; it is the number of his name, for he adopts it as his distinctive title; it is the number of a man, for he who bears it is the "man of sin." Prominent Adventist scholar J. N. Andrews also adopted this view. Uriah Smith maintained his interpretation in the various editions of "Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation", which was influential in the church. Various documents from the Vatican contain wording such as ""Adorandi Dei Filii Vicarius, et Procurator quibus numen aeternum summam Ecclesiae sanctae dedit"", which