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
The Beast (Revelation) was possibly alive and the emperor reigning at the time John was writing the book. The five kings who have fallen are seen as Julius, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula and Claudius; Galba is the one who "has not yet come, but when he does come, he must remain for a little while". (Rev. 17:10). Moreover, Rome was known in antiquity as the city of seven hills (Rev. 17:9) and Revelation was a warning about events that were "shortly" to take place (Rev. 1:1). In Rev. 13:5–8, the beast was given a mouth speaking in blasphemies against God and his name. Inscriptions