Intriguingly, our earliest Greek manuscript 𝔓115 presents a distinct perspective on the number of the beast in Revelation 13:18, indicating it as 616 (chi, iota, stigma ΧΙϚ), contrasting with the widely known reading of 666 (chi, xi, stigma ΧΞϚ) found in Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus. Remarkably, this fragment, dated around 1,700 years old as of 2017, is the most ancient known manuscript of Revelation 13. Both are considered significant and ancient copies, and the inclusion of the number “616” holds no heretical connotation. Metzger suggests that 666 could represent a Hebrew gematria cipher for ‘Nero Caesar,’ offering his explanation for the variation between 666 and 616 and why he accepts the later variant over the oldest extant original.
It is noteworthy that the Greek word “ἀποκυέω (apokueó)” in Revelation 13:15–18, translated as “give birth to,” is laden with medical and physical implications, signifying the culmination of pregnancy. In the early Christian tradition, the apocalyptic beast, often associated with the Antichrist, was initially linked with the number 616, described as “the number of a man,” urging those with understanding to discern its significance.
Various interpretations of the phrase “Here is Wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast…” have surfaced, including translations like “to count,” “to reckon,” “to vote,” or “to decide.” The emergence of 616 in Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus, the Latin version of Tyconius, and an ancient Armenian version further solidifies its presence.
Although Irenaeus was aware of the 616 reading, he did not adopt it. Around 2005, an artifact from Papyrus 115, discovered at Oxford University’s Ashmolean Museum, unveiled the designation of the beast’s number as 616 (χις), marking the oldest extant manuscript of Revelation 13. Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus, predating Papyrus 115 but dated after its discovery, displays 616 in full: “ἑξακόσιοι δέκα ἕξ,” translating to “six hundred and sixteen.”The scholarly discourse surrounding 616 and 666 prompted some to view 616 as the original number of the beast. Paul Louis noted that 666 might have been substituted for 616 either due to the analogy with 888 (the Greek number of Jesus) or because it is a triangular number, summing up the first 36 numbers. Scholars often argue that the text was penned post Nero’s death in AD 68. The Catholic Encyclopedia indicates Revelation’s composition during the latter part of the reign of Emperor Domitian, possibly around AD 95 or 96. Some suggest the numerical reference to Nero was a code indirectly pointing to Emperor Domitian, whose rule echoed Nero’s and who heavily taxed the people of Asia (Lydia), the primary audience of the Book of Revelation.
The scholarly discourse surrounding 616 and 666 prompted some to view 616 as the original number of the beast. Paul Louis noted that 666 might have been substituted for 616 either due to the analogy with 888 (the Greek number of Jesus) or because it is a triangular number, summing up the first 36 numbers. Scholars often argue that the text was penned post Nero’s death in AD 68. The Catholic Encyclopedia indicates Revelation’s composition during the latter part of the reign of Emperor Domitian, possibly around AD 95 or 96. Some suggest the numerical reference to Nero was a code indirectly pointing to Emperor Domitian, whose rule echoed Nero’s and who heavily taxed the people of Asia (Lydia), the primary audience of the Book of Revelation.
Interestingly, the apocalyptic number 616 emerges as an alternative to the more prevalent 666, appearing not only in Irenaeus’ writings but also in several ancient Greek manuscripts. However, historical interpretations of the number primarily trace back to sources linked with the Donatist Church in North Africa during late antiquity and the early medieval era.
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