ESV Reformation Study Bible – Rev 13:18
Resources chevron-right ESV Reformation Study Bible chevron-right Revelation chevron-right Rev 13:18
Rev 13:18

13:18 666. By the time of Domitian, the earlier emperor Nero had become a traditional antichrist figure, and 666 was probably already known to be the numerical value associated with the name Nero Caesar in Hebrew. The number then designates either Nero himself (who was to rise from the dead and lead an invasion against Rome according to a widespread belief during Domitian’s reign) or a later figure imitating Nero’s godlessness. Many have tried to identify the final Antichrist on the basis of the number, but its connections with Nero may well be its only significance (see text note). We need to be always watchful for Christ’s coming, without falling into trying to set dates (Matt. 24:36–51).