How do you think the "number of the beast" is supposed to be "calculated"?

I want it on my forehead so I can buy and sell stuff.

And lose your soul?

In the Scriptures, certain numbers have symbolic significance. The number seven, for example, is often used to symbolize that which is complete, or perfect, in God’s eyes. For instance, God’s creative week comprises seven ‘days,’ or extended time periods, during which God completely accomplishes his creative purpose regarding the earth. (Genesis 1:3–2:3) God’s “sayings” are like silver that has been “clarified seven times,” thus perfectly refined. (Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5, 6) The leper Naaman was told to bathe seven times in the Jordan River, after which he was completely healed.—2 Kings 5:10, 14.

Six is one short of seven. Would it not be a fitting symbol of something imperfect, or defective, in God’s eyes? Yes, indeed! (1 Chronicles 20:6, 7) Moreover, six repeated three times, as 666, powerfully stresses that imperfection. That this is the correct view is supported by the fact that 666 is “a human number,” as we have considered. Thus, the beast’s record, its “human number,” and the number 666 itself all point to one unmistakable conclusion—gross shortcoming and failure in the eyes of Jehovah.

The portrayal of the beast’s deficiencies calls to mind what was said about King Belshazzar of ancient Babylon. Through Daniel, Jehovah said to that ruler: “You have been weighed in the balances and have been found deficient.” That very night Belshazzar was killed, and the mighty Babylonian Empire fell. (Daniel 5:27, 30) Likewise, God’s judgment of the political beast and of those with its mark spells the end of that entity and its supporters. In this instance, however, God will eradicate not just one political system but every vestige of human rule. (Daniel 2:44; Revelation 19:19, 20) How important, therefore, that we avoid having the deadly mark of the beast!

Immediately after disclosing the number 666, Revelation mentions 144,000 followers of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who have his name and the name of his Father, Jehovah, written on their foreheads. These names identify the bearers as belonging to Jehovah and to his Son, about whom they proudly bear witness. Likewise, those having the mark of the beast proclaim their servitude to the beast. Thus, the mark, whether on the right hand or on the forehead, figuratively speaking, is a symbol that identifies its bearer as one who gives worshipful support to the beastlike political systems of the world. Those having the mark give to “Caesar” that which rightly belongs to God. (Luke 20:25; Revelation 13:4, 8; 14:1) How? By giving worshipful honor to the political state, its symbols, and its military might, to which they look for hope and salvation. Any worship that they render the true God is merely lip service.

In contrast, the Bible urges us: “Do not put your trust in nobles, nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs. His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish.” (Psalm 146:3, 4) Those who heed that wise counsel are not disillusioned when governments fail to deliver on their promises or when charismatic leaders fall from grace.—Proverbs 1:33.

This does not mean that true Christians sit back and do nothing about mankind’s plight. On the contrary, they actively proclaim the one government that will solve mankind’s problems—God’s Kingdom, which they represent.—Matthew 24:14.

Many scholars agree the Number of the Beast in the Bible was a reference to the Roman Emperor Nero, one of the emperors recorded as having persecuted Christians. When you spell Nero’s name in Hebrew (the Latin “Neron”), the corresponding numbers assigned to those particular letters total 666. And, it’s possible that in Nero’s time, merchants were required to carry a certificate stating they had performed a required sacrifice to the Emperor, which would certainly match the description given of the mark in Revelation. However, it’s important to remember not all surviving manuscripts of Revelation contain 666. Some record the number as 616.

The explanation that the mark of the beast refers to Nero seems to be the most legitimate explanation, because many Christians believed Nero would return as the “Anti-Christ” and persecute Christians once again. If you read early Christian eschatology, you will find a lot of discussion about this, and it would make sense considering the author of Revelations is talking about a future event.

Six falls short of seven by one. One in the Bible is used for completeness or perfection, specially spiritual, Satan’s world is made of three parts: false religion, political powers and wicked merchants, so three times 6 is the imperfect world of Satan made of three components. What do you think?

666 = 18 = 9. 9 represents the end before a new beginning. It also is the number of letters in our social security number. The government could have had it arranged it as: --*, but didn’t. Can you guess why? Too close to the #9.