Bible Translations with proper understanding of idioms, metaphors and
mannerisms of the Aramaic language of that day, are very clear!
What does the mark of the beast (666) or six hundred sixty six in
Revelation mean? One must
consider the fact, that writing and sending
coded messages, in the Biblical days, was common due to persecutions by
the Romans. John tells us that only one who has understanding can
decipher the code. One would have to know the Aramaic, Hebrew alphabet
to break the code. The Romans in the area spoke mostly Greek and did
official business in Latin, the official language of Rome. The natives
of that area and time spoke Aramaic (the language of Jesus and John and
the Disciples) and probably had to learn some Greek, to converse with
the conquering Romans. Revelation was written some time after Jesus
death, so Greek and Latin would continue to be more common in the area,
due to the continued influence of the occupying Romans. If one were to
write something in code, they would write it in a code or language for
some to understand and others not too. Those familiar with the Aramaic
/Hebrew alphabet (those of Jesus and John and the Disciples) could
understand and those familiar with Greek or Latin (those of Romans and
Roman influence) probably would not.
Now, John clearly said, "for it is the code number of the name of a
man". Every letter in the Aramaic/Hebrew alphabet is also a number.
For example the letter "A" aleph Aramaic, is also the number "1" the
letter "B" beth Aramaic, is the number "2" and the letter "g" gamel
Aramaic, is also the number "3". The name of the beast in Aramaic is
NRON KSR, Nero Caesar. "N" is 50, "R" is 200, "O" is 6, "N" is 50, "K"
is 100, "S" is 60, "R" is 200. When you add all those numbers or letters
up you get six hundred sixty six (666), which at the same time spells
the name of "Nero Caesar". It is just that simple, Semitic language
alphabets
had alphanumeric equivalents and so did the Greek and Latin alphabet. The beast is
Nero Caesar; he was the emperor who began the persecution of the
Christian movement. His reign would also correspond with the time right
before the writing of Revelation.
But, John
said in Revelations, He causeth men to receive a mark in their right
hand or foreheads; and that no man might buy or sell , save he that
had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. For
it is the number of a man; and his number is 666.
I would think, just more Idiomatic
Expressions of an Aramaic origin that most westerners would not
understand and have taken literally or have translated to the literal
meaning. In that day and language, laymen referred to your right hand
as your Worksor actions and your forehead as
your mind or thoughts. "To receive the mark of the beast
on your right hand or forehead" merely indicates the enslavement of
ones actions or works (right hand) and mind (forehead) to that which
is of violence, injustice or the mark of the beast (Nero Caesar)
(666) the ruling Christian persecutor.
"And that no man might
buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or
the number of his name".
By this time, the Romans had occupied the area for
years. It is more than likely, they would be using Roman money or
coins that had the Emperor Nero Caesars name and inscription on them,
or mark of the beast, or the name of the beast. So, one would not be
able to
buy and sell
without the money of the beast, (Nero Caesar) the Roman conquerors,
and those of the New World Order, not to mention, persecutors of
Christians and purveyors of injustice on the probable author of
Revelations (John). "I don't know, vicious beasts and fiery dragon",
perhaps idiomatic expressions for political powers or dictators that
persecute truth, justice, and even subdue mankind. Remember, nearly
all the Disciples were killed by the political forces of the day. John
himself, was dropped in hot oil then banished to an island in the
Aegean sea, where it is said, he had written Revelation.
Your Father knows what you need, before you
ask Him
The Aramaic word for prayer is slotha. This
literally means" to trap" or "to set a trap." Thus prayer
implies setting your mind like a trap so you may catch the thoughts of
God" - in other words, "to trap the inner guidance and impulses that
come from your inner spiritual source." Prayer can also mean a state
of mind in which we still our personal thoughts and project nothing
outward, almost as if, one was receiving from within. It is an alert
state of total sensitivity, attentiveness and awareness. One could
say, one is adjusting and preparing their minds and hearts to receive
Gods program. The following Biblical phrases come to mind, "Be still
and Know That I am God", "Let go and let God" or "Meditate
Unceasingly."
What Prayer May Not BE!
A prayer is not "telling God" what to do. God knows how to run the
universe! We do not need to remind God of our needs or ask for things,
nor do we need too for our friends and relatives. "Thou shalt not be
as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the
synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of
men." (Matthew 6:5) "And when you are praying, be not babbling like
the pagans, for they are expecting that through the abundance of words
that they will be heard. Thus, do not be like them, for your
Father knows what you need, before you ask Him." (Matthew 6:7-8)
What Prayer May Be!
So, prayer may not be "telling God," but it may be listening to what
God would tell us. The purpose of prayer is not to change God, but to
change us. We can consciously work with this inner intelligence
or knowing to guide us in solving problems we face in life. "When
thou prayest, enter into thy secret chamber, and shut thy door, and
pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in
secret, shall reward thee in openness. (Matthew 6:6) This is why Jesus
gave us this form of prayer. Prayer is our means of hearing or knowing
the quiet gentle voice of the loving presence we call God. "I and my
Father are one." (John 10:30) Or could the translation be, "I and my
Father are in agreement."
Do not believe everything that is said or
written by an authority, or if it is said to come from angels, or from
Gods, or from an inspired scribe. Believe it only if you have explored
it in your own heart and mind and found it to be true. Find your own
way, through gentle persistence and intuitive knowing. Seek and you
shall find the spirit of truth, for it dwells with you and is in you.
