Over the years the vast majority of Bible students have read the number 666, found in Revelation 13:18, as six hundred and sixty-six or some such equivalent. This expression is spelled our in most versions of the Bible. A notable exception is the New King James Version, which renders the expression in Arabic numerals, or three sixes.

An alarming trend began in 1979 when some Seventh-day Adventist expositors, with whom we otherwise have no quarrel, began to put a symbolic spin on the classic interpretation. Careful students of the Bible have, however, seen through this.

Contrary to some proponents of the so-called symbolic view, the number of the beast is not six six six (hex hex hex), but rather “six hundred and sixty six” (hexakosioi hexēkonta hex). This can hardly be overemphasized in light of the predominant contradictory understanding among recent revisionist historicists and semi-historicists. The whole number (666) must be seen as a unit, as divinely given in Scripture, and not illegitimately split into three equal sixes. —Kenneth Jørgensen, 2007.
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This annotated timeline examines the question penetratingly, yet fairly. The Bible encourages us to examine and rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) for ourselves. It is time for every Christian watchman on the walls of Zion to wake up. Take those worn-out trumpets that make uncertain sounds. Exchange them for trumpets that warn God’s people in very certain tones!

The original edition of this book bore the title Vicarius Filii Dei. This revision incorporates updated timeline entries with a more perceptible title.