Bible Teacher Wes Huff: Unraveling the Mystery of the Mark of the Beast
Canadian biblical scholar and apologist Wesley Huff has shed light on the mark of the beast in the Book of Revelation, challenging the common assumption that it refers to the number 666. Huff notes that some of the earliest known manuscripts, such as Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus, read “616” instead of “666.” Despite this discrepancy, Huff reassures that it doesn’t affect the core message of Revelation 13:18.
The Symbolic Importance of Numbers
Huff explains that numbers had significant symbolic importance in the ancient world, and letters were often used as numerals. The Hebrew transliteration of “Nero Caesar” equals 666, and 616 can be obtained by removing the last “n” from “Neron.” This insight highlights the complexity and depth of biblical numerology. However, Huff cautions against overfocusing on numerology, emphasizing that these connections are speculative.
The Reliability of the Bible
Despite the variations in manuscripts, Huff contends that the textual tradition’s stability reinforces trust in the Bible’s reliability. The fact that scholars can pinpoint and discuss these variants demonstrates the confidence we have in the text. As Huff notes, the presence of scribal differences and textual variances still supports the reading of “666” in Revelation 13:18. This discussion serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical texts
