More on the superstition of 666

Are there references to the number 666 as being evil that predate the Bible?

There are no known references to the number 666 as being evil that predate the Bible.

The concept of the number 666 as a symbol of evil is specifically associated with the Book of Revelation in the Christian Bible. In the book, the number is associated with the Beast or Antichrist, who is presented as a powerful and malevolent figure opposed to God and His followers.

It is possible that some ancient cultures had their own beliefs or superstitions surrounding the number 666 that have not survived to the present day. However, there is no evidence of such beliefs, and the association between 666 and evil is largely a product of Christian mythology.

In fact, the number 666 was not universally considered an evil or unlucky number until relatively recently in Western history. In many ancient cultures, including those of Greece, China, and Egypt, the number 6 was considered a lucky or auspicious number.

Is the number 666 mentioned in other books besides the Bible?

Yes, the number 666 is mentioned in other books besides the Bible.

One of the most famous references to the number 666 outside the Bible is in “The Book of Revelation” by the ancient Greek writer John of Patmos. The book, also known as the Apocalypse of John, is considered a part of the New Testament and is included in the Christian Bible. The number 666 is described as “the number of the beast” and is associated with the Antichrist or the Devil.

However, the number 666 has also been mentioned in other books and historical documents, often as a symbol of evil or the Devil. Here are some examples:

1. The Sibylline Oracles: This ancient collection of prophetic verses mentions the number 666 as a sign of the end of the world. The verses describe the coming of a Beast who will have the mark “666” on his forehead.
2. The Heliand: This medieval epic poem retells the story of Jesus in a Germanic context. In one passage, the Devil is described as having six hands, six feet, and six fingers on each hand.
3. The Dictionnaire Infernal: This 19th century book by Jacques Collin de Plancy describes various demons and their characteristics. One demon, named Astaroth, is said to have the number 666 on his head.
4. The Club Dumas: This novel by Spanish author Arturo Pérez-Reverte features a character who is obsessed with collecting books that contain references to the Devil. In the novel, the character encounters a book called “The Nine Doors to the Kingdom of Shadows” which contains a page with the number 666 repeated over and over again.

There are other references, but they come after the Bible.