Professional Documents
Culture Documents
978-1-4244-7776-0/$26.00 2010
c IEEE 23
However, it must be underscored, that new popular sought not only to protect these sacred texts but to add
contributions regarding the “mark” and “666” should be deference to their own teachings. When distinctive figures
forwarded with caution, for these are highly charged were developed for this purpose, "secrecy, another central
matters not to be lightly entered into. Broadly defined, the form of cryptology, became involved" [7, p.15]. This was
methodology underpinning this study is synchronic (with subsequently taken advantage of by the hierocracy who
time) as opposed to diachronic (through time). This study not long after became aware of this great power to
can also be considered additive, descriptive and holding the keys of translation. However [7, p.15]:
exploratory. Its contribution to the body of existing “...while the Nile's masters had indirectly
knowledge is also in presenting comprehensively tested developed two standard cryptological principles,
scholarly evidence on the “666” conundrum. there are no clear records indicating that they used
these methods to conceal diplomatic, commercial,
3. Background: Cryptology or military gain as a national policy.”
The Greeks however, would improve on the art
Commentators of the Apocalypse of John will considerably. Herodotus writes that the warning that
generally provide some background information on the saved the Greeks against the planned invasion of Xerxes I,
“666” puzzle that revolves around the identification was sent by secret means. Demaratus who had heard that
system of gematria. Few have ventured further to look at Xerxes was on the march sought to send word to the
the historical evolution of cryptology in general, to which Spartans. By scraping wax from two wooden tablets he
gematria belongs. There are varying definitions for created a functional concealment device. Inscribing all
cryptology, however the one found in F.B. Wrixon's [7] that he knew of the Persian's plans, he then replaced the
work is a good working definition: wax covering [9]. These apparently ordinary tablets were
“'Cryptology' (Greek: kryptos, hidden + logos, delivered untouched to the Spartan command. Once the
word)- The science that includes making messages tablets were safely in Sparta they were studied by a
secret (cryptography) and the solving of those woman named Gorgo, the wife of the Spartan commander
messages by those meant to have them Leonidas, "...she has very strong claims to being the
(deciphering and decoding) or by third parties, world's first female cryptanalyst" [7, p.19]. The events
the "opponents", who are not meant to have them.” that followed at the famous battle of Thermopylae are
The following section presents some principal well-known. Herodotus also describes a clever plan by
examples of ancient cryptology. which the heads of slaves were shaved. Secret
communications were tattooed on the bald spots: “[t]he
letters were not written but tattooed. Histiaios may have
3.1. Some Examples of Ancient Cryptology learnt the art in Thrace” [10, p.179]. When the hair was
restored the shaving process was repeated and the secret
The first civilization in recorded history to use what communiqué was revealed [11]. Thucydides and Polybius
we may refer to, as aspects of primitive cryptology [8], have also documented other concealment methods,
was the Egyptian. The hieroglyphics of early Egypt including the use of a device called the skytale [12]
contained various figures that were altered from their believed to be the first complete system of transferring
original form. It would appear that this was done to give secret information, and an encoding device attributed to
the symbols some added distinction. Though this was not Aeneas which is known as the elemental transferal.
a code or cipher, as F.B. Wrixon says, it did however, Wrixon [7, pp.19-21], describes the 'skytale' a method of
involve a basic principle of cryptology [7, p.15]: transposition, and the 'elemental transferal' a signaling
“...namely that of transforming writing. As the apparatus combining the physical elements.
Egyptian civilization expanded, hieroglyphics We also know that Julius Caesar while building the
became more involved. Symbols, pictographic Roman Empire in Gaul would often communicate with
representations, and pronunciation became ciphers. Suetonius [13] has described this very well for us,
intertwined. With the increasing numbers of "[t]hen there are his letters to Cicero; and his
carving on special edifices, the once curious private letters to friends, the more confidential
populace became disinterested. Egyptologists and passages of which he wrote in cypher: to
others theorize that the official scribes then understand their apparently incomprehensible
modified some figures still further in an attempt to meaning one must number the letter of the
regain the public's interest through curiosity.” alphabet from 1 to 22, and then replace each of the
The passing on of religious texts and the description of letters that Caesar has used with the one which
rituals were the primary reasons for why this form of occurs four numbers lower- for instance, D stands
writing was used. Later, even more changes were made for A."
by the scribes under the instructions of the priests, who
Nero, Titus, or Domitian are all "In the context where the arrogance of Rome and the blasphemy of the Imperial
candidates. The mathematics might be Cult are condemned, several possible solutions of 666 are relevant: Nero's name
symbolic of that infinite distance in Hebrew, or the emperors Titus or Domitian in Greek... the mathematics could
which separates our potential from [then] symbolize pushing human ambition to its furthest limits away from God"
that of our Creator. [44, p.62].
5.5. Other Interpretations Plato, Napoleon, Hitler, Mussolini, Saddam Hussein, John
Kennedy, Sun Myung Moon, Mikhail Gorbachev, Henry
In this group of interpretations we note two directions. Kissinger (his name in Hebrew adds up to 111 (666
The historical-critical and the speculative futurist. The divided by 6) and even Ronald Wilson Reagan (six letters
first group has made some important contributions to the in each of his names). Again, the list is endless and
discussion of the interpretation of the number. Some of limited only by the imagination [39, pp.26-28], [89, p.1].
the names that can be placed here are Henry A. Sanders More recently, Orthodox theologian Professor George
[83], Ethelbert Stauffer [84], Stanislas Giet [29, p.175], Mantzaridis, suggested that χξς' refers to the phrase
Evert M. Bruins [85], W. G. Baines [86], Michael "Xριστός ξένος σταυρού" (Christ foreign to cross).
Topham [87]. According to Mantzaridis' interpretation "anyone who is
The other interpretations have associated the number unwilling to suffer for Christ or prefers worldly pleasures
with the atomic bomb, the World Bank, the Society for instead of Christ's Cross is Antichrist" [90]. Constantine
Worldwide Interbank Telecommunications (SWIFT), The Tsirpanlis has also noted that some Modern Greek
World Council of Churches, the Ecumenical Movement, theologians believe in the symbolic meaning of the
The Papacy, The Teamsters, The Council on Foreign reverse number, 999. This corresponds to the name
Relations, The United Nations, The European Community, "ΤΡΙΑΔΙΚΟΣ θΕΟΣ" (TRINITARIAN GOD). According
The Trilateral Commission, The Apollo 8 space mission, to these interpreters "those who reject the dogma of
the signing of the 1957 Treaty of Rome, Communism, TRINITARIAN GOD and CHRIST'S GODHOOD are the
Masonism, media conglomerates, and even Esperanto, the Antichrists" [90].
list is endless [88, pp.225-290]. Or individuals such as
[7] F. B. Wrixon, Codes, Ciphers and Secret Languages. [25] P. N. Trembelas, The New Testament. Athens:
London: Guild Publishing, 1989. Saviour Press, 1980.
[8] E. A. W. Budge, Easy Lessons in Egyptian [26] S. Agourides, The New Testament. Thessaloniki:
Hieroglyphics with Sign List. London: Kegan Paul, Pournara, 1985.
Trench, Trubner & Co., 1899.
[27] H. Vasilopoulos, The Apocalypse Explained. Athens:
[9] Herod., vii. 239. Orthodox Typos, 1981.
[10] R. W. Macan, Herodotus (The Fourth, Fifth, and [28] J. G. Strelan, Where Earth Meets Heaven. Adelaide:
Sixth Books), 1973. Openbook Publishers, 1994.
[14] F. Dvornik, Origins of Intelligence: The Ancient [31] J.-P. Prevost, How to Read the Apocalypse. London:
Near East, Persia, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, The Mongol SCM Press, 1991.
Empire, China, Muscovy. New Jersey: Rutgers University
Press, 1974. [32] M. E. Boring, Revelation Interpretation. Kentucky:
John Knox Press, 1989.
[15] J. A. Bielewicz, Secret Language: Communicating in
Codes and Ciphers. London: Jupiter Books, 1976. [33] W. T. Smith, "Number," in The International
Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, vol. II, Michigan: William
[16] W. T. Smith, "Games," in The International B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1980, p. 2162.
Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, vol. II, Michigan: William
B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1980, p. 1171. [34] J. Weingreen, A Practical Grammar for Classical
Hebrew. Oxford: The Clarendon Press, 1959.
[17] J. G. Baldwin, Daniel. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press,
1979. [35] E. S. Fiorenza, Revelation: Vision of a Just World.
Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1991.
[18] J. J. Collins, Daniel: A Commentary on the Book of
Daniel. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993. [36] G. A. Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, 1965.
[19] B. McGinn, Antichrist: Two Thousand Years of the [37] SibOr, 1:324-329.
Human Fascination with Evil. San Franciso: Harper, 1994.
[38] SibOr, 1:137-146.
[20] The Chiron Dictionary of Greek & Roman
Mythology, 1993. [39] G. A. Krodel, Revelation. Minnesota: Augsburg
Publishing House, 1989.
[21] W. Bauer, F. W. Gingrich, and F. W. Danker, A
Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other [40] D. R. Hillers, "Revelation 13:18 and a Scroll from
Early Christian Literature. Chicago: University of Murbba'at," Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental
Chicago Press, 1979. Research, vol. 170, pp. 65, 1963.
[48] I. T. Beckwith, The Apocalypse of St John. New [65] M. Wilcock, The Message of Revelation: I Saw
York: The Macmillan Company, 1919. Heaven Opened. England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1989.
[49] R. H. Charles, A Critical and Exegetical [66] J. T. van Burkalow, A Study of St. John's Revelation.
Commentary on the Revelation of St John, vol. I. Pittsburgh: Dorrance Publishing Company, 1990.
Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1920.
[67] P. E. Hughes, The Book of Revelation: A
[50] W. J. Ferrar, The Apocalypse Explained. London: Commentary. Leicester: William B. Eerdmans Publishing
Macmillan Company, 1936. Company, 1990.
[51] E. F. Scott, The Book of Revelation. London: SCM [68] R. D. Draper, Opening the Seven Seals. Utah:
Press, 1949. Deseret Book Company, 1991.
[52] W. Barclay, The Revelation of John, vol. 2. [69] J. Guimond, The Silence of Babylon: A Spiritual
Edinburgh: The Saint Andrew Press, 1959. Commentary on the Revelation of John. New York:
Paulist Press, 1991.
[53] T. F. Glasson, The Revelation of John. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 1965. [70] J. R. Michaels, Interpreting the Book of Revelation.
Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1992.
[54] R. H. Mounce, The Book of Revelation. Michigan:
William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1977. [71] P. Richard, Apocalypse: A People's Commentary on
the Book of Revelation. New York: Orbis Books, 1995.
[55] C. H. Giblin, The Book of Revelation: The Open
Book of Prophecy. Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1991. [72] A. F. Johnson, Revelation. Michigan: Zondervan's
Publishing House, 1996.
[56] R. W. Wall, Revelation. Massachusetts: Hendrickson
Publishers, 1991. [73] J. Richardson, Revelation Unwrapped. New South
Wales: MPA Books, 1996.
[57] M. Fallon, The Apocalypse: A Revelation that
History is Graced. Eastwood: Parish Ministry [74] H. B. Swete, The Apocalypse of John. London:
Publications, 1992. Macmillan and Co Limited, 1909.
[58] C. T. Chapman, The Message of the Book of [75] G. E. Ladd, A Commentary on the Revelation of John.
Revelation. Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, 1995. Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company,
1972.
[59] W. Hendriksen, More Than Conquerors: An
Interpretation of the Book of Revelation. Michigan: Baker [76] A. Y. Collins, The Apocalypse. Minnesota: The
Book House, 1939. Liturgical Press, 1979.
[60] R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St John's [77] E. Corsini, The Apocalypse: the Perennial Revelation
Revelation. Ohio: Wartburg Press, 1943. of Jesus Christ. Delaware: Michael Glazier Inc, 1983.
[80] B. M. Metzger, The Text of the New Testament: Its [96] S. Blackburn, "Sign and Symbol," in The Oxford
Transmission Corruption and Restoration. Oxford: Companion to Philosophy, 1995.
Clarendon Press, 1993.
[97] R. N. Soulen, Handbook of Biblical Criticism.
[81] W. J. Harrington, Revelation. Minnesota: The Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1981.
Liturgical Press, 1993.
[98] M. H. Hristodoulou, "In the Last Days," in Geron
[82] C. H. Talbert, The Apocalypse: A Reading of the Paisios. Athens: Mount Athos, 1994, pp. 181-192.
Revelation of John. Kentucky: Westminster John Knox
Press, 1994. [99] M. S. Relfe, The New Money System. Alabama:
Ministries Inc, 1982.
[83] H. A. Sanders, "The Number of the Beast In
Revelation," Journal of Biblical Literature, vol. 37, pp. [100] T. Watkins. (1996) WARNING: 666 IS COMING!,
95-99, 1918. Dial-the-Truth Ministries. [Online]. Available:
http://www.av1611.org.
[84] E. Stauffer, "666 (Apoc. 13:18)," Coniectanea
Neotestamentica, vol. XI, pp. 237-241, 1947. [101] W. F. Arndt and F. W. Gingrich, A Greek-English
Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian
[85] E. M. Bruins, "The Number of the Beast," Literature. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press,
Nederlands Theologisch Tijdschrift, vol. 23, pp. 401-407, 1979.
1969.
[102] J. D. Woodward, "Biometrics: privacy’s foe or
[86] W. G. Baines, "The Number Of The Beast In privacy’s friend?," Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 85, pp.
Revelation 13:18," Heythrop Journal, vol. 16, pp. 195- 1480-1492, 1997.
196, 1973.
[103] G. Roethenbaugh, "Simon Davies- Is this the most
[87] M. Topham, "Hanniquola'ites," Expository Times, dangerous man in Europe?," Biometrics in Human
vol. 98, pp. 44f, 1986. Services, vol. 2, pp. 2-5, 1998.
[88] P. Boyer, When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy [104] S. Decker. (2002) Technology raises concerns: Pros
Belief in Modern American Culture. London: Harvard and cons of scientific advances weighed as Christians
University Press, 1992. discuss issue, The Falcon Online Edition. [Online].
Available: http://www.thefalcononline.com//story/2270.
[89] D. Brady, The Contribution of British Writers
between 1560 and 1830 to the Interpretation of [105] T. L. Cook, The Mark of the New World Order.
Revelation 13:16-18: The Number of the Beast, A Study in USA: ASIN, 1999.
the History of Exegesis. Tubigen: Mohr, 1983.
[106] R. Geers, Electronic Identification, Monitoring and
[90] cited in and Constantine Tsirpanlis, "The Antichrist Tracking of Animals. New York: CAN International, 1997.
and the end of the world in Irenaeus, Justin, Hippolytus
and Tertullian," Patristic and Byzantine Review, vol. 9, pp. [107] Associated Press. (2002) Chip in your shoulder?
10, 1990. Family wants info device, USA Today: Tech. [Online].
Available:
[91] B. W. Henderson, The Life and Principate of the http://www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/tech/2002/04/01/veri
Emperor Nero. London: Methuen & Co, 1903. chip-family.htm.
[92] P. Schaff, History of the Christian Church, vol. 1, [108] M. G. Michael, "For it is the number of a man,"
1910. Bulletin of Biblical Studies, vol. 19, pp. 79-89, 2000.