What does it mean that “here is wisdom” (Revelation 13:18)?

Revelation 13 presents a political showman (pictured as a beast from the sea) who is evil incarnated and one whose trickery is not at all innocent fun. His promises of peace and prosperity will be enticing, yet without substance. Another beast (arising from the earth) will join with the first beast to convince many that their new, worldwide religious and political system is the aspiration of humanity. To experience their promised utopia, one must receive a mark associated with “the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:16, NKJV). Calculating that mark requires some insight: “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666” (Revelation 13:18, NKJV).

The exercise of the second beast’s authority results in worship of the first beast (Revelation 13:12), just as predicted (verse 8). The second beast will have the ability to make “fire come down out of the sky to the earth” (verse 13, NASB), in addition to performing deceitful “signs” (verse 14). The deception will be a counterfeit, for the true miracles of God will be performed by the two witnesses (cf. Revelation 11:3–6). Imitation of the true has always been characteristic of false prophets (cf. Exodus 7:11; 2 Corinthians 12:12), which is why Jesus warned His followers to beware of “false messiahs and false prophets [who] will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).

Revelation 13 indicates how Satan unites with the two beasts to create an unholy trinity. The devil (the “great dragon” of Revelation 12:3–4) will use two vile individuals to serve him and accomplish his wicked desires. Satan acts as though he were deity, and he does his best to convince the world that he is God (Revelation 13:1–4). He wars against those who are not so persuaded (verses 5–8). God promises vindication for the victims of the devil’s hateful persecution (verses 9–10).

Scripture’s encouraging word is that the captor ultimately will be taken captive. A day of divine judgment will come when the almighty God will judge the two beasts and Satan himself (cf. Revelation 19:19—20:3). With the knowledge of that future reckoning comes the faith and patience of God’s people who endure the persecution (Revelation 13:10; cf. Hebrews 12:1–3). For such times, wisdom and insight are necessary requirements (Revelation 13:18).

In the midst of the tribulation period, two skills will be required: patient endurance (Revelation 13:10) and wisdom (verse 18). John gives “wisdom” concerning the mark of the beast so that believers living during that time can “calculate” the number and refuse to accept it. Dr. Thomas Ice elaborates: “The wicked will not understand, because of their rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In contrast, wisdom and understanding will be given to those during the tribulation as to who the Antichrist is, so that they will not take his mark. The Bible makes it clear that anyone taking the mark of the beast cannot be saved (Rev. 14:9, 11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4) and will spend eternity in the lake of fire. The fact that John provides wisdom and understanding to believers at this crucial point, relating to a matter of eternal importance, shows that God will provide the knowledge His people need to follow Him faithfully” (“The Mark of the Beast,” Pre-Trib Research Center, 7/18/18).

When the time comes, John’s heads-up to the tribulation saints will be just what they need. When facing demands to take the mark of the beast, during the conditions of the tribulation, they will read, “Here is wisdom,” and they will be able to “calculate the number of the beast” (Revelation 13:18). Arriving at the number 666, the saints will know beyond any doubt that they are dealing with the Antichrist and take a firm stand against him.