133. First of all he is given to know the affections for good and the cognitions of truth which the Lord has conferred on him. But still he sets his heart on this proprium, verses 19-20.

In Genesis 15:6, 30:33, and Numbers 18:30, when the word means: ACCOUNT, IMPUTE, CONSIDER, that is what it signifies.

In Revelation 13:18, Numbers 23:10, and Psalm 139:18, when it means to number it signifies to learn or to know.

In Revelation 13:18, this signifies to know the nature of their beliefs from the Word and also to inquire into the quality of their religious faith which had been separated from life. (Apocalypse Explained 845, Apocalypse Revealed 608) Again, count signifies to explore and know these falsified truths of the church. (Arcana Coelestia 10217[8])

608. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast. This symbolically means that one who is enlightened by the Lord can discern the character of the arguments the clergy use from the Word in defense of that doctrine and faith.

"Let him who has understanding" means, symbolically, to be in a state of enlightenment from the Lord. To calculate the number means, symbolically, to discern the character - a number symbolizing character (nos. 348, 364, 448), and to calculate meaning, symbolically, to discern. Moreover, because the character symbolized by the number is the character in respect to truth, and all truth having to do with the doctrine and faith of the church is founded on the Word, therefore the character meant is the character of the arguments the clergy use from the Word in defense of that doctrine and faith. This also is the character symbolized by the number 666, which we consider below.