^18 (A)This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number ^(B)of a man, and his number is 666.^[a]

⁵ And the beast was given ^(A)a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for ^(B)forty-two months. ⁶ It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling,^[a] that is, those who dwell in heaven. ⁷ Also it was allowed ^(C)to make war on the saints and to conquer them.^[b] And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, ⁸ and all ^(D)who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in ^(E)the book of life of ^(F)the Lamb ^(G)who was slain.

¹¹ though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of ^(A)him who calls— ¹² she was told, ^(B)“The older will serve the younger.” ¹³ As it is written, ^(C)“Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

¹⁶ that no one is ^(A)sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. ¹⁷ For you know that ^(B)afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

⁸ So Esau settled in ^(A)the hill country of Seir. (^(B)Esau is Edom.)

⁴ If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the Lord of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the Lord is angry forever.’”