Numerical Symbolism: Unveiling the Hidden Meanings In Biblical Numbers

Numbers in the Bible often carry symbolic or theological significance, weaving profound meanings into various aspects of scripture. Here are a few worth knowing:

One 

This signifies the unity and uniqueness of God, echoed in Deuteronomy 6:4, “The Lord our God is one Lord.”

It embodies the essence of singular divinity and serves as a thread linking humanity together through one man’s entry of sin [Romans 5:12], the grace brought by Jesus Christ [Romans 5:15], and the unity between believers [John 17:21; Galatians 3:28].

Additionally, “one” symbolizes singleness of purpose, notably expressed in Luke 10:42 and the unity depicted in marital union [Matthew 19:6].

Two

The number two embodies both unity and division, reflected in the creation of man and woman as the fundamental family unit [Genesis 1:27; 2:20, 24], their pairing in various activities, and the contrast implied in instances like Elijah’s confrontation [1 Kings 18:21] or the dual paths illustrated in Matthew 7:13-14.

Three

Naturally, it aligns with the Trinity – the divine triad of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – as seen in multiple references [Matthew 28:19; John 14:26; 2 Corinthians 13:14]. This number also intertwines with significant events, such as Christ’s resurrection on the third day [1 Corinthians 15:4] and the intimate bond shared by three disciples [Mark 9:2; Matthew 26:37].

Four

Represents completion and earthly order, evidenced by its presence in various aspects like the four rivers of Eden [Genesis 2:10], the four corners of the earth [Revelation 7:1; 20:8], or the four living creatures in Ezekiel and Revelation.

Five 

It is often associated with God’s grace, goodness, teachings, and the manifestation of His divine will. It signifies completeness, favor, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Here are some examples:

• The Book of Psalms is divided into five major sections.
• There are five books of God’s Law (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). They are commonly referred to as the Pentateuch (‘Penta’ means five).
• Moses wrote five books in the Old Testament.
• The design of the Tabernacle was given directly by God and reflects his grace. It contained five curtains, five bars, and five pillars, and the height of the tabernacle was five cubits.

Six

It is associated with the laboring days involved in creating the Earth. It is closely tied to the incomplete nature of human efforts and the perfection of God’s work.

Seven 

The number seven is prominent throughout the Bible, symbolizing completion and perfection throughout Scripture, be it the Creation story’s seventh-day rest or its connection with significant rituals, periods, or divine acts.

Eight 

The number eight marks new beginnings, from the eight souls saved in Noah’s Ark [1 Peter 3:20], the circumcision on the eighth day [Luke 2:21], to Jesus Christ appearing eight times after being resurrected.

Nine

In the Bible, the number 9 is associated with finality and divine completeness and is used 49 times in Scripture. Notably, Christ died at hour nine of the day, or 3 p.m.

Ten 

In each Scripture, the number ten signifies God’s authority and completeness. Take, for example, The Ten Commandments.

Eleven

Whilst considered an auspicious number by some, the number 11 in the Bible represents disorder, imperfection, and a lack of organization and fulfillment. For example, the last two Kings of Judah each reigned eleven years, before the eventual Babylonian conquest of Judah.

Twelve

Notably, associated with the twelve tribes of Israel [Genesis 49:28] and Christ’s Twelve Apostles (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:13), the number 12 symbolizes God’s Chosen People and divine order.

Forty

This number holds significance due to its frequent appearance throughout the Bible and its association with periods of trial and times of consecration.

It holds significance in stories like:

• The forty-day epic periods during the Flood [Genesis 7:4, 12, 17, 8:6]
• The forty years Israel spent in the wilderness [Numbers 14:33; Deuteronomy 1:1-3; 8:2]
• The forty days Jesus taught His disciples after the Resurrection.

Seventy

The number 70 combines two perfect numbers – 7 and 10. It often relates to God’s overarching governance, representing authority, completion, and perfect spiritual order.

666

Lastly, the infamous 666. It’s a number that remains debated, associated with the enigmatic “Number of the Beast” in Revelation 13:18. It is often interpreted through gematria – the practice of assigning a numerical value to a name, word, or phrase by reading it as a number – and linked to various historical figures or concepts symbolizing chaos and opposition.