What Is The Number 12 Meaning In The Bible?

Whether we admit it or not, numbers play a vital role in our lives. Specific numbers have a spiritual significance that only a few are aware of. So if you keep seeing the number, it may be because you are getting an angel number that needs deciphering. 

One of the most significant numbers in the Bible is the number 12. It is mentioned in the Bible an astonishing 187 times! With this knowledge, it is worth noting the definition of the number 12 in the Bible and what its message to you is.

What Is The Number 12 Meaning In The Bible?

As mentioned, the number 12 appears 187 times throughout the Bible. But when it comes to its Biblical meaning, the number 12 is God’s sign of divine authority and perfect governmental rule. 

This is evidenced by Jacob’s twelve princes, which eventually formed the twelve tribes of Israel. Additionally, there are 12 minor prophets responsible for the Old Testament. 

Jesus also chose 12 men to become His apostles. After the betrayal at the Last Supper, Jesus’ disciples replaced Judas Iscariot with Matthias to retain this number: “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles” (Acts 1:28).

In symbolism, the Biblical numerology of the number 12 represents completeness. Strong-willed Christians who believe in the prophetic meaning of the Bible often associate the number 12 with the second coming of Jesus Christ. This comes from the New Testament, which talks about God’s judgment on Earth upon Jesus’ second coming. 

In Revelation, the number 12 reveals the perfection and authority of God’s kingdom[1] at the end. This perfectly explains the meaning of the number 12 in the Bible.

Why Are You Seeing The Number 12?

Certain numbers make themselves known to people regularly. This is because they contain a spiritual meaning that angels deliver to humans. In the Bible, God has commanded His angels to keep watch over us, as mentioned in Psalm 91:11: “For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go.”

If you keep seeing this specific number wherever you go, it may be because your angels have been sent your way to relay an important message. The number 12 represents a message of inspiration and a sign of a new beginning. The angel number 12 can also be seen as a sign of growth, inspiration, and independence. 

The number 12 is made up of two angel numbers: 1 and 2, which have their own meanings too. The number 1 is a reminder that you can achieve your goals when you have a positive outlook. On the other hand, the number 2 is an assurance that your angels are beside you and can help in your journey to perfection. 

If you see this symbolism often, your angels are telling you that they are with you as you fulfill your life purpose and faith. They are there to protect you as you make necessary changes in your life. 

The number 12, as well as the number 222, can also be used to represent harmony and peace. Allow it to bring order into your life and be ready for the positive changes that are about to take place. The number 12 means self-improvement, which reminds you to make changes in all aspects of your life in accordance with God’s teaching. Get ready to accept new beginnings in your life.

12 Interesting Facts To Know About ​​12 In The Bible

1. Jesus Christ Was 12 When He Spoke In The Temple

Luke 2:41–52 tells us that the first time Jesus spoke to religious leaders in the temple, He was 12 years old. This was when he traveled to Jerusalem together with his family. The Testament tells us that when he spoke, the religious leaders were amazed at his wisdom.

2. There Were 12 Cakes In The Tabernacle

In the Old Testament, the book of Leviticus 24:5 reveals that the priests were told to place 12 unleavened cakes on the Tabernacle. The unleavened cakes mentioned in the verse symbolize the same bread that was used at Passover. 

This scripture is further supported by the number 7, which shows that the other elements in the Tabernacle came in sets of 12. There were 12 bowls, bulls, silver plates, male lambs, and rams. 

3. Jacob And Ishmael Each Had Twelve Sons

Aside from Jacob, Abraham’s son, Ishmael, also had twelve sons of his own. Genesis 17:20 talks about Ishmael’s blessing as the “father of twelve rulers.”  This is evidenced in the history of ancient Israel, where tribe histories stem from. 

4. There Were 12 Spies Who Scouted The Promised Land

After the Israelites wandered and fled Egypt, they sent out 12 spies to scout for the Promised Land. Number 13 tells us that out of the 12 spies, only 2 were not intimated by the Canaans. 1 Kings 12:16 also tells us that two out of the 12 tribes remained in Judah’s tribe when the kingdom was divided. 

5. Nebuchadnezzar Dreamt Of A Tree 12 Months Before 

Another interesting example where the number 12 appears in the Bible is in Daniel 4. The passage tells us that Nebuchadnezzar was advised to “renounce his sins by doing what is right.” The dream was fulfilled and Nebuchadnezzar “was driven away from people and ate grass like an ox.”

“All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon.” God gave the king 12 months to repent and use his dream as a message to do so. He grew prouder of his work instead of listening to the divine rule of God’s word.

6. 12 Tribes Joined In The Battle

The scripture from number 31 tells us that 12,000 men came to battle against the Midianites. This was elaborated with 1,000 men coming from each tribe, who “were supplied from the clans of Israel.” 

7. The Miracle Of The Feeding Had 12 Full Baskets

In Matthew 14, Jesus performed a miracle where he fed 5,000 men. Yet at the end of the gathering, His apostles were able to collect a total of 12 full baskets that contained leftover food. Jesus fed all these men with five loaves and two pieces of fish.

8. 12,000 People Fell In Ai

When Ai got destroyed, Joshua 8 points out that 12,000 people died that day. Even though Ai may have had over 12,000 people, the deaths that day showed that the place was left in complete and perfect destruction. 

9. Solomon Appointed 12 Men To Be Governors

1 Kings 4:26 tells us that King Solomon appointed twelve men to become district governors over Israel. This is a clear definition of the number in the Bible with its symbolic significance in government. 

10. Elisha Plowed 12 Oxen

1 Kings 19:19 tells us that Elijah called the prophet Elisha into his prophetic ministry while he was plowing 12 oxen. “Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him.”

11. Ezra Chose 12 Priests

In Ezra 8, Ezra chooses 12 priests to lead when Israel returns after the captivity. The exiles also sacrificed “12 bulls for all Israel” and “12 male goats.”

12. The Tree Of Life Will Bear 12 Fruits

Revelation 22 tells us that a Tree of Life will be found in the new world that will bear 12 fruits, each one symbolizing a month of the year. This completes a full year, which has a symbolic meaning to it.

What Should We Remember About The Number 12?

While the number 12 in the Bible represents a positive and profound meaning, its significance doesn’t happen all the time. Just like the number three, not every instance of the number 12 is a positive one. 

For example, in Matthew 9:20–22, Jesus heals a woman who has bled for 12 years. This number of years symbolizes how bad the woman’s condition was.

It could either be a sign of sickness with no possible cure or the completion of a hardship. And in that turn, God will do something new in the woman’s life. 

Also, in number 31, there were twelve thousand men who fought the Midianites. God told Moses to “take vengeance on the Midianites.” Following God’s instruction, the people of Israel became victorious.

These two passages in the Bible are just some of the examples where the number 12 is used negatively. However, this does not happen all the time. The number 12 usually represents something good, like in the New Jerusalem, which was full of the number 12.

Revelation 21 points out that there was a “high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates.” The passage also mentions the twelve tribes of Israel, twelve foundations, twelve apostles of the Lambs, and twelve pearls. 

God makes use of numbers to reveal Himself and His kingdom to us. There are 12 months that make up a year. And in both past and future governments, God will use the number 12 in these scenarios. He has used numbers to communicate with us in the past. He will use them again in the future. 

Since the number 12 represents your wisdom and inner strength, it reminds you to focus on what your soul mission is. Be sensitive and use your wisdom to achieve your goals according to Bible prophecy. 

Everyone has negative traits. And your angels use the number 12 to remind you to overcome these imperfections. Focus on the positive traits that you have. 

You should also focus on your relationships with your family. Create an atmosphere of love and peace. You get a reward for every good thing you’ve done on Earth. Let the number 12 inspire you to be the best version of yourself. 

What Are The Hidden Meanings Of The Number 12 In The Bible?

In the culture of the Hebrews, the number 12 has a meaning that is different from what the Bible tells us. Instead of perfection and authority, the hidden messages of the number 12 in Hebrew culture concentrate on God’s Holy Temple and divine kingdom. 

This is because the 12th character in the Hebrew alphabet is Lamed (pronounced as Lah-med). The literal translation of this is Solomon-like wisdom or perfection. This is widely used throughout the Tanakh (Old Covenant) and the Chadashah (New Covenant). 

Throughout the New Testament, we are reminded of God’s impending judgment upon the second coming of His son, Jesus Christ. The Book of Revelation tells us that when this happens, the world will be made anew and the Kingdom of God will be established in a new city.

Conclusion

As a whole, the number 12 has had a great impact on the Bible. And in your daily life, the number can be used for good things too. The next time you keep seeing the number 12, let it remind you of its deeper meaning and what your life’s purpose is. After all, we belong in God’s kingdom and so we are destined for a higher purpose other than our own.

Let the special meaning of this number inspire you to do good and create anew. There is a reason why you’re seeing this specific number so often and it’s high time you responded to it.