Meaning Of Numbers In The Bible: A Detailed Study In Biblical Numerology

Numbers in the Bible held significant symbolism when it was first written. Symbols, including numbers, are prevalent in the Bible, found in elements like the Ark of the Covenant, the Israelites’ prayer shawl, and the Beast’s number in the New Testament.

These symbols are God’s way of revealing spiritual truths. Believing that the Holy Spirit influenced everything in the Bible, we should study the symbolic meaning of numbers in the scriptures to understand God’s message.

What Is The Meaning Of Numbers In The Bible?

Patrick Fairbairn, a Scottish clergyman and theologian who lived from 1805 to 1874, asserted, “If God has given all things their significance and defined their bounds according to time, space, power, and number, and if He has appointed certain measurements to regulate things and times…”

Furthermore, he claimed, “Then Bible numbers must be symbolic and worthy of our study, and if they are a good subject for investigation, the laws through which the symbolism of numbers is governed must be determined.”

Seeing patterns in the Bible’s narrative will help us understand the symbolism of numbers. Because the patterns differ, some numbers are less well-defined than others. While there may be variances with other numbers, the significance of the numbers 1, 3, and 7 is generally accepted.

But keep in mind that while the interpretation of the numbers in the Scripture[1] is not always accurate, the message of the Word of God is. This is by no means a full collection of scriptural numbers and meanings. It aims to provide a fundamental grasp of the patterns that show what these numbers signify.

What Is The Significance Of Numbers In The Bible?

Numbers do have spiritual importance and biblical meaning. Hence, every Christian should try to understand them and seek the truth to discover the treasures of wisdom and knowledge through Jesus, as expressed in Colossians 2:2–3. The significance of the several numbers recorded in the Bible is more profoundly prophetic or spiritual.

Many casual readers are unaware of the underlying thoughts and meanings in this text. Several individuals, including Sir Isaac Newton, Augustine, Leonardo Da Vinci, and others, have attempted to interpret the secret symbolic importance of these biblical numbers.

Many times, people who are looking for hidden meanings in Bible numbers may not realize that some of the numbers mentioned there are simply numbers. “Even the hairs on your head are numbered,” Jesus said (Matthew 10:30). But before delving into the specifics of numbers’ secret spiritual significance, one should first comprehend the teachings of the Bible that will help you become “complete and prepared for each good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).

Examples Of Numbers With Biblical Meanings

The Number 1

In sacred Scripture, the number one, or echad in Hebrew, denotes singleness and is the supreme number of monotheistic beliefs, or worship of one God. The Shema, the earliest statement of faith recorded in the Bible, begins with the words, “Hear, O Israel, Yahweh our God, Yahweh is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4). This idea of oneness as the unity of a single divinity is expressed in this verse.

The Number 2

The number two signifies support and witness. As Ecclesiastes 4:9 states, “Two are preferable to one since they receive a better reward for their labor.” Furthermore, the Covenant Ark was protected by two cherubim, as written in Exodus 25:22. Some instances in the Bible highlight the relevance of number two:

• There were two massive creation lights (Genesis 1:16).
• Two witnesses vouch for the truth (Matthew 26:60).
• The Apostles were sent off in pairs (Luke 10:1).

The Number 3

The Holy Trinity, which reveals that the one God eternally exists in three Persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—is a perfect representation of the significance of the number three. The eternal and everlasting Son, Father, and Holy Spirit were members of the Triune God before the earth was even created.

Many of the ceremonies and instructions that God gave to His people included the pattern of three: three items were placed in the Ark of the Covenant (Aaron’s staff, a manna jar, and stone tables). Daily prayers were offered three times per day. Appointed occasions (feasts) were held three times annually. Moreover, there are three laws (ceremonial, moral, and civil) and three kinds of sacrifices (peace offerings, sin offerings, and praise offerings).

The Number 4

The number four is associated with the Earth. As stated in Isaiah 11:12, “He will…gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” Earth has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, winter, and fall. The four main directions are north, east, south, and west. On top of that, there are four kingdoms on Earth (Daniel 2, 7). And there were four kinds of soil in Jesus’ narrative, the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13).

The Number 5

The number five embodies grace (Genesis 43:34; Leviticus 1–5; Matthew 14:17). There are five distinct kinds of offerings in Leviticus, five divisions in the Book of Psalms, and a total of five books in the Old Testament that are also called the Law. In addition, the altar measured five cubits wide and five cubits long, and the Tabernacle had five pillars, five curtains, five bars, and five sockets.

The Number 6

The number six falls short of seven, God’s number of perfection, fullness, and flawlessness, and humankind fails to reach the perfection for which we were created by God. Six is a representation of man, his works, and his sinful nature.

As written in Genesis 1:31, mankind (Adam) was created on the sixth day. In the Book of Revelation, man labored for six days while slaves served only for six years, so it makes sense that the beast’s number is symbolized by the unholy triple number 666.

The Number 7

Seven is a symbol of God, divine excellence, or wholeness. As said in Exodus 21:2, “When you purchase a Hebrew servant, he must serve for six years, and in the seventh, he must be free for nothing.” The Bible has several important passages associated with the number seven.

• After finishing the creation, God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2).
• God’s Word is flawless, like silver that has been perfected seven times in a fire (Psalm 12:6).
• Jesus instructed Peter to pardon others seventy times (Matthew 18:22).
• Seven demons were cast out of Mary Magdalene, indicating her entire deliverance (Luke 8:2).

The Number 8

Although many academics don’t believe the number eight has any symbolic importance, it may represent a fresh start (Mark 16:9–11; Genesis 17:2). In John 20:26, after eight days, Christ’s followers were back inside, and Thomas was among them. Jesus entered the room despite the barred doors and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Additionally, eight people were preserved from the Flood by God (Genesis 7:13–23), and babies received circumcision on the eighth day.

The Number 9

The number nine may signify the fullness of God’s blessing, though numerous scholars may contradict it. In the Bible, the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, peace, joy, faithfulness, gentleness, kindness, goodness, self-control, and patience (Galatians 5:22–23).

The Number 11

The number 11 symbolizes disorder, disarray, incompleteness, and imperfection. At Kadesh-Barnea, the people of Israel walked eleven days from Mount Sinai. They could have arrived in the Holy Land in just one more day, but they were unable to do so due to a lack of trust (Deuteronomy 1:2).

The Number 12

The number 12 denotes spiritual power (Revelation 7, Matthew 10:2–4). There were twelve apostles; twelve sons were given to Jacob; and twelve pieces of unleavened bread must be placed in the house of God each week.

Additionally, the Book of Revelation reads, “It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel” (Revelation 21:12).

The Number 13

The number 13 is frequently interpreted as a bad omen, signifying antagonism, rebellion, disobedience, defection, and corruption. According to Matthew 10:2–4, Luke 6:13–16, and Mark 3:16–19, Judas is regarded as the thirteenth Apostle. Jesus is the first Apostle, followed by the 12 Holy Apostles. And Judah always comes last on the Apostles’ list. Numerous other biblical accounts depict the symbolic importance of the number 13.

• Before Jericho was destroyed, the Israelites circled it thirteen times. (Joshua 6:2–5).
• When Abraham’s illegitimate son Ishmael was circumcised, he was thirteen years old (Genesis 17:23).
• On the 13th day of the month, the Virgin Mary makes an appearance. In Genesis 3:15, it was predicted that her child would crush the serpent’s head, and in Revelation 12:17, it was predicted that the wicked serpent would wage war on her son. She resists the devil and stands up for her children, Christ’s devoted disciples, as well as her son’s Church.

The Number 14

Seven multiplied by two equals twice the amount of spiritual perfection. Two is the figure of the Incarnation, while seven represents the covenant and divine completeness. Besides that, the ancestry of Jesus is broken down into three groups of fourteen generations in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:1–17), and David’s name has a numerology of 14.

The Number 16

The number 16, in the context of the Bible, is a sign that denotes love. Christians should make an effort to fully abide by the spiritual objective of God’s instructions and judgments to be completed in God’s love. This can be accomplished by keeping the Ten Commandments, of course.

There are also 16 distinct names and titles for God in the Old Testament that indicate His unwavering and unending love for the Israelites.

The Number 17

In the Bible, the number 17 symbolizes “overcoming the adversary” and “full victory.” On the 17th day of the Hebrew month, when God started to flood the land with rain, he conquered the sins of disobedient mankind.

Right in the heart of God’s annual Holy season known as the Feast of Tabernacles, Noah’s Ark, and its eight occupants came to rest on the 17th of the seventh month. On top of that, the Heavenly Father raised Jesus Christ from the dead shortly before sundown on Nisan 17, giving him total victory and triumph over the grave and death.

The Number 19

The Bible uses the number 19 as a representation of faith. It implies that those who believe in a higher being will live better lives filled with love and serenity. Individuals must have confidence in both Jesus and his suffering on the cross. The Bible states that those who pay attention to Moses are those who have faith.

Furthermore, Hebrews 11 is a remarkable chapter in the Bible that talks about faith. There are 19 believers described in this chapter. We are also advised to place our trust in the prophets since they can assist us in hearing God’s voice and comprehending all the hardships and sacrifices of Christ.

The Number 22

Naturally, the number 22 is double 11, which stands for disorder and turmoil. A substantial amount or concentration of disorganization can be represented by the number 22. When the Scripture is searched for the word “light,” 264 instances of it are found. The result of dividing 264 by 12 (which represents divine authority) is 22, which stands for light.

The Number 23

According to the first-century historian and scholar Josephus, the truth that Adam and Eve had twenty-three daughters gives the number 23 some of its meaning and importance (Jewish tradition).

The Number 40

The number 40 is connected to trials and challenges. Moses ascended the mountain (Sinai) after entering the cloud. Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights atop the mountain (Exodus 24:18). There are many other biblical trials associated with the number 40.

• For 40 days, there was continuous rain during the flood (Genesis 7:4).
• Israel spent 40 years wandering in the desert (Numbers 14:33).
• Before being tempted, Jesus spent 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:2).

The Number 44

According to the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus’ mission lasted for 44 days at its closing stages. The first day started when Jesus was executed and finished when He gave His disciples His parting words on Mount Olivet before ascending to heaven.

Moreover, the number 44 in the Bible denotes the chosen people. It also shares a connection to the number 4, which stands for the creation of the earth. Christ is included in the text of Luke 44 times, and each time, He is found by Himself.

The Number 88

The number 88 represents forgiveness, depth, and insight since it is the cycle’s crown and the pinnacle of human existence when it is on the right path. According to the Bible, the number 88 can offer both protection and growth. It also represents cyclicality and fresh starts.

The Number 111

The number 111 is commonly used as a representation of God’s abundance and faithfulness. It serves as a reminder that even though we can’t see God, He is still present with us. Furthermore, 111 is used in the Bible as a sign of God’s proper order and completion. When God is highlighting His might and authority, He frequently uses this number in the Scriptures.

The Number 222

Genesis 2:22 is the first chapter and verse citation to have multiple twos (222). According to this scripture, women were purposefully created out of Adam’s rib rather than being a new species. God did this to emphasize the tight bond He designed marriage to have (see verse 24).

In connection to the intimacy of matrimony in Genesis 2:22, the punishment for sullying this sacred union through adultery was laid out in Deuteronomy 22:22. According to God, the ultimate punishment under the Old Testament will “cast away evil and wickedness” from Israel or any other nation that engages with it.

The Number 333

The number 333 is important in God’s connection with Abraham, Israel’s ownership of the Promised Land, and Christ’s bond with his earthly family. The Trinity theology also makes use of the number three.

Although the line “land flowing with milk and honey” is mentioned three times earlier (Exodus 3:8, 17, and 13:5), Exodus 33:3 is the first instance in the Bible where God gives the Israelites the order to set out on their journey to their inheritance.

The Number 444

There is an interesting connection between the meaning of the number 444 in the Scriptures and Christ’s earthly ministry, claims the book “The Appointed Times of Jesus the Messiah.”

Jesus’ work took off on September 11, 26 AD, which was also the day the devil started his 40 days of temptations, as evidenced by our biblical account of his life. On Wednesday, the fourth day of the week, this event occurred. Jesus’ entire public ministry was 44 months and 4 days (there were 13 months in the Hebrew years dated 3787 and 3789).

The Number 555

The use of several fives, like 555, is insufficient in the Bible to establish an overall message. Yet, it is mentioned in connection with Moses and Israel’s Tabernacle (Moses administers Israel in the wilderness). Abraham’s attempt to redeem Sodom and God’s punishment for deceiving him are other examples of it.

The Number 666

The beast’s number is 666. The Antichrist’s mark is represented by the beast’s number or mark (Revelation 13:15–18). In the biblical book of Revelation 13:18, it states, “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man, and his number is 666.”

The Number 777

The significance of multiple sevens, like 777 and 7777, comes from the fact that they serve as a reminder of the greatness of God and his clear involvement in human affairs. Although the Bible contains numerous examples, we will focus on its function in prophecy, the ideal worship of the Lord, and his thorough rebuke of unrepentant offenders.

Israel’s triumph at Jericho involved several sevens. It was the first conflict the people of God fought to claim their possession of the Promised Land. On the seventh day, seven Levitical officials circled Jericho with others, blowing their seven horns each time they went around the city seven times (Joshua 6:4, 15–16).

The Number 888

The deep spiritual significance of the number 888 is closely related to God becoming man to atone for humankind’s sins, according to the Bible. An angel arrives in Joseph’s dreams to calm his worries as he debates whether to leave Mary, his new wife, who is pregnant. He is informed by this messenger that his wife “will conceive and bear a Son, and you shall be called Jesus” (Matthew 1:21).

The Number 911

Jesus himself claimed that the Jubilee year started on September 11, which is when his ministry officially began. Christ spoke from Isaiah 61 in one of his earliest sermons, the first one he delivered in Nazareth after starting his ministry.

“As I am under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the Lord has sent Me to cure the sick, free the prisoners, and spread the Good News to the underprivileged…to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,” according to Luke 4:18–19.

The Number 999

The significance of the number 999 is centered on the Holy Spirit of God, the force by which He achieves His will. It may serve as a metaphor for the Godhead’s prophetic spiritual brilliance and the manifestation of its complete nature in every chosen and transformed Christian’s life.

The Number 1111

The Scripture is not quite clear on the general significance of multiple ones, like 111, 1111, 11:11, and so on. They do, however, have a connection to the Second Coming of Christ and his status as a member of the Godhead. They also pertain to the implications of sin for King David and the Israelite monarchy (1 Kings 1:11; 1 Kings 11:11).

The Number 1010

It is the year 1010 B.C. that represents a critical moment in the unfolding narrative of the Bible, particularly the history of ancient Israel. It marks the start of a dynasty that would rule until the year 586. Years later, Jesus Christ will be delivered into a family that is related to David both legally and physically. The Lord obtained David’s throne following his human birth, which he will hold forever (Luke 1:32–33).

The Number 1212

It was in 1212 B.C. Shamgar killed 600 Philistines using just a single ox goad while fighting to liberate the people of Israel from their ruthless adversary (Judges 3:31). He appears to have been a judge simultaneously with Ehud for perhaps just a single year.

The Number 22222

Most instances of the number two in the Scripture (such as 222, 2222, 2:22, and so forth) have an ambiguous overall meaning, but they are often associated with Jesus’ return to this world, as well as Eve’s creation and the first marriage. They also show us how to resist temptation and how rewards will be given out once we enter the kingdom of heaven.

Summary

A genuine follower of Jesus Christ can discover an endless number of mysteries and wonders in the Holy Scripture. However, some of these mysteries require the wisdom and guidance of a knowledgeable priest, theologian, or Christian scholar so we can properly discern the truth.

Only a handful of individuals explore topics like biblical numerology, do it thoroughly, and comprehend the true meaning of the information that’s laid out for us. Although there are plenty of helpful resources out there, it is vital to be aware that a substantial number of those resources only provide inaccurate teaching and information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Bible Numbers Mean?

Bible numbers mean spiritual or prophetic messages within the context of the Bible.

Is 777 God’s Number?

777 is often considered God’s number in Christianity, symbolizing perfection, and is contrasted with 666, which is associated with the Antichrist.

Do Numbers Have Spiritual Meanings?

Numbers have spiritual meanings, representing concepts or conveying messages beyond their numerical value.

Why Is 7 A Biblical Number?

The number 7 is a biblical number because it is associated with divine perfection, completeness, and God’s creation, as seen in the seven days of creation.