Some numbers such as 12 and 7 and 40 hold a significance in the bible, but they do not hold any symbolic or hidden meaning. Introduction to the pentateuch and historical books by robert jamieson. Though the bible does not specifically mention negative things regarding the number, many scholars believe that the number represents rebellion, sin and lawlessness. It is important to note that the first use of a number in scripture generally conveys its spiritual meaning throughout the rest of the passage. The significance of this, however, must be deferred till we come to consider the number twelve under this head. One is used to convey the concept of the unity and uniqueness of god, e.
The use of numbers in scripture is a fascinating study all its own, not only because certain words and phrases do in fact occur mathematically consistent numbers of times, but the numerical values of words and phrases gematria themselves is significant. It occurs within the first 20 names from adam to abraham, 27 names to moses, and. Understanding biblical numbers harvestime international network. Although there are sometimes relationships and meanings, one should be careful not to read in various meanings that simply do not exist, practicing balance in all such observations. If not one word from god is void of meaning and purpose, then this confirms that even numbers used in his word have great spiritual significance. Know that corruption, and disintegration, are found to be magnified as well, when it comes to these things. It is a source of inspiration to many and more curiously a source of divination and secret codes. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that every word is significantand this includes numbers.
Biblical numerology is the study of numbers in the bible. Bible numbers for life number meanings hidden manah in. If the lord delights in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. The promised land the land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. Probably western numerology has applied symbolic meaning to these numbers derived from the bible but the bible does not indicate that these numbers possess. The pentateuch, the name by which the first five books of thebible are designated, is derived from two greek words, pente, five, andteuchos, a volume, thus signifying the fivefold volume. The symbolic significance of numbers gematria is important in much jewish writing. Biblical numerology is the use of numbers for their symbolic value in biblical texts for example, the seven days of creation in genesis 1 while many ancient languages, religions, and philosophies contained numeric interpretation of events, words, and names, this article is concerned with those uniquely affecting judeochristian beliefs. The simple numbers of 1 through have spiritual significance multiples of these numbers, or doubling and tripling, carry basically the same meaning only intensifying the truth. This entry was posted in bible study, numbers in the bible, study helps and tagged acrostic psalms, letter nun, meaning of fourteen in the bible, number 14 in the bible, number fourteen in the bible, number thirteen in the bible, passover, psalm 119, psalm 25, shadow of jesus, the significance of the number fourteen in the bible by mark.
Whenever numbers are so used, they are not to be understood either literally or sym bolically. The entry of sin into the world is through one man rom. What is more, it is the seventh in the list of the prime numbers. The rhetorical use of numbers a very important use of numbers in the old testament is that for rhetorical or poetic effect. What is the significance of the number 3 in the bible. Numbers begins with and, as all the books of the pentateuch do. It continues the story of that journey begun in exodus, and describes briefly the experiences of the israelites for a. Of the ten only one returned to give thanks to jesus. In the feeding of the 5000 the use of the number 5 denotes gods grace in providing the messiah to supply all of israels needs. What is the biblical significance of the number seven7. Interpreting biblical numbers the bible is the divine revelation of the true and living god and every jot and tittle in his word is deemed important. Another type of bible code has also been recently discovered.
It is also the number which is symbolic of mans nature to rebel against the sovereignty of god. Numbers play an important role in judaic ritual practices and are believed to be a means for. Names code from adam to jesus an awesome prophecy emerges when the meanings of all 70 names from adam to jesus are sequentially read. Thus, only an expert in biblical numbers will be able to decipher the true meaning of the numbers in a specific context. Symbolic use of numbers in the bible grace thru faith. Both in the old and new testaments, numbers reveal hidden concepts and meanings that commonly escape the casual reader. One direct quotation only from this book numbers 16. Significant numbers numbers are also used with a symbolical or theological significance. Numbers in scripture numbers are the language of all nature and scientific study. First off, let me begin by saying that i think we need to be careful about searching for hidden messages, meanings, or codes in certain significant numbers in the bible. Top 10 significant numbers in biblical numerology listverse. Pr or 2 1 3 2 5 3 7 4 11 5 6 17 7 19 8 23 9 29 10 31 11 37 12 41 43 14 47 15 53 16 59 17 61 18 67 19 71 20 73 21 373 74 primes order no. Many people take this with a grain of salt but many others consider it to be very important and believe that the study of. According to ancient tradition each number has significance, for.
Some of the many instances of numbers that carry spiritual or. As its name implies, it is a detailed census report. One has dealt with some particular number, such as seven. This list looks at ten significant numbers in the bible numbers that pop up time and again. He also wrote a book on the subject, number in scripture. Jul 20, 2015 the symbolism of numbers 1, 3 and 7 are most agreed upon, while variations may occur with others. Biblical meaning of numbers biblical numerology list.
This list of biblical numbers and meanings is by no means exhaustive. Considering that the old testament was written in hebrew and the new testament was written in greek, it is therefore all the more amazing that the same numbers carry the same meanings over and over. This summary of the book of numbers provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of numbers. Numbers of significance articles bible reflections. What is the significance of the number 3 three in the bible.
There are, therefore, two basic applications of numbers in poetic structure. The significance of numbers in holy scripture is far greater than just the numerical value of each individual number. As we shall see, this astounding prophecy continues to read in the very same way, using all 80 names in the genealogy of jesus. Great themes god created the earth to demonstrate his invisible qualities and divine nature. Remember, the meaning of numbers in the bible is not perfect, but the meaning of the written word is always perfect. Their usage and grouping is far to ordered and to consistent throughout the bible to be considered irrelevant or incidental. The symbolism of numbers 1, 3 and 7 are most agreed upon, while variations may occur with others. Before we can begin to understand how numbers may have any symbolical meaning or any necessary significance in our daily life, we must consider the. The number one, for example, signifies unity or beginnings. Throughout the bible, god often gives symbolic significance to mundane items or concepts.
The number, in this case may stand for judas, the th apostle who betrayed jesus. He spake fiftysix sundry times 7 x 8 in numbers, and in thirteen divers manners twelve to moses, once to aaron, and four times. The significance of numbers mentioned in the bible. In addition to the study of the symbolic significance of numbers in scripture, there is also the study of the number equivalents of alphabetical symbols and numerical value of the words formed by the letters, which is known by the greek word gematria. It continues the story of that journey begun in exodus, and describes briefly the experiences of the israelites for a period of thirtyeight. Bullinger can explain it to you and is an excellent resource. Much time has been wasted in attempting to ascertain some hidden or mysterious meaning of a rhetorical phrase using numbers. The intention of the writer in this usage is not to emphasize the mathematical value of the number primarily, but to express either in tensity or other concepts such as a few.
The english name of the book comes from the septuagint the prechristian greek translation of the ot and is based on the census lists found in. Unlock the mysteries of the bible with these codes and study the bible. Its supernatural design and spiritual significance. The number 7 signifies completion or perfection genesis 7. This marriage between the symbolic and the physical found its pinnacle in the creation of the tabernacle. Some of the many instances of numbers that carry spiritual or symbolic significance are mentioned below. Riley march 16, 2018 all scripture is given by inspiration of god, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. It has been dealt with, for the most part, in a fragmentary way. Many of the numbers in the bible have deeper prophetic or spiritual significance. Symbolism of numbers in the bible christcentered mall. That the man of god may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works, 2 timothy 3. Thirteen, it will be noted, is also a prime number, and is therefore important. From the very beginning of the recorded word in the old testament, we read where god very deliberately uses numbers in the 7 day account of creation.
Numbers introduction commentary commentary critical and. The book of numbers 3 archeologistnelson glueckspent ten years 19301940 studying the negev and the transjordanian area and his conclusions were that the regions mentioned, particularly in numbers, were large unihabited during the. Many numbers are imbued with significance in cultures of the ancient world, including the hebrew culture. But sacred scripture, the written word, cannot be separated from the living word, jesus christ. Significance of number 10 in the bible meaning of numbers. The number can be traced to the pioneer of the tower and city of babel, nim.
Numbers chapter 1 kjv king james version stanjett, not to be rude, but i have noticed your remark before about lets go kill some people i dont know if you are trying to disrespect gods word or not, because you never explain your answer. Deciphering and discerning that significance only adds to the mystery and wonder of the study of sacred scripture. Numerology is the belief that particular numbers have mystical significance, a concept of key importance in the jewish tradition of the hebrew bible or. Both in the old and new testaments, numbers reveal hidden concepts and. Numbers introduction commentary commentary critical. Significant numbers in the bible bible prophecy school. Symbols in the book of revelation numbers one the primary. Because number 3 is an archetype, its basic meaning will not vary no matter where it appears. Certain numbers in the bible have long been recognized as having significance.
Numbers introduction introduction to the book of numbers. The book of numbers derives its name from the account of the two censuses taken of the hebrew people, one near the beginning and the other toward the end of the journey in the wilderness chaps. Because 12 is one of the four perfect numbers, the number of governmental perfection. The fourth book of moses, numbers, also does not have much to offer the modern reader. Jan 04, 2009 some numbers such as 12 and 7 and 40 hold a significance in the bible, but they do not hold any symbolic or hidden meaning. Numbers play an important role in judaic ritual practices and are believed to be a means for understanding the divine. Man could not restore fellowship with god, so god came down to man.
Thejournal of the march through the wilderness is then given as far as numbers 21. It is therefore one whole in five sections, rather than separate books. Like elements with only a single electron in the outer shell, odd numbers tend to be unstable and increase to the next even number. It is often called gods number since he is the only one who is perfect and complete revelation 4. For additional information on biblical numbers, you may wish to consult appendix 10 of the companion bible, in which e. Bullinger compiles his reasons for assigning meaning to several numbers. Two of the most commonly repeated numbers in the bible are 7 and 40. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived the way of jesus is a relationship gods truth expressed in love, purity, fellowship, humility, and testimony of him.
Common number use and meaning in the bible there are a handful of numbers that commonly reoccur throughout the entire bible, while other numbers generally do not occur at all. The following material from the international standard bible encyclopedia should be helpful here. Biblia sacra the holy bible is the most widely read book in the world. Laban, the fatherinlaw and uncle of jacob changed jacobs wages ten times. That the man of god may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works, 2. Originallythese books formed one continuous work, as in the hebrew manuscripts they are stillconnected in one unbroken roll.
Click here for method of decoding names bible code also see the namecodes acrostic if you are having problems readingthe text or printing, click here for the names bible code as pdf file. Its supernatural design and spiritual significance by e. It is important to note that the first use of a number in scripture generally conveys its spiritual meaning throughout the. Hence it is called one of the prime or indivisible numbers. The number fourteen in the bible marks bible study. Significant numbers in the bible discover the hidden meanings of numberss in the bible. Biblical numerology is defined as the study of the spiritual significance of numbers used in the bible. The book was very interesting and clearly explained the significance of how god uses numbers in the bible. The significance of numbers in scripture agape bible study. Indeed, the bible specifically prohibits numerology. He spake fiftysix sundry times 7 x 8 in numbers, and in thirteen divers. Significant numbers in the divine speeches in genesis.
1371 4 104 1185 391 1522 362 1468 1527 23 1550 109 1438 1469 947 1320 1311 739 883 886 726 1011 792 737 335 225 898 984 100 1621 1663 1068 8 673 1497 1515 999 638 995 1076 994 671 1302 361 87 525 737 1 1352 530