Biblical numerology – What is it?

what does the bible say?

Biblical numerology is the study of numbers within the Bible. A wide variety of studies exist with interpretations focusing on the most commonly used numbers. Among those who study biblical numerology, the most common numbers investigated include 3, 7, 12, and 40 due to their frequent use in significant biblical accounts.The number seven is found through the early portions of Genesis. There are seven days of creation, for example; and the seventh day called the Sabbath is considered holy. The sevenfold spirit of God is mentioned in the Bible, likely in reference to the completed days of creation. Seven is also a common literary device in Revelation, the Bible’s final book, where we find seven letters to seven churches and seven years of Tribulation, among other occurrences.The number three is also significant in several passages. Jonah was in the belly of the great fish three days just as Jesus was dead for three days prior to His resurrection. The use of three of the same words or variations of three is also common, such as faith, hope, and love in 1 Corinthians 13 . The Transfiguration of Jesus also includes three people—Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. Jesus had three inner circle disciples—Peter, James, and John. Jesus also experienced three temptations from Satan in the wilderness.The number twelve is also often used. Jacob had twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus would later have twelve disciples. The Book of Revelation includes twenty-four elders (12 x 2) that some interpret as representing Israel and the Church.The number forty is significant in Scripture. The Flood during Noah’s time lasted forty days. The Israelites were in the wilderness for forty years. Jesus fasted for forty days (as did Moses—twice—and Elijah).Other numbers could also be mentioned. For example, the number ten is frequent, especially in the ten plagues of Egypt during the time of Moses. Multiples of seven are fairly common, such as the year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8-17) or Daniel’s seventy weeks (Daniel 9:24-27). Multiples of twelve are also fairly common, such as the 144,000 Jewish witnesses in Revelation (Revelation 7:1-8) and in the measurements of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:16-17). We see pairings, such as the two named trees in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9), the pairs of animals on Noah’s ark (Genesis 7:2–3), Jesus sending disciples out in pairs (Luke 10:1), and the two witnesses in Revelation (Revelation 11:1-14). Revelation also mentions a number related to the beast—666 (Revelation 13:18).

from the old testament

• Here are some numbers and what they seem to represent in the Old Testament:
• 3 - perfection
• The Trinity (Genesis 1:26)
• Jonah in the fish for three days (Jonah 1:17)
• 7 – completion
• Seven days of creation (Genesis 1:1-2:3)
• Seventy (7 x 10) years in Babylon (Jeremiah 25:11-12)
• 12 – fullness
• Twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 49:1-28)
• 40 – testing/trial/preparation
• Forty days of rain (Genesis 7:12)
• Forty years in wilderness (Numbers 32:13)

from the new testament

• Here are some numbers and what they seem to represent in the Old Testament:
• 3 – perfection
• The Trinity (Matthew 3:16-17)
• Three temptations of Christ (Matthew 4:3-11)
• Three close disciples (Matthew 17:1; 26:37)
• Jesus, Moses and Elijah – Law, Prophets and Fulfillment (Matthew 17:3)
• Jesus was in the tomb for three days (Matthew 12:40)
• 7 - completion
• Seven statements of Jesus on the cross
• “My God, my God why have You forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)
• “Today, you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)
• “Woman, behold your son” (John 19:26)
• “I thirst” (John 19:28)
• “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34)
• “Father, into Your hands I commit my Spirit” (Luke 23:46)
• “It is finished” (John 19:30)
• Seven loaves and seven baskets of food left over (Mark 8:5-8)
• Seven brothers in the parable (Matthew 22:23-32)
• Seven letters to seven churches (Revelation 1:4)
• Seven bowls (Revelation 16:1)
• Seven seals (Revelation 6:1)
• Seven trumpets (Revelation 8:6)
• 12 – fullness
• Twelve disciples (Matthew 10:2-4)
• Twelve baskets of food left over (Mark 6:30-44)
• 24 (12 x 2) elders (Revelation 19:4)
• Twelve gates (Revelation 21:12)
• 40 – testing/trial/preparation
• Forty days of Jesus fasting (Matthew 4:1-2)
• Jesus appeared for forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3)

implications for today

While the intentional use of some of these numbers as a literary device is undeniable, not all agree on the purpose of the numerical patterns. Conservative scholars note that extra-biblical literature also uses many similar numbers for literary purposes, indicating that much care should be used in determining the particular reason a number is used. The Bible is clear, however, that God’s Word does not intend to communicate secret messages but is designed to instruct, inform, and to equip people to live for Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Ephesians 4:11-12).

Recap

understand

• Biblical numerology studies recurring numbers and their meanings.
• These numerical patterns are designed to highlight God’s character or something of importance.
• The Bible’s primary intent is to instruct and equip believers for living according to God’s will, not to convey hidden messages.

reflect

• How does biblical numerology encourage you that God has made clear what He wants you to know?
• What does biblical numerology reveal about God’s character and the way He communicates with us?
• How might recognizing biblical numerology enhance your understanding of Scripture?

engage

• How did the cultural context of biblical times shape the significance of specific numbers?
• How does numerology as a literary device contribute to the Bible’s overall message?
• How can we recognize biblical numerology without reading too much into it?