What Does the Bible Say About Numbers?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

In the Bible, numbers often carry deeper meanings and symbolic significance. They are more than just figures; they represent concepts and themes. For instance, the number 7 symbolizes completeness or perfection, often seen in the creation story. The number 40, a recurring figure, is associated with periods of testing and trial.

Numbers in the Bible are not random but are used intentionally to convey specific messages or highlight themes. Understanding their symbolic meaning can enrich one’s interpretation of biblical narratives.

Curious about the significance of numbers in the Bible? The following sections delve deeper into their meanings and the contexts in which they appear, revealing a fascinating layer of biblical understanding.

What Does the Bible Say About Numbers?

The use of numbers in the Bible is both fascinating and complex. They appear throughout the scriptures, often carrying symbolic meanings that go beyond their literal sense.

The number 7 is one of the most prominent examples. It represents completeness or divine perfection. This is evident in the creation story where God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, making it holy. The number 7 appears repeatedly in various contexts, always pointing towards something complete and whole.

The number 40 is another significant number, usually associated with periods of testing, trial, or judgment. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai, the Israelites wandered for 40 years in the wilderness, and Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert.

The number 12 is symbolic of God’s people, seen in the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles. It signifies a complete, divinely-ordained structure.

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Numbers like 3, 10, and 666 also hold significant meanings. The Trinity is represented by the number 3, symbolizing completeness and unity. The number 10 often signifies completeness of order, seen in the Ten Commandments. The number 666, mentioned in Revelation, is known as the number of the beast, often interpreted as a symbol of imperfection and sin.

God’s view on numbers seems to be as a tool to convey deeper spiritual truths. They are not just used for quantification but as symbols to communicate divine principles and truths.

In the New Testament, numbers continue to hold significance. Jesus’ use of numbers in parables, for instance, wasn’t accidental but purposeful to convey spiritual lessons.

In essence, the Bible uses numbers not just as part of its narrative but as a language in itself. Understanding this numerical language allows for a richer and more nuanced interpretation of the scriptures.

Bible Verses About Numbers

  1. Genesis 1:31-2:2 – The creation week culminates on the seventh day, illustrating the theme of completion associated with the number 7.
  2. Exodus 34:28 – Moses spends 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai, a period of testing and communion with God.
  3. Matthew 4:2 – Jesus fasts for 40 days and nights, a period of testing before beginning His ministry.
  4. Revelation 13:18 – The number 666 is introduced as the number of the beast, symbolizing imperfection and opposition to God.
  5. Acts 1:15-26 – The disciples choose Matthias to replace Judas, maintaining the number of apostles at 12, which represents God’s chosen people.
  6. Genesis 7:2-3 – God instructs Noah to bring animals into the ark in sevens and twos, again using the number 7 to signify completeness.
  7. Leviticus 25:8 – The Year of Jubilee is declared after seven cycles of seven years, emphasizing the significance of the number 7 in terms of completeness and restoration.
  8. Matthew 18:21-22 – Jesus tells Peter to forgive not just seven times, but seventy times seven, using the number 7 to signify boundless forgiveness.
  9. Revelation 1:4 – The seven spirits before God’s throne, mentioned in Revelation, further highlight the symbolic importance of the number 7 in biblical prophecy.
  10. Daniel 4:16-17 – This passage describes Nebuchadnezzar’s transformation and his seven years of living as a wild animal. The period of seven years symbolizes a complete cycle of judgment and restoration, emphasizing the theme of divine sovereignty and the completeness associated with the number 7.
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In conclusion, the Bible’s use of numbers is rich in symbolism and meaning. These numbers are not arbitrary; they are carefully chosen to convey deeper spiritual truths and divine principles. Understanding the significance of these numbers can offer a more profound insight into God’s messages in the scriptures.