My pastor often make mention of the numbers found in the
Holy Scripture and its biblical meanings. This prompt me to a little study to
help me to understand God more.
Numbers occur in the Bible in a variety of ways.
Firstly there are the numbers actually mentioned in the text
of the Bible itself such as the 40 days and nights it rained while Noah was in
the ark. Many of these numbers clearly show a consistent symbolic meaning and
give us clues to the meanings of other numbers.
Secondly there are patterns within the occurrence of words
and phrases, for example, how many times the name of Moses is mentioned in the
Bible, how often is the Greek word apocalypse used, and so on.
Thirdly, the Bible is divided up into chapters and verses
each of which is numbered, Even though this division was not made until around
the 1300's, they generally follow the phrases and sentences in the text itself
and there are many striking 'coincidences' in these numbers
Finally because of the nature of the numbering systems used in the Hebrew and Greek languages which the Bible was originally written in, every letter, every word, every phrase and every passage in the Bible has a number value. This is called Gematria.
Gematria is something my pastor is very into currently. This
is because he is studying the Hebrew text of the bible and every Hebrew
alphabet is also uses as a number. It is very interesting but we will leave
this area of study for another time.
What I am more interested now is the first point state
above, the meaning behind the common numbers. Someone in the internet suggested
3 ways of studying types,
1.
the objective side, (for everything or everybody)
2.
the subjective side. (for each person, individually or personally)
3.
the third way to look at God’s truths is in the dispensational.
The dispensational view is pretty much God's view or His
eternal purpose. Most of these are seen in the truths that contrast the Old
Covenant with the New or
With numerous definition and studies out there back by their
interpretations, it can get quite confusing. Larger numbers can have so many
permutations. (Eg: A=B+C, A=D x E, where B, C, D, E can be any numbers) which
leads to more speculations on their significance and meaning.
If you look at this example a number can take on different
ways of seeing the meaning by looking at it in a certain way. The point I am
trying to make is that when we see a number in the bible we need to read and
understand what the words mean and then use the number to help expand the
meaning. Like any “type” they are not meant to use as doctrine. They are to
enhance the Word or make the truths become more deeply known.
But this is exactly what makes Christianity lovely and
living! It is a relationship. Your revelations about the numbers are depended
on you spending time reading the word, your needs and what God wants you to
see. It is always wonderful that we can find references but it is only our
conviction with the Holy spirit as a teacher and witness that those meaning
become living and useful in our life. Once again I am encouraged or remaindered
by God to dwell in his word as I source the internet during this exercise.
Joh 1:1 In
the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Below are some of the stuff I found online, I combined
different definitions found in various source. Those in bold are those i have personal understanding.
|
Number |
Meaning |
|
One |
Beginning, Oneness, One God, one family, one Relationship |
|
Two |
Witness, separation, Man |
|
Three |
The Trinity (Godhead), Fellowship |
|
Four |
Earth, creation, world |
|
Five |
Grace, cross, atonement,
life, (Individuality) Overcoming Obstacles in Life |
|
Six |
Man, beast, Satan, Incomplete,
Man's Number, Man without God is Incomplete |
|
Seven |
Perfection,
completeness, God (1) + (6) Man = Completeness |
|
Eight |
Newness, New Beginnings, New Day, New Outlook, Jesus'
Number |
|
Nine |
Completeness, finality, fullness, Ordained, Fullness of
God's Ordained Plan (3) x (3) =9 |
|
Ten |
Law, government, restoration, Trials, Temporary, a
temporary affliction *in a trail, we have 5+5, double portion of Grace |
|
Eleven |
Incompleteness, disorganization, disintegration |
|
Twelve |
Divine government, apostolic fullness, Family, 6+6 = MAN + MAN,
in twelve, we have the 12 tribes, and the 12 disciples |
|
Thirteen |
Rebellion, backsliding, apostacy. Evil, man attempting to
be equal with God, Satan's number. 12+1, putting God in equal with man |
|
Fourteen |
Passover |
|
Seventeen |
Spiritual order |
|
Eighteen |
Bondage, 6+6+6 = 18 |
|
Twenty-four |
Priestly courses; governmental perfection |
|
Thirty |
Consecration; maturity for ministry |
|
Forty |
Probation, testing, closing in victory or judgment, Permanent,
Life Change, a permanent new way of life. Jesus appearing after 40days,
fasting etc |
|
Fifty |
Pentecost, liberty, freedom, jubilee |
|
Seventy |
Prior to increase, Administration, Government a
functioning, shared and dispersed authority ( seventy elders) |
|
Seventy-five |
Separation, cleansing, purification |
|
One hundred twenty |
End of all flesh, beginning life in the Spirit |
|
One hundred forty-four |
God's ultimate in creation |
|
One hundred fifty-three |
Revival, the elect |
|
Three hundred |
Faithful remnant |
|
Six hundred sixty-six |
Antichrist, Satan, the damned Triplicate 666 |
|
1000 |
Blessing, a multitude of blessings and opportunities
provided by God |