Biblical Numerology 101: Meaning of Numbers in the Bible
As in the case of all things on God’s green earth, there are numbers in the Bible that carry hidden, long-held biblical meanings. The early Church also believed that it’s only through biblical numerology readings that one can comprehend the concealed, disguised words of the Almighty God.
Continue reading to learn more about biblical numerology and discover the actual meanings of some significant numbers in the Bible.
Table of Contents
What is the Benefit of Biblical Numerology?
Leaders of the Christian faith are well aware of the fact that the Bible can be deciphered through a four-layer method of interpretation—the Quadriga.
In layman’s terms, the God-inspired texts in the Bible can be interpreted in the following four layers—literal (plain obvious meaning), moral (what the specific text means for human behavior), allegorical (what the specific text means for our faith, beliefs, or doctrines), and anagogical (what the text tells us about the future.)
Through the aforementioned layers, the numbers in the Bible are used symbolically and systematically to disclose the true gospel of the Bible scriptures. Then, with a deep comprehension of the numbers, you’ll be enlightened with great awareness, helping you acknowledge the divine perfection of the Almighty’s word and Christian life.
So, without beating around the bush, let’s interpret the numbers found commonly in the Bible.
The Meaning of Numbers in the Bible
Number 1
In the Bible, number 1 signifies the might, self-sufficiency, and supremacy of one God. The number says that there’s only one God, the greatest of all, and argues that a person who puts anyone (including other God) before God is a sinner.
Number 2
Number 2 in the Bible resonates with the dual nature of mankind and says that every man has a good and evil personality. Number 2 also symbolizes the union between the Church and Christ, or between a man and woman (suggesting that the two shall be one flesh).
Additionally, number 2 represents the division of the Almighty’s testimony into 2 sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. And, if people follow the word of God, it will lead them to eternal life and good reward.
Lastly, according to Matthew 26:60, “two witnesses establish truth,” which tells us that number two signifies witness and support as well.
Number 3
The number 3 in the Bible can be linked with eternal life as God said, “Let there be grass (life),” on the 3rd day of creation. Plus, since Jesus Christ, the one mediator between God and men, was dead for three days and three nights before His resurrection, many experts also associate number 3 with life and resurrection.
Last, number 3 signifies the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Number 4
Number 4 in the Bible represents God’s creations and universal truth that extend to all four corners of the world. Why so?
Well, God created the celestial bodies including the sun, moon, and other planets on the 4th day of creation, and these creations help us figure out the time of the day and the four seasons of the year.
In Revelation 7:1 KJV, you’ll find, “And after these things, I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.”
Number 5
Number 5 in the Bible symbolizes the teachings, grace, and miracles of God and the wholeness of human creation. The five books of the Laws—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—convey God’s teachings.
Moreover, the way Jesus Christ served 5 loaves of bread each to 5000 people showcases God’s miracles. The number of toes (5), fingers (5), and basic senses (5) we have also symbolizes the wholeness of human creation.
Number 6
Number 6 in the Bible represents mankind as God created man in His image on the sixth day of creations. Additionally, number 6 symbolizes the incorporation of traits such as willpower and intellect in humans.
Number 6 can also be interpreted as the fallen nature of man.
Number 7
In the Bible, the number 7 signifies completion and divine perfection. This is because God was finally able to complete His entire creation (Universe) on the 7th day.
Genesis 2:2-3 KJV reads, “It took God a time frame of seven days to create the universe: And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.”
Number 8
Number 8 in the Holy Scriptures stands for new beginnings, rebirth, and resurrection. This number glorifies the sacrificial decision Christ Jesus made to take away man’s sins.
He made his decision on the Hebrew day of Nisan 10, and four days later, He was crucified only to be resurrected on Nisan 17 (exactly on the eighth day after he decided to sacrifice Himself). Eight people were also resurrected beside Jesus.
Also, let’s not forget there were 8 survivors in the story of Noah’s Ark, which also symbolizes resurrection.
Number 9
Number 9 in the Bible scripture is linked with divine completeness as Jesus took His last breath on the 9th hour of the day. His sacrifice, in turn, ensured salvation for the people.
Also, bear in mind—those who walk with the Holy Spirit are offered 9 fruits: love, peace, joy, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
Number 10
The number 10 in the Bible scripture represents the Ten Commandments.
Additionally, it signifies completeness, suggesting that ten men were necessary in the quorum for an assembly. The Bible also says that there will only be 10 kingdoms remaining at the end of days.
Number 11
What is the biblical meaning of number 11? Well, this number is synonymous with chaos judgment in the Holy Scriptures.
It’s mentioned in the Bible that John observes 11 things connected to the final judgment, with the “11th” always denoting utter chaos.
Number 12
As for the special meaning of number 12 in the Bible, number 12 serves as a representative of God’s government. Remember that Jesus also had twelve apostles, disciples who were pivotal in pioneering missionary.
It’s written in Revelation 21:10-14 KJV, “And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a high wall, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
Number 13
Number 13 is often implied as rebellion in the Bible. Why is it so?
Well, Nimrod, the 13th descendant of Ham, who was linked with the Tower of Babel, never really connected with the Almighty’s preaching. And, as a result, he always rebelled against the Almighty.
Number 14
Number 14 in the Bible represents a double measure of spiritual perfection (7 x 2). And, if reports are to be believed, Jesus´s lineage consists of 3 sets of 14 generations.
Number 19
According to the Bible, number 19 stands for the Almighty´s perfect order (10+9). Plus, if you examine the Bible properly, you’ll notice that Eve has been mentioned 19 times in the Holy Scriptures.
Also take into consideration that the house of Israel saw the reign of 19 kings before the power of the Northern Kingdom changed hands.
Number 20
Although the meaning of the number 20 in the Bible is heavily debated, many experts are of the opinion that the number simply implies a period of waiting. After all, Jacob had to wait for a couple of decades to tie the knot.
Number 25
Number 25 in the Bible simply signifies grace upon grace.
There are many events in the Bible that are tied to the number 25. King Jehoshaphat was able to reign for 25 years and Ezekiel experienced his vision for the future temple in the 25th year of his imprisonment.
Number 30
Number 30 denotes a person’s calling in life. Jesus started his 3 ½ year ministry when He was 30 years old.
Number 30 can also be associated with sorrow and mourning as evident in Matthew 27:3, “Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”
Number 40
Number 40 in the Bible is synonymous with trials and tribulations.
In Genesis 7:12 KJV, you can find the following scriptures, “And the rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights. With Moses, God punished the Israelites for 40 years to wander the wilderness.”
Then, if you check Matthew 4:1-3 KJV, you’ll find that Jesus was tested in the wilderness for forty days and forty nights too.
Number 42
Number 42 is often identified as the sign of the Antichrist.
Number 50
In the Holy Bible, the number 50 represents joy and celebration as the Lord forces the Kings to proclaim liberty.
Leviticus 25:10 KJV reads, “And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.”
Number 70
When you extract the biblical meaning of number 70, you’ll find that number 70 is synonymous with judgment and leadership as evident in Exodus 24:1 KJV where there stood seventy men of Israel:
“And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy men of Israel; and worship ye afar off.”
Number 120
Like number 20, number 120 also signifies a period of waiting. It’s written in the Bible that the Almighty God gave humanity a period of 120 years to repent for their sins.
Number 153
When you see the number 153 in the Bible, you can relate it with God’s blessing.
In John 21:11, the Bible verse reads, “So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.”
Number 390
Number 390 in the Bible serves as a symbol of separation.
Number 666
Only a few on God’s green earth are not aware of the ill omen of number 666.
Number 666 represents the kingdoms that dare go against the Almighty’s wishes.These kingdoms aren’t in line with God´s preaching and as such, oppose the Almighty.
Like number 42, number 666 is also identified as the sign of the Antichrist.
Number 1000
According to the Bible, the number 1000 signifies endings and conclusions.
In the Bible, it’s written that Lord Jesus Christ will return to Earth in the future to rule for a thousand years. After that period, Satan is expected to front the last rebellion against the Almighty.
Number 144,000
A number of such high numerical value represents something biblical? Well, it does. Number 144,000 symbolizes the Church.
If you take a look at Revelation 7:4 KJV, you’ll understand the reason. “And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.”
Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of the article and I believe we’ve covered all the significant numbers in the Bible.
With an understanding of Biblical numerology, you now have the ability to truly understand God’s Word and reflect on the symbolic meaning of the verses during Bible study. Also, as you read through the verses, you’ll stand to gain a new perspective. Godspeed!