Numbers are essential parts of our existence. The number 12, in particular, has a spiritual significance that most people may not be aware of, so if you keep coming across this mystifying, powerful number, know that there’s a biblical meaning behind it.
The number 12 in the Bible is mentioned a total of 187 times. It has a fair level of authority that transcends most other angel numbers.
Based on how often this number is used in both the Old and New Testaments, it’s fair to say that you’re blessed and highly favored if you come across this number often. Most believers may never even get the opportunity to experience the number 12 and all its powers.
In this post, we’ll explore the hidden messages of the number 12 and help you understand its special meaning in your life.
Table of Contents
- What Does the Number 12 Mean in the Bible?
- Where Does the Number 12 Appear in the Bible?
- What Does the Number 12 Mean Prophetically?
- Does the Number 12 Have Negative Meanings in the Bible?
- What Does the Number 12 Mean in Hebrew?
- What Does the Bible Number 12 Mean in Daily Life?
- What Does the Bible Number 12 Advise Us to Do?
- The Bottom Line
What Does the Number 12 Mean in the Bible?
The number 12 is a sign of God’s perfect governmental foundation and divine authority. Because this number symbolically represents completeness, most Christians who have a strong belief in Bible prophecy associate it with the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The New Testament tells us time and time again of the impending judgment of God on the Earth upon His Son’s second coming. This is recorded in the Book of Revelation when the world will be created anew and God’s Kingdom will be established.
The number 12 is a symbol of perfection and authority. Sometimes, it can also be used to represent the Christian faith and the Church in general. In the New Jerusalem, God will establish His divine rule and perfect government over all His chosen people.
Where Does the Number 12 Appear in the Bible?
The Old Testament book of Genesis states that Jacob had twelve sons, who later formed the 12 tribes of Israel (Genesis 49:1-28). Also, the breastplate of decision, otherwise known as the high priest’s breastplate, was embedded with twelve stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:15-21).
Additionally, Shem, one of Noah’s sons saved from the Great Flood by the Ark, was among the 12 patriarchs in the Old Testament.
In Numbers 13, upon their escape from Egypt, the Israelites wandered in the desert. They sent out 12 spies to cast about the Promised Land, and from the twelve, only two weren’t intimidated by the Canaanites.
It’s also worth noting that Elijah built an altar consisting of twelve stones, with each representing one tribe of Israel (1 Kings 18:31).
Now, moving on to the New Testament, it’s interesting to note that the first words (at least, the first recorded words) Jesus spoke about God in public were said when He was 12 years old (Luke 2:42-51). Jesus was spotted at the temple, listening and talking to the teachers about God.
In the Holy Gospels, we’re told about the 12 apostles and the authority they wielded with Jesus as their leader. They were known as the 12 disciples in the beginning, but they later became known as the 12 apostles.
In addition, when Jesus fed the five thousand, the disciples gathered 12 baskets of leftover food (Matthew 14:20).
In Revelation 21:9-21, the foundation of the holy city in Heaven, New Jerusalem, was ornamented with 12 beautiful stones, and there were 12 gates surrounding it with 12 angels guarding them. Each gate was named after the 12 tribes of Israel, which, as you know, were named after the 12 sons of Jacob.
In the next chapter, John also saw the Tree of Life, which bore 12 different kinds of fruit that grew every month (Revelation 22:2).
What Does the Number 12 Mean Prophetically?
Whenever the number 12 is used in biblical numerology, it signifies everything in its complete nature—the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve stars, the twelve apostles, the twelve princes, and so on.
The number 12 is also associated with an anointed service. In the Bible, twelve men were anointed by a prophet of God to carry out a unique task. These were Aaron along with his four sons (anointed into the priesthood in Exodus 29:7-9), Saul, David, David’s son Absalom, King Jehu, Kings Joash, and Jehoahaz of Judah, and King Solomon.
Does the Number 12 Have Negative Meanings in the Bible?
What’s equally important to note is that the number 12 in the Bible isn’t always used in a positive way.
For instance, Jesus restored the health of a woman who bled for 12 years (Luke 8:43-48). In this case, the 12 years were a symbol of how miserable her life had been before being healed.
In Numbers 31, twelve thousand men battled the Midianites. From each tribe came a thousand men.
God instructed Moses to “take vengeance on the Midianites,” and the people of Israel emerged victorious with the Lord on their side. So, you see, the number 12 does have some negative connotations.
What Does the Number 12 Mean in Hebrew?
Certain numbers in Hebrew culture have a more profound meaning that’s far from its biblical meaning. The significance of the number 12 in the Hebrew culture focuses on God’s divine kingdom and His holy temple.
The twelfth character of the Hebrew alphabet, “Lamed” (pronounced lah-med), literally means perfection or Solomon-like wisdom. Its presence is all over the Chadashah (New Covenant) and the Tanakh (Old Covenant).
What Does the Bible Number 12 Mean in Daily Life?
The number 12 has a particularly strong influence over your life. If you keep coming across the number 12 daily, don’t ignore the meaning behind it—it’s a sign that your angels are trying to relay an important message to you.
The number 12 comes to inspire progress and new beginnings. It’s also a sign of independence, inspiration, and growth.
12 is composed of two angel numbers: 1 and 2.
Angel number 1 means that you’ll achieve your goals only if you maintain a positive attitude. On the other hand, 2 means that your angels are right by your side to help in your pursuit of perfection.
What Does the Bible Number 12 Advise Us to Do?
Focus on your soul mission. The number 12 is closely related to your inner strength and wisdom, and it advises you to use your sensitivity and wisdom to get to your desired destination.
Your angels understand that you have negative traits, just like everyone else. However, your spirit guides advise you through the number 12 to overcome your imperfections and focus on your positive side.
The number 12 also focuses on your family relations. It advises you to make the atmosphere for peace and love.
Every good thing you do on Earth earns you a reward in heaven. Therefore, let this revelation inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
The Bottom Line
All in all, the number 12 had a great effect on the Bible and our daily lives, in general. Jacob perfected his presence in Israel when he sired 12 sons, and the new city detailed in the book of Revelation has 12 angels, 12 gates, 12 sons who formed 12 tribes, and so on.
So the next time you see the number 12, be reminded of your life purpose and the deep meaning it holds.
We hope this post helps you understand the symbolism behind the 12th angel number. We’ve seen that 12 is, indeed, proof that God speaks through numbers.
The next time you see this number, rejoice because you’re not of this Earth. If anything, you belong to His kingdom, and you’re destined for a much higher purpose.