5 Secrets of Number 18 in the Bible

Anyone who’s read the Bible knows how important numerology is in both Christianity and Judaism. Indeed, biblical numerology is quite extensive.

For example, the number 7 is a sign of the Seven Spirits, and the number 40 refers to times of sacrifice, like when Christ resisted Satan’s temptations in the desert for 40 days.

Now, the number 18 is equally important, for its symbolic meaning can guide us through difficult or confusing times. Even if you don’t follow the Christian or Jewish faith, the meanings of numbers like number 18 have been studied for countless generations by spiritualists, mystics, and believers.

What Does the Number 18 Mean in the Bible?

The number 18 has an important meaning in the Bible. Many teachers believe it’s a symbolism for “bondage” because it’s mentioned in the Bible 18 times, but scholarly Christians and Jews have noted that at many points, the number 18 represents the release from bondage.

For instance, the children of Israel were kept as slaves until Saul became king. The Philistines, along with the Moabite king, Eglon, held the Israelites as slaves for 18 years before God sent heroes like Jephthah and Samson to free them from oppression. 

In addition, the two longest names in the Bible are both 18 letters.

Where Does the Number 18 Appear in the Bible?

The number 18 appears in both the Old and New Testaments. 

Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, but because of his mistakes, they wandered in the wilderness for many years. After Moses died, Joshua, whose name means “God is deliverance,” led the Israelites for 7 years before they settled in Canaan, which became modern-day Israel, and Joshua then became Israel’s first judge for 18 years before he died at age 110.

Judges at that time weren’t the same as our modern-day court judges—Old Testament judges were military leaders who led the Israelites during times of hardship in order to overthrow their enemies and establish justice. Including Joshua, Israel had 18 judges until Saul became the nation’s king at around 1051 B.C.

Additionally, we meet Christ as a young man at age 12 preaching in a temple, but His true ministry began when He was 30, so there are 18 years that are unaccounted for in His life. While a record of these years will likely never come to light, we know that Christ was probably training to be a carpenter with His father on Earth, Joseph, while also meditating on His life purpose.

What Does the Number 18 Mean Prophetically?

The greatest prophet in the Bible, Christ, had a special connection with the number 18. While Jesus healed many people that suffered from leprosy or demonic possession during His ministry, He was also well-known for His wisdom and miracles.

According to the Gospel, on one Sabbath, the day meant for rest and worship in Judeo-Christian tradition, Christ was at a synagogue and healed the daughter of a man named Abraham. She’d suffered from infirmity for 18 years, which was caused by a demon.

Christ put His hands on the daughter and said, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity,” and at that moment, she stood up and thanked the Holy Spirit with words of praise. However, a high priest then said that Sabbath was a day for worship, not for healing.

Christ called out the hypocrite’s words and said, “Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this person, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for 18 long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

Here, Christ recognized the 18 long years of suffering that Abraham’s daughter endured, and He took care of her, like each of the people in the temple had taken care of their oxen or donkeys. 

Prophetically, this number asks us to remember the bondages we suffer from, may they be physical, mental, or spiritual, and to trust in the Universe that, like the infirm daughter in the temple, we’ll be set free and attain spiritual abundance.

Does the Number 18 Have Negative Meanings in the Bible?

Let’s take a moment to think about the negative symbolism of the number 18. While 18 can speak of the success and power needed in overcoming oppression, it can also take the form of a warning.

Psalm 110:1 is an Old Testament verse that’s one of the most quoted by New Testament writers. It’s a message from God saying, “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’”

While this message points to a successful future, it also signals the start of a period of waiting or hardship, as God commands us to sit until He overthrows our enemies. A century to us is only like a second to God, but don’t worry, for our service to Him will be rewarded.

What Does the Number 18 Mean in Hebrew?

The Jewish numerological tradition, called gematria, assigns a numerical value to each letter in a word or name. When the numbers are added up, the total number points to a certain meaning.

In the case of number 18, it’s a sign of the word “chai” which means “life” or “alive” in Hebrew. 

This sign connects back to the numerical symbolism of the number 18, as in Christian tradition, life itself is seen as a type of bondage until the release of death and entrance into God’s kingdom of Heaven.

What Does the Bible Number 18 Mean in Daily Life?

The symbolism and meaning of number 18 is supplemented by the vibrations of 1 and 8. Let’s look at the meaning of these angel numbers. 

The meaning of angel number 1 presents beginnings and successful efforts, and number 8 points to future prosperity.

Therefore, when confronting number 18 in daily life, remember your higher purpose, or why you think you were born into this world. Are you experiencing bonds that are keeping you from achieving your higher purpose?

If the number 18 is a lucky number for you, think about the message this number is giving you. Ask your good friends and close family members or pray to your guardian angels if you’re concerned about these bonds that could be holding you back.

Breaking free will signal a new beginning in your spiritual journey. Discussing the biblical meaning of certain numbers and signs can give us new insights of their symbolism, as well.

What Does the Bible Number 18 Advise Us to Do?

Whether you worship the Judeo-Christian God, multiple other gods, a different Holy Book, or the Universe as a whole, the deeper meaning of number 18’s Biblical message is important for every person. While its symbolism points to bonds or breaking free of them, the form these bonds take will differ for everyone.

At this time, don’t think about material things or other superfluous matters. When the Israelites were held as slaves to several nations, they weren’t worried about buying the newest car or impressing others with their wealth, so you shouldn’t be either.

Give thanks for the blessings you have, and focus on your own inner journey. 

The Bottom Line

When considering the meaning of number 18, keep in mind what bonds may be holding you back from being your true self or reaching your highest potential. These bonds can be spiritual, mental, or even physical.

The Israelites were held in literal bonds of slavery, while Abraham’s daughter was held by physical and spiritual bonds of infirmity.

Trust yourself as you seek to overcome your bonds, and remember to always give thanks to your angels for all that you have.