If youʼre new to biblical numerology, you should understand the fact that numbers have pivotal symbolic meanings in the Bible.
The numbers in the Scripture are used expertly to relay something significant in the narrative, may it be symbolically, spiritually, or prophetically. This tells us that it’s vital for us to comprehend the true meaning of biblical numbers if we’re to decipher Godʼs word accurately.
In todayʼs text, weʼll take a look at the significance of the number three in the Bible. With this number being mentioned in the Bible over 467 times, the prominence of this number cannot be overlooked!
So, without beating around the bush, letʼs proceed with our task, shall we?
Table of Contents
- What Does the Number 3 Mean in the Bible?
- Where Does the Number 3 Appear in the Bible?
- What Does the Number 3 Mean Prophetically?
- Does the Number 3 Have Negative Meanings in the Bible?
- What Does the Number 3 Mean in Hebrew?
- What Does the Bible Number 3 Mean in Daily Life?
- What Does the Bible Number 3 Advise Us to Do?
- The Bottom Line
What Does the Number 3 Mean in the Bible?
In essence, you could say that number three in the Bible signifies completeness and wholeness—much like number 7, but on a smaller scale.
The number three resonates with completing a task, as Jesus prayed three times in the Garden of Gethsemane, and three times, He asked the three disciples that came with Him, especially Peter, to pray as well (Matthew 26:36-46) before He was arrested.
Upon His arrest, Jesus was nailed to the cross at the third hour of the day (Roman time) and took His last breath at the ninth hour (3 P.M.). In His period of suffering on the cross, from the 6th hour to the 9th (3 hours), the land was entirely covered with darkness.
After His crucifixion and death, Jesus Christ laid dead for three days and three nights before He was resurrected on the third day, thereby showing a sign of completeness as He conquered death and paved the way for a new beginning.
Additionally, the fact that devout Christians view God as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forming the Holy Trinity or Triune God, tells us that the number 3 resonates with perfection and feeling complete.
The number three has also been used in the Scripture to symbolize Godʼs power. For instance, only three persons—Ahaz, Jesus Christ, and Solomon (Isaiah 7:11, 1 Kings 3:5)—were permitted to ask God questions.
God described Himself in three simple phrases: “which is, and which was, and which is to come” (Revelation 1:4). Because of this, we must give number 3 its due respect.
Also, let’s not forget that God’s throne is situated at the third heaven.
Where Does the Number 3 Appear in the Bible?
As I mentioned earlier, the number three appears in the Bible a whopping 467 times. It would, therefore, be nearly impossible for us to go through it all in this short space, so letʼs only explore a handful.
If you go through the Scripture, youʼll find that God called the prophet Samuel three times (1 Samuel 3:8).
In the Bible (Matthew 22:32), youʼll also find a special mention of three patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (later renamed Israel). This trio is often credited as the fathers of the Israelite nation—a nation filled with God’s people.
In Daniel 3:23-25, three men were in a fiery furnace when a fourth man showed up, who most believe was a pre-incarnate Jesus. Another interesting finding—Jonah spent three days and nights in the belly of the great fish (Jonah 1:17).
Thereʼs another mention of the number three when the Magi gave baby Jesus three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).
Youʼll also find that Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times. He also even repeated “feed my sheep” three times to ensure Peter gets the job done (John 21:15-17) .
In Matthew 17:1-2, youʼll come to know that an inner circle of only three disciples, Peter, John, and James—witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Hermon.
When you go through Revelation 14:6-16, you’ll read about three angels.
The first angel appeals to all on earth to worship God. The second angel states the fall of Babylon and the third angel declares that people with the Mark of the Beast will be susceptible to the wrath of God.
Finally, it should pique your interest to know that there are 27 (3 x 3 x 3) books in the New Testament.
What Does the Number 3 Mean Prophetically?
The book of Revelation has some prophecies related to the number three about what will happen when Christ is reborn.
First, you’ll read that an angel has been tasked to cry three woes to earthlings to alert them of the impending trials and tribulations (Revelation 8:13).
Also, three unclean spirits will come out of the beast to deceive the entire world to fight against the returning Jesus in what’s called the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:13-16).
Lastly, the New Jerusalem, which will be created by God, will take the shape of a square and have three gates on each side (Revelation 21:13).
Does the Number 3 Have Negative Meanings in the Bible?
The number three can be viewed in a negative light as well, courtesy of the evidence we find in Revelation 12-13, where we see an evil trinity: the Antichrist, Satan, and the False prophet.
Apart from that, the number three doesnʼt have any negative meaning. By and large, it means something good and complete.
Itʼs just the habit of Satan to take something good from God and corrupt it—one example being the Trinity.
What Does the Number 3 Mean in Hebrew?
In Hebrew, bible number 3 (shelosh, sheloshah) directly translates to new life, harmony, and completeness.
What Does the Bible Number 3 Mean in Daily Life?
The biblical number three suggests that youʼre on the cusp of entering a period of growth in your life, so embrace all the positive changes that come your way.
Since number three resonates with the energies and vibrations of the angels, God, the Trinity, and the Ascended Masters, you’ll have their full backing in your endeavors. So, despite the difficulties you face in life, know that you arenʼt alone.
You, like all Christians, can keep your hope pinned on the Holy beings.
What Does the Bible Number 3 Advise Us to Do?
Number three advises you to tap into your spiritual potential. Youʼre being urged by the Higher Powers and your guardian angels to use your spiritual talents for the benefit of others on Earth.
After all, it’s only through selfless acts that you can grow spiritually. To learn your spiritual goals, keep your heart open and pay attention to your inner voice.
Be one with the divine realm through practices such as meditation and yoga, and youʼll soon hear the voices of celestial beings. Irrespective of the challenges you face in your life, the Higher Powers and your guardian angels donʼt want you to stray away from your journey.
Stay committed to the divine plan and have hope and faith in the path laid out by the Universe. And, during stressful times, donʼt shy away from seeking help from the divine.
The Bottom Line
Itʼs easy to overlook the significance of numbers in the Bible, as our culture isn’t quite attuned to number symbolism. The original Jewish culture from the past knew well about the law, body, and spiritual significance of numbers, and they thereby worked tirelessly to decipher the accurate meanings of specific numbers in the Bible.
Now, if we want to understand the true meaning of our Father Godʼs words and teaching, we must, like our ancestors, give certain numbers their due respect. In this case, ranging from the three gifts to the Trinity to even Jesus’ resurrection on the third day, the number 3 truly is a very important number in the Bible and in our lives.
Now that you know the truth and biblical meaning of number three, as a dutiful son of God, much like Jesus, spread the word and help others accurately reflect on the symbolic meaning of the verses where holy number 3 is mentioned—the way it was meant to be understood.