Numbers are found everywhere in the Bible but not always easy to find out exactly what they mean. Here we will explain to you what numbers mean in the Bible.
Numbers are used in both the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible. In fact, there are far more numbers in the Bible than one might think. When I read the Bible I notice that Numbers use numbers often (pun intended). In fact, when looking at how numbers are used throughout the Bible, it seems that often they will just give a number and leave it at that. I have to admit that when reading through the Psalms I’m usually just looking for chants or songs to listen to as I’m working on my Sunday School materials or prayer list. They don’t seem to be written as poems in most cases but just as a bunch of verses strung together separated by commas or periods. And this is where we find some of the best examples of our study today.
Numbers are the perfect way to bring context and meaning to the words of the Bible. The common belief among scholars is that numbers in the Old Testament have a Hebrew system of numerology at their core. Another idea that is often accepted by scholars is the fact that a lot of numbers found in the Old Testament are clever wordplays.
Numbers are an essential part of the Bible. They appear in large amounts, so I thought it would be useful to have a reference guide to them all. I also wanted to share some fun facts that help me appreciate the Bible better as a whole.
Numbers In The Bible
6 Lucky Numbers in the Bible
- 7 – The number 7 is often considered lucky in the Bible. It represents completeness and perfection. For example, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, signifying completeness.
- 12 – The number 12 is also significant in the Bible. It is often associated with governance and represents divine authority. There were twelve tribes of Israel and twelve apostles chosen by Jesus.
- 40 – The number 40 frequently appears in the Bible as a symbol of testing, purification, and preparation. Noah’s flood lasted for forty days and forty nights, and Jesus fasted for forty days in the desert.
- 3 - The number 3 is seen as a divine number, representing the Trinity. It is often associated with divine manifestations and supernatural occurrences.
- 10 – The number 10 is associated with completeness of order and divine perfection. For example, the Ten Commandments given to Moses symbolize God’s perfect law.
- 70 – The number 70 is significant as it represents the nations and is connected to the dispersion of people after the Tower of Babel incident.
Numbers in the Bible Meaning
The numbers mentioned in the Bible hold symbolic meanings, often reflecting spiritual concepts and divine messages. They are not merely numerical figures but carry a deeper significance. When interpreting numbers in the Bible, it is important to consider the context and reference to specific events or characters.
For example, the number 7 is associated with completeness and perfection, representing God’s divine plan and rest. In Genesis, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day, establishing the Sabbath. The number 12 is often connected to governance and divine authority, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. The number 40 signifies testing, purification, and preparation, as demonstrated by Noah’s forty days and forty nights of rain and Jesus fasting for forty days in the wilderness.
Each number carries its own spiritual message in the Bible, revealing deeper spiritual truths and divine intentions.
Biblical Meaning of Numbers 1-100
In the Bible, numbers from 1 to 100 hold intricate symbolism and meaning. Here are a few examples:
- 1 - Represents unity and God’s singularity. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- 7 – Represents perfection and completeness; often symbolizes divine intervention. “The Lord completes what He has set forth for me.” (Psalm 138:8)
- 12 – Represents divine governance and authority. “Then I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ’Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.'” (Revelation 21:2-3)
These are just a few examples of the numerous biblical meanings associated with numbers from 1 to 100. Each number holds significance in its own context and contributes to the overall message conveyed in the Scriptures.
Spiritual Meaning of Numbers 1-9 in Bible
The numbers 1 to 9 have distinct spiritual meanings in the Bible, often highlighting divine attributes and revealing deeper truths. Here are their spiritual significances:
- 1 – Represents God’s unity, singularity, and uniqueness. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- 2 – Represents division, separation, or a union of two entities. ”Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
- 3 – Represents the Trinity, divine manifestations, and divine completion. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
- 4 – Represents the four corners of the earth, seasons, or completeness of creation. “And before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures.” (Revelation 4:6)
- 5 – Represents God’s grace and goodness. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
- 6 - Represents the imperfection, incompleteness, or fallen nature of humanity. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
- 7 – Represents completeness and perfection. “On the seventh day, God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” (Genesis 2:2)
- 8 - Represents new beginnings, resurrection, and salvation. ”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- 9 – Represents finality and divine judgment. “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
Each of these numbers has its spiritual significance, revealing different aspects of God’s nature, His relationship with humanity, and the divine order of creation.
Spiritual Meaning of Numbers 1-12 in Bible
The numbers 1 to 12 hold spiritual significance in the Bible, representing various divine concepts and manifestations. Here is a spiritual interpretation of numbers 1 to 12:
- 1 – Represents God’s unity and singularity. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- 2 – Represents division, distinction, or union of two entities. “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
- 3 – Represents the Trinity, divine manifestations, and divine completion. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
- 4 – Represents the four corners of the earth, seasons, and completeness of creation. ”And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.” (Revelation 4:6)
- 5 – Represents God’s grace and goodness. ”For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
- 6 – Represents the imperfection, incompleteness, or fallen nature of humanity. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
- 7 – Represents completeness and perfection. “On the seventh day, God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” (Genesis 2:2)
- 8 – Represents new beginnings, resurrection, and salvation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- 9 - Represents finality and divine judgment. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
- 10 – Represents completeness of order and divine perfection. “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.” (James 2:10)
- 11 – Represents chaos and disorder as it is one unit short of completion.
- 12 – Represents divine governance and authority. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” (Revelation 21:1)
These numbers carry profound spiritual meanings and reflect the divine nature, divine order, and divine relationship between God and humanity throughout the Scriptures.
Meaning of the Book of Numbers in the Bible
The Book of Numbers in the Bible holds significant meaning as it recounts the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. It provides details about their census, organization, laws, and guidance from God during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
The book is aptly named Numbers because it begins with a census of the Israelites, where each tribe is assigned specific numbers and responsibilities. It includes detailed enumerations, regulations, and instructions given by God to Moses to ensure the people’s order, cleanliness, and righteousness.
Beyond its literal significance, the Book of Numbers carries deeper spiritual meanings. It reveals God’s faithfulness, patience, and provision for His people, even in the midst of their rebellion and lack of faith. It showcases the consequences of disobedience, the importance of obedience, and the overarching plan of God to lead His people into the Promised Land.
Overall, the Book of Numbers serves as a historical and spiritual account of the Israelites’ journey and emphasizes the significance of following God’s guidance, remaining faithful, and trusting in His promises.
Biblical Meaning of Numbers 1-1000
The Bible contains numerous numbers that hold symbolic meanings and significance. While it may be difficult to delve into the specific meanings of every number between 1 and 1000, here are a few notable examples:
- 666 – Represents the number of the Beast or antichrist mentioned in the Book of Revelation. “This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.” (Revelation 13:18)
- 144,000 – Represents a symbolic number of the redeemed chosen by God during the end times. “Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, ‘Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.’ And I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel.” (Revelation 7:2-4)
- Infinity – Represents God’s infinite nature, His eternal existence beyond human comprehension. “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:2)
These are just a few examples of the biblical meanings associated with numbers beyond 100. It is essential to understand that numbers in the Bible hold both literal and symbolic significance, highlighting various spiritual concepts, historical events, and divine intentions.
Why is it Called the Book of Numbers in the Bible?
The book in the Bible known as Numbers received its name due to the extensive accounting and organization of the Israelites found within its contents. It opens with a census or numbering of the Israelite men, comprising twelve tribes, which were assigned specific numbers and responsibilities.
By providing detailed lists of tribes, their arrangements, and specified orders, the book emphasizes the importance of orderliness, faithfulness, and obedience among the Israelites. It showcases God’s guidance and His expectation of the Israelites to fulfill their designated roles.
While the term “Numbers” may focus on the literal enumeration found in the book, it offers valuable historical and spiritual insights. It reveals God’s faithfulness, the consequences of disobedience, and holds significant lessons for believers today.
The book’s name, ”Numbers,” acts as a reminder of the meticulous accountings and regulations given by God to Moses for the orderly journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land.
Numbers In The Bible
Numbers in the bible refers to the number of items in a collection. It is often used in conjunction with other words like “a” (one) and “some.” For example, you can say “I saw three numbers on the street” or “The number of dollars I spent on my vacation was $200.”
The word “number” comes from Old French word numbre, which means “number.” The word has been used since at least the 13th century. The word has several different meanings depending on its context. For example, it can mean “quantity,” such as in “There are too many numbers in this math problem!” or it can refer to a specific quantity such as in “This is an odd number.”
In addition to “number,” there are other common words that have similar meanings: amount/quantity (how much there is), figure (how many people or objects), and tally/list (listing what’s being counted).
Numbers are a common theme in the Bible. The first number mentioned in the Bible is one: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
The next number mentioned is two: “And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done.” (Genesis 2:2)
The third number mentioned is three: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
The fourth number discussed is four, which refers to how many days it took for God to create everything that exists: “By the seventh day God completed his work which he had done; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done.” (Genesis 2:2)
After these four numbers are discussed, there are no more numbers mentioned until chapter seven when Moses asks how many people will go into Canaan with him. He asks this because there were 600,000 men who were counted when they left Egypt. Moses wants to know how many people will come with him into Canaan so that they can
Numbers have always been important in the Bible, and are often used to symbolize a deeper meaning. Numbers are used to show how much time has passed since an event, or how many people have participated in a certain event. The number three is often used to symbolize completeness or perfection. There are many other numbers that are used throughout the Bible, including:
- Six: A number of perfection and completeness. The six days of creation and six days of labor also represent this idea.
- Seven: A number representing wholeness and completion. God rested on the seventh day after creating the world, and he blessed it on that day as well. There were seven things created during creation week (light, water, land, etc.). This was also true at Jesus’ last supper with his disciples—there were seven things served on the table (bread, wine, fish).
- Twelve: A number representing perfection and completeness; the twelve tribes of Israel represented all of God’s people (and now there’s only one tribe left). Jesus chose twelve apostles to be his leadership team during his ministry; Judas Iscariot betrayed him but was replaced by Matthias before Judas died .
Right here on churchgists, you are privy to relevant information on Numbers in the bible, Overview on Numbers in the bible and so much more on Numbers in the bible. Take out time to visit our catalog for more information.
Numbers in the bible
1 One = Unity or the beginning
1 One = Unity or the beginning
The number one comes from the Hebrew word אחד (echad) meaning “one”. It is the first of all numbers and as such, it represents both unity and uniqueness. In Genesis 2:24, God made Adam and Eve to become one flesh. This union is a symbol of their love for each other. Also in Gen 1:5 we see that there was light on the first day. The number one represents God’s creative work which brought light into existence.
One can also refer to the beginning in terms of time, rank or position as seen in Matt 20:27 where Jesus says “whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”
2 Two = Division or Conflict
3 Three = Godhead (Trinity)
- The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God.
- The three persons of the Godhead are distinct from each other. They distinguish themselves from each other in many instances throughout Scripture. For instance, the Father speaks to Jesus on multiple occasions (Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5; John 12:28), and Jesus prays to the Father (John 11:41-42). Also, Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22); it would be both illogical and blasphemous for Jesus to breathe upon Himself or ask Himself to receive Himself. So there’s clear Scriptural evidence that they are distinct from one another.
4 Four = Creation
4, Four
Four is the number associated with Creation. The whole earth is made up of four corners, and the Bible mentions this explicitly in Isaiah 11:12. There are also four seasons (Genesis 8:22). The four primary elements that make up all things are Earth, Water, Air and Fire (2Peter 3:10). Finally, there are four cardinal directions; North, South East and West (Isaiah 43:6), which you could easily argue represent these 4 primary elements.
The number 4 is also used to refer to ‘the whole earth’ or ‘the whole world’. Most often we see it referring to the creation of humanity; God created Adam and Eve on day 6 (Genesis 1), then later God creates all humanity through their offspring in Genesis 5:1-3 – which adds up to a total of 4 verses used to create mankind! But this pattern isn’t limited just to Genesis – we can see it again in Ezekiel 21 where God uses 4 verses to speak about destroying nation after nation for their sins (Ezekiel 21:1-4) and again when He brings judgment on Israel for their sins against Him (Ezekiel 21:9-12). Similarly we read about the 4 living creatures described in Ezekiel and Revelation who represent the entirety of life on earth before God – each creature has been given 6 wings which I believe symbolises them being complete as they were created on day 6.
5 Five = Grace
This number is mentioned 318 times in the Bible. It can symbolize God’s grace, goodness and favor toward humans and is mentioned 318 times in scripture. There are five books of the Pentateuch or Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). The five books that make up the Book of Psalms are referred to as the “book of Praises.” The five-fold ministry consists of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11-12).
The Ten Commandments were presented to Moses written on two tablets of stone. According to Jewish tradition there were three columns on each tablet for a total of six columns containing all ten commandments. The first column contained laws pertaining to our love for God; the second pertained to our love for ourselves; and the third pertained to our love for others.”
6 Six = Man
SIX SIX = MAN
The number six is man’s number. It is the 6th day of creation that man was created, and thus it has become the universal symbol of mankind. Six is also the number of sin and imperfection, as acknowledged in such verses as 2 Chronicles 7:19-20, “But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, and worship them; then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them.” The sixth seal of Revelation opens to reveal the great “day of God’s wrath” (Revelation 6:12-17). That there are 666 books in the Apocrypha plainly links this section with unregenerate man.
7 Seven = Perfection/Completion
Seven is the number of completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual). It derives much of its meaning from being tied directly to God’s creation of all things. According to Genesis 1:1-2:3, God spent six days creating the heavens and earth, and all the creatures in them. On day seven, after completing his work, he rested on that seventh day and blessed it (Sabbath). Seven is also used over 700 times throughout Scripture, often to denote divine completion or perfection. For example, Jacob had seven sons (Genesis 35:16-18), there were sevenfold judgments upon Egypt for their disobedience to God (Exodus 7:14-11:10), Naaman dipped himself in the Jordan River seven times according to Elisha’s instructions before he was healed from leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-14), and Jesus told Peter that if he forgave those who sinned against him they would be forgiven seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).
Perhaps the most well known sets of sevens in Scripture are found in Revelation chapters 1–3 where we are given a vision of God’s perfect Church comprised of individual believers in Christ as living stones. The vision is centered around Jesus’ description of Himself as “the first and the last” found at least eight times throughout Revelation chapters 1–3.
8 Eight = New Beginnings/New Birth/Salvation
Eight is the number of new beginnings and is associated with the new birth through Jesus that brings about salvation. Baptism is a beginning of salvation, which we can see in Ezekiel 47:1-12, where it says that when the water was ankle deep, life went forth; at waist deep, life increased; and at chest deep, life abounded.
The eighth day following the seven days of creation was when God installed His Sabbath rest (Genesis 2:2-3), which was a symbol of fullness and completion as well as a picture of our future eternity with God. Eight is also the number associated with resurrection, because Jesus rose from death on the “eighth” day, counting on from His crucifixion (Matt 28:1). The Resurrection Sunday on which He rose from death to eternal life occurred after 7 days had passed since His death (i.e., 1 day for crucifixion + 6 days for preparation for burial + Resurrection Sunday = 8 days)
9 Nine = Judgment of God
9 Nine
Judgment of God
Nine is the number of judgment, for judgement is committed unto Jesus as Isaiah 9:6-7 declares. Jesus died at the ninth hour (Mark 15:34). He was in the earth three days and three nights (Matthew 12:40). Nine represents finality or completeness of judgment. Noah’s flood lasted for 150 days, a multiple of nine. Achan was stoned at the valley of Achor on the seventh day, which equals 49 (7×7) and is also a multiple of nine. On that very same day, God ended His plague on Israel (Joshua 7:14-26; 8:28). Thus, there were 49 persons who perished by stoning and another 49 who perished by plague thus making 98 in all because 98 = 7×7 + 7×7 = 14×7 = 2 x 7² = 2 x 49. The number seven represents perfection or completion while the number two represents division since God divided Adam into Eve at creation. These two numbers combine to create a double seven which is fourteen and thus carries with it a special measure of spiritual perfection or completion when speaking judicially such as with judgment upon sin.
10 Ten = Law/Trial/Responsibility
In Scripture there is a hidden code. The Word of God has been written in such a way that certain numbers always have the same meaning. For example, “seven” always means “spiritual perfection,” while “twelve” always means “government perfection.” In this way, God has given us an additional tool by which to study His Word and know Him better.
The number ten means trial or responsibility. Because ten is ten ones in a row, it symbolizes man’s responsibility to obey the Ten Commandments perfectly so as not to be found guilty of sin. However, since we are all imperfect (see Romans 3:23), it is not possible for us to do so. Thus the Ten Commandments show our need for Jesus Christ as Savior from sin (see John 3:16-17).
12 Twelve = Governmental perfection, Israel in the wilderness wandered for forty years, the number of the man, each tribe had twelve heads, the new Jerusalem has twelve gates, twelve pearls and twelve foundations. There are also twelve signs of the Zodiac and constellations. Jesus had 12 apostles to preach His Word. The Church is founded on Him and His Apostles. He will return at a time when man has completely corrupted his government and society. He will rule with a rod of iron. (Revelation 19-21)
You may be surprised to learn that the numbers in the Bible have meaning. This list of biblical numbers and meanings is by no means exhaustive. It is a basic list of twelve words, which represent twelve numbers in the Bible.
12 – Twelve = Governmental perfection, Israel in the wilderness wandered for forty years, the number of the man, each tribe had twelve heads, the new Jerusalem has twelve gates, twelve pearls and twelve foundations. There are also twelve signs of the Zodiac and constellations. Jesus had 12 apostles to preach His Word. The Church is founded on Him and His Apostles. He will return at a time when man has completely corrupted his government and society. He will rule with a rod of iron. (Revelation 19-21)
Biblical numerology is meaningful to me
A great example of biblical numerology is the number seven, which signifies perfection and completion. The meaning of seven is evident throughout all of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, beginning with God’s creation of the world in Genesis 1:1–2:3. It was on the seventh day that He completed His work and rested, showing us that humans were created to set aside one day a week to worship Him, who completes all things perfectly. There are other examples in Scripture that show how God uses numbers to guide our faith and lead us toward truth