Biblical numerology

For information on non Judeo-Christian numerology, see Numerology. For information on translating the bible using numbers, see Kabbalah. For information on decoding the bible using different decoding methods, see Bible code.

Biblical numerology refers to the interpretation, by some biblical scholars, of numerical values used in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament that they believe relate to symbolism, which imply quality or attributes, of the value rather than to an actual quantity. While studied by theologians, not all agree with this interpretation. Others, preferring a more fundamental approach, believe that the numbers represent the literal quantities. This article explains the interpretation of those who believe that numbers sometimes represent attributes and not the number itself. According to the theory, these numbers were purposely inserted by their authors to emphasize a particular message. Numerical symbology is most often found in Ezekiel, Daniel and Revelation, but is not confined to those books.

While many ancient languages, religions, and philosophies contained numeric interpretation of events, words, and names, this article is concerned with those uniquely affecting Judeo-Christian beliefs. Although Greek culture was well-known to scholars in the first centuries BC and AD in the Middle East, Greek ideas about numerology do not seem to have permeated Jewish and Christian beliefs.

Numerical meaning

1: One implies "unity." (e.g. Deut 6:4 Eph 4:5)

2: Among other definitions, two can imply "witness."

3: The implication of three is "divine perfection" or "holiness."(e.g. (Matt 12:40).

Examples include:

• Three major feasts appear in Jewish Tradition (Exod 23:14–19)
• Prayer was urged three times daily (see Dan 6:10 and Ps 55:17)
• Three-year-old animals were prized for special sacrifices (Gen 15:9)
• There are three major celebrations in the Easter Triduum (the holiest part of Holy Week, the holiest week in much of Christianity), which lasts approximately three days (Holy Thursday, which includes the Chrism Mass, and the Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil – on Holy Saturday night – and Easter Sunday)

4: Four signifies "the world," preeminently in the Book of Revelation.

• Four corners of the earth (Rev 7:1)
• Construction of the altar: four corners, four pillars, etc. (see Exo 27:1–8Template:Bibleverse with invalid book and Exo 27:16Template:Bibleverse with invalid book); many of these altar construction guidelines are still used today

6: Both Hebrew and Christian sources believe six indicates "imperfection," "man", or "evil." For Christianity, this occurs preeminently in the Book of Revelation. Some Christians believe that 666 is the Number of the Beast. The significance of three 6s shows eternal imperfection of Lucifer. However, a secular source, Britannica, reports that it means "perfection" in religion.

7: Both religions believe that seven implies "totality of perfection," "completeness."

Examples:

• There are seven sacraments in Western Catholicism, Eastern Catholicism, the Anglo-Catholic rites, and much of Orthodoxy
• There are seven days in a week
• In the Book of Revelation, there are multiple examples, including seven churches, seven bowls, seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven spirits

8: Eight means a "new life" or "resurrection".

Examples include:

• Eight people on Noah's Ark (see Gen 7:7 and 2 Peter 2:5)
• Circumcision on eighth day (Gen 17:12)

12: Twelve implies "governmental perfection."

Examples include:

• The twelve tribes of Israel
  • There are multiple examples in Ezekiel regarding construction in the heavenly Jerusalem for the twelve tribes, including 12 foundations
• Twelve Apostles and twelve angels

1,000 signifies "immensity" or "fullness of quantity", preeminently in the Book of Revelation.

See also

• Numerology and the Church Fathers
• Significance of numbers in Judaism

External links

• Number symbolism on Encyclopædia Britannica
• Jewish Encyclopedia
• the Theology of Arithmetic
• Numerology in The Bible and various Religions
• Symbolism of Numbers in the Bible