Biblical numerology is the study of numbers in the Bible and the spiritual significance behind them. Numbers are used throughout Scripture for counting, ordering, measuring, and referencing. However, many numbers mentioned in the Bible have symbolic meaning relating to prophecy, the end times, God’s divine plans, and spiritual truths.
Specific numbers hold special significance in Scripture. Here are some of the most important biblical numbers and their spiritual meanings:
1 – Unity
One signifies unity, togetherness, and primacy. There is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). The Lord is one (Zechariah 14:9). Jesus prayed for the unification of believers (John 17:21).
3 – Divine Perfection
The number three represents divine perfection, completeness, and the Godhead. The Trinity consists of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus rose on the third day. Three signifies the fullness of time, irreversible action, and completeness in Scripture.
7 – Completion, Fulfillment
The number seven appears over 700 times in the Bible. It is the number of completion, fulfillment, and God’s covenant. Examples include God resting on the seventh day after creation, seven churches, seven spirits of God, and the seven seals in Revelation.
10 – Law, Testimony, Responsibility
Ten represents the perfection of divine order, law, testimony, responsibility and completeness of the cycles of life. The Ten Commandments contain God’s laws and testimony. A tithe, meaning one-tenth, is a responsibility and act of worship (Malachi 3:10).
12 – Governmental Perfection
Twelve is associated with governmental perfection and divine authority. There were 12 patriarchs from Shem to Jacob, 12 tribes of Israel and 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. The tree of life bears 12 kinds of fruit (Revelation 22:2). The New Jerusalem has 12 foundations and 12 gates (Revelation 21:12-14).
40 – Trial, Testing, Probation
Forty conveys a time of trial, testing and probation. Moses was on Mount Sinai 40 days receiving God’s laws. Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His ministry. Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before entering the Promised Land.
666 – Mark of the Beast
666 is identified as the number of the beast or antichrist in Revelation 13:18. This evil end times ruler will have a mark representing his name or number on the right hand or forehead of followers. The number 666 epitomizes mankind’s ultimate rebellion against God.
Beyond individual numbers, some numbers have a recurring theme throughout Scripture:
Multiples of 7
Multiples of seven have symbolic meaning relating to important biblical events. Jacob worked 7 years for Rachel (Genesis 29:20). Israelites marched around Jericho 7 times before the walls fell (Joshua 6). Jesus fed the 4,000 with 7 loaves of bread (Mark 8:5).
Multiples of 10
Multiples of 10 also carry symbolic meaning. God tested Abraham’s faith by telling him to sacrifice Isaac in the “land of Moriah…on one of the mountains” (Genesis 22:2). Moriah means “chosen by God” and many believe it refers to Jerusalem. The hills of Jerusalem were approximately 10 days journey from Abraham’s hometown of Beersheba.
Multiples of 12
Twelve tribes of Israel multiplied from the 12 sons of Jacob. There were 12,000 members sealed from each tribe in Revelation 7:5-8. The New Jerusalem has 12 gates of pearl which hold the names of the 12 tribes (Revelation 21:12-13). Multiples of 12 symbolize God’s divine authority and rule.
Certain numbers also have symbolic meaning in prophecy and eschatology (study of end times):
3.5 Years, 42 Months, 1,260 Days
3.5 years, 42 months and 1,260 days have the same duration and refer to the first half of the 7 year Tribulation period when the antichrist will persecute Jews and Christians (Daniel 7:25, Revelation 11:2-3). This time may already have been fulfilled from 68-70 AD when Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple.
1,290 Days
1,290 days marks the midpoint of the Tribulation when sacrifices are abolished and the antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel (Daniel 12:11). This period adds 30 days to the 1,260 days because the antichrist desecrates the temple before officially ending the sacrifices.
2,300 Evening and Mornings
2,300 evening and mornings refers to the number of sacrifices offered at the Jerusalem temple before it was desolated under Antiochus Epiphanes around 167 BC (Daniel 8:13-14). It may foreshadow a future abomination of desolation by the antichrist.
3.5 Days
3.5 days is the time that the two witnesses prophesy in Jerusalem before being killed by the antichrist (Revelation 11:9). After this, they are resurrected and raptured to heaven. This likely coincides with the end of the 1,260 day Tribulation period.
The study of biblical numerology provides insight into God’s divine plans, purposes, and meanings hidden beneath the surface text. While numbers have symbolic significance, they are never intended to be used for fortune-telling or divination. Only God has authority over the future.
Throughout Scripture, certain numbers point to His perfection, completeness, and sovereignty. Biblical numerology displays God’s signature of design on creation and His Word while confirming His active role in history and prophecy. However, spiritual discernment is required when interpreting number symbolism in the Bible.
Here are some key guidelines for studying biblical numerology:
- Scripture must be compared with Scripture to understand symbolic numbers.
- No number is inherently good or evil, only its usage determines meaning.
- Not every number mentioned has symbolic significance.
- Numbers interpreted outside biblical context can lead to false doctrine.
- Human speculation must be avoided when assigning meaning.
While the field of biblical numerology has value, restraint is required. Fallen human nature tends toward obsession over mystery, secrets, and hidden knowledge. Seeking deeper meaning in numbers can lead to gnosticism, mysticism, and Kabbalah if not approached carefully with wisdom and discernment.
Numbers should enhance understanding of Scripture, not replace it. Symbolism found in biblical numbers glorifies God, not mankind. Scripture must remain the ultimate guide and final authority over any numerical interpretation.
The spiritual meanings and prophetic significance behind numbers in the Bible display God’s omnipotent qualities and divine design. However, excessive allegorizing of numbers can distort Scripture’s intended meaning.
Biblical numerology reveals the intricate, mathematical texture of God’s Word when studied cautiously and in balance with the overall context of the Bible. Holy Scripture and the Holy Spirit must enlighten any analysis of the spiritual depth behind numbers referenced in God’s Word.
Ultimately, believers must look to God’s revelation through Christ who is Himself the Living Word (John 1:1). Spiritual perception of biblical numbers comes only through humble dependence on the Spirit of Truth which guides understanding of Scripture:
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13)
