Meaning of Numbers
in the Bible

The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 16 *

The number sixteen symbolizes love. There are 16 names of God in the Old Testament that signify His steadfast love for the children of Israel.

The converted believer is to become perfected in the love of God not just by physically obeying the Ten Commandments (which ought to be done) but also by obeying the spiritual INTENT of God's laws: "Jesus said to him,  "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it:  'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."" (Matthew 22:37-41, NKJV throughout) This duality of spiritual love is signified by 8 + 8 = 16. The 16th time the word "love" is used in 1John it says, "There is no fear in love . . ." (1John 4:18).

Moses with the Ten Commandments Oil on canvas by Rembrandt (1659 A.D.)

Paul, the number sixteen, and love

In 1Corinthians 13 the apostle Paul says sixteen things about the quality of love:

1. Love suffers long

2. Love is kind

3. Love does not envy

4. Love does not parade itself

5. Love is not puffed up

6. Love does not behave rudely

7. Love does not seek its own

8. Love is not provoked

9. Love thinks no evil

10. Love does not rejoice in iniquity

11. Love rejoices in the truth

12. Love bears all things

13. Love believes all things

14. Love hopes all things

15. Love endures all things

16. LOVE NEVER FAILS . . . (1Corinthians 13:4-8, paraphrased)