Meaning of Numbers
in the Bible

The Biblical Meaning of the Number 21

Twenty one times in the Book of Kings it is said that Jeroboam the son of Nebat "made Israel to sin": 1Kings 14:16, 15:26, 30, 34, 16:19, 26, 21:22, 22:52; 2Kings 3:3, 10:29, 31, 13:2, 6, 11, 14:24, 15:9, 18, 24, 28, 17:21, 23:15.

Additional commentary on the Biblical Meaning of 21 *

The number 21 also pictures the exceeding wickedness of sin. There were 21 major rebellions by the children of Israel during their wilderness journey.

Thirteen, the number of depravity, sin and rebellion, and the number 21, are closely associated. The symbolism of 21 is the outgrowth of 13 and pictures the fruit of that nature: "Rebellion and depravity" (13) plus a "new beginning" (8) equals 21, portraying one’s "new beginning" into the depths of satanic depravity.

On the 21st day of the first month, the last day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, God executed His final judgment against Pharaoh and his armies — the symbol of the exceeding wickedness of sin.

The 21st day of the 7th month, the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, portrays the end of the Millennium when Satan and the demons are temporarily loosed. Immediately they lead people into war and rebellion. Then God executes His final judgment against Satan and the demons — the ultimate in the exceeding wickedness of sin (Revelation 20:10).

What are the 21 sins which show the wickedness of SELF?

In 2Timothy 3 the apostle Paul writes of 21 sins which show the exceeding wickedness of self and sin. He begins the chapter with a warning and then gives his list: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be . . .

1. lovers of themselves,
2. lovers of money,
3. boasters,
4. proud,
5. blasphemers,
6. disobedient to parents,
7. unthankful,
8. unholy,
9. unloving,
10. unforgiving,
11. slanderers,
12. without self-control,
13. brutal,
14. despisers of good,
15. traitors,
16. headstrong,
17. haughty,
18. lovers of pleasure
19. rather than lovers of God,
20. having a form of godliness
21. but denying its power." (2Timothy 3:1-5, NKJV)