Meaning of Numbers: The Number 222
The possible meaning of multiple number twos (e.g. 222, 2222, 2:22, and so on) in the Bible is derived from the creation of Eve and Jesus' return to earth. It is also linked to the Jubilee Year, a joyous time when land returned to their original owners, and to the Psalms.
Both Luke 22:2 and 22:22 (a use of 222 and 2222) are linked to the murder conspiracy against Jesus. The second verse of Luke 22 is one of the only places where it is recorded people were actively seeking to kill him (see also Matthew 26:4, John 5:18, 7:1) before his arrest. Verse 22 of the same chapter reveals Christ, at his last Passover, knew all along who was the person who would betray him to the religious authorities.
Appearances of Number Two Hundred Twenty Two
On October 2 in 222 A.D. (2222), the Biblical Day of Atonement, a Jubilee Year began. Jubilees were, in ancient Israel, celebrated every 50th year. It was a joyous time when property reverted to its original Israelite owner (Leviticus 25:10, 13). It was also a time when those Israelites who had sold themselves as slaves to their brethren were to be set at liberty. This Jubilee ran until September 13 in 223.
The first appearance of multiple twos (222) within a chapter and verse in the Bible is Genesis 2:22. This verse reveals that women were not a separate creation but were purposely made out of a rib borrowed from Adam. God did this to underscore the close relationship he intended for marriage (see verse 24).
Matrimony, from the start, was intended to be the unification of equals but changed to the man being the leader of the family after sin entered the picture (1Timothy 2:13 - 14, etc.).
Related to the closeness of marriage in Genesis 2:22 (another occurrence of 222) is the punishment for defiling this special relationship, through adultery, delineated in Deuteronomy 22:22. Under the Old Covenant, both the man and woman who willingly committed adultery were put to death. This ultimate penalty, according to God, would help "put away evil" from Israel, or any nation, who practices it.
In other uses of multiple twos, Psalm 22:22 (2222) declares David, after God saves him, would publicly praise him and declare his name to the people. In 2Samuel 22:2 (222 and 2222), he calls him his Rock and Deliverer. It is finally revealed in Paul's writings that the name of the Being whom David praised, as well as the One who led Israel out of Egypt, was none other than Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 10:4)!
In another fascinating use of number 2222, the book of Acts records the condemnation Apostle Paul received after defending his ministry at Jerusalem's temple. Zealous Jews, as he nears the end of speech, cry out, "Away with such a one from the face of the earth, for he is not fit to live!" (Acts 22:22). His arrest will ultimately lead him to preach the gospel in the farthest reaches of the Roman Empire.
Number 222 and Jesus' Ministry
One of Jesus' greatest, but misunderstood, use of symbolism is found in Matthew 18. He warns, in verses 8 and 9 of the chapter, that it is better to lose a hand, foot or eye than to have two hands, two feet or two eyes (222) condemn us. Since sin is generated out of thoughts and choices (Matthew 15:18 - 19), the Lord is not condoning self-mutilation as a way of dealing with sin but rather admonishing us to decisively deal with the temptations that lead to it.
Jesus, in Matthew 25's parable of the talents, uses 222 in verse 22 to teach an important lesson about those who enter God's kingdom.
And the one who had received two talents also came to him and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; see, I have gained two other talents besides them' (Matthew 25:22).
The man who received two talents doubled his master's money just like the person who got five talents (Matthew 25:16). The Lord rewarded both men equally, showing that he judges and rewards fairly based on what a person does with what he is given (verses 21, 23).
Lastly, Jesus uses the example of two men in bed, two women grinding, and two men in a field (222) to warn that many people will be arrested and killed prior to his return to earth (Luke 17:34 - 36, see also verse 37).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 222
222 is the product of 2 x 3 x 37. All three numbers, 2, 3, and 37, are primes.
The book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon between 970 and 930 B.C., has 222 verses.
The title of one of the most influential science fiction books ever published was inspired by Exodus 2:22! In this verse it states Moses named his first male child Gershom, which translated means "I have been a stranger in a strange land." Author Robert Heinlein, in 1961, published a book entitled "Stranger in a Strange Land" which takes its title from this verse reference using number 222!
In 2Peter 2:22 (2222), the Apostle Peter reveals what he thinks of those who, after understanding God's truth, reject it and go back to leading a sinful life.
But the pronouncement found in the true proverb has happened to them: The dog has returned to eat his own vomit; and the sow that was washed has returned to her wallowing place in the filthy mire (2Peter 2:22, HBFV).
The Hebrew word nachalah (Strong's Concordance #H5159) occurs 222 times in the original language version of the Old Testament. It is written the most in Joshua (50 times) followed by Numbers (46) and then Deuteronomy (25). The word is used to designate something (and sometimes someone) that is inherited or possessed, usually an estate, heirloom, property or heritage.
And behold, I have given the sons of Levi all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance (nachalah), for their service which they serve, the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. (Numbers 18:21, HBFV).
For I (the Lord) will forsake the remnant of My inheritance (nachalah) and deliver them into the hand of their enemies . . . (2Kings 21:14, HBFV).