Meaning of Numbers
in the Bible

The Biblical Meaning of the Number 7

In the first part of this book we have enlarged somewhat on the importance of this number in Nature and in Grace, so that we need not here repeat many of the interesting facts already given.

As a number the actual word and number "Seven" is used as no other number is. Seven and its compounds occur in multiples of seven in the Old Testament.

Seven occurs 287 times, or 7 x 41.

"Seventh," the fractional part, occurs 98 times, or 7 x 14.

"Seven-fold," occurs 7 times.

The above three numbers together are of course a multiple of seven, but a very remarkable one, 287 + 98 + 7 = 392, and 392 is 7² + 7³, or 8 times the square of seven (7²x8).

Then again seven, in combination with other numbers, is remarkable, such as Fifty and seven, a Hundred and seven, etc. There are 112 of these combinations, or 7 x 16.

"Seventy" occurs 56 times, or 7 x 8.

"Seventy," in combination with other numbers, occurs 35 times, or 7 x 5.

It is, however, when we come to consider its significance that the true glories of its spiritual perfection are revealed.

We have just seen that six is the number which is stamped upon all things human, as being emphatically the number of man. The two numbers, 6 and 7, are further discussed in its own chapter.

What does the word SEVEN mean in Hebrew?

But now turning to the number Seven, we must first consider the meaning of the word.

In the Hebrew, seven is (ba#$e (shevah). It is from the root (ba#$&af (savah), to be full or satisfied, have enough of. Hence the meaning of the word "seven" is dominated by this root, for on the seventh day God rested from the work of Creation. It was full and complete, and good and perfect. Nothing could be added to it or taken from it without marring it. Hence the word tba#$af (Shavath), to cease, desist, rest, and tb@af#$a Shabbath, Sabbath, or day of rest. This root runs through various languages; e.g., Sanscrit, saptan; Zend., hapta; Greek, epta (hepta); Latin, septem. All these preserve the "t," which in the Semitic and Teutonic languages is dropped out; e.g. Gothic, sibun; German, sieben; English, seven.

It is seven, therefore, that stamps with perfection and completeness that in connection with which it is used. Of time, it tells of the Sabbath, and marks off the week of seven days, which, artificial as it may seem to be, is universal and immemorial in its observance amongst all nations and in all times. It tells of that eternal Sabbath-keeping which remains for the people of God in all its everlasting perfection.

In the creative works of God, seven completes the colors of the spectrum and rainbow, and satisfies in music the notes of the scale. In each of these the eighth is only a repetition of the first.

Another meaning of the root (ba#$af (Shavagh) is to swear, or make an oath. It is clear from its first occurrence in Genesis 21:31, "They sware both of them," that this oath was based upon the "seven ewe lambs" (verses 28,29,30), which point to the idea of satisfaction or fulness in an oath. It was the security, satisfaction, and fulness of the obligation, or completeness of the bond, which caused the same word to be used for both the number seven and an oath; and hence it is written, "an oath for confirmation is an end of all strife." Beer-sheba, the well of the oath, is the standing witness of the spiritual perfection of the number seven.

The first statement as to the original Creation in Genesis 1:1 consists of 7 words, and 28 letters (4x7).*

* But we ought to note in passing that the next statement, Genesis 1:2, which tells of the ruin into which this Creation fell, though it consists of 14 words, yet it has 52 letters. Now 52 is 4 times 13, and 13, as we shall see further on, is the number of apostasy. Thus the cause of that ruin is more than intimated by the number 13 appearing so significantly in the second verse.

Are the words of God PURE?

The words of God are pure words. They are not angelic words (2Corinthians 12:4; 1Corinthians 13:1), not words pertaining to heaven; but words used by men on this earth, human words, and therefore they have to be perfectly purified, as silver is purified in a furnace. In Psalm 12:6, there is an ellipsis which requires the word "words" to be repeated from the previous clause. Then we can take the preposition l, (Lamed), which means "to," in its natural sense. The Authorized Version translates it of ("a furnace of earth"); and the Revised Version renders it on ("a furnace on the earth"). Both are wrong through not seeing and supplying the ellipsis which would have enabled them to translate the l to, or pertaining to, literally. Thus:—

a. The words of God are pure words,

b. As silver tried in a furnace:

a. [Words] pertaining to the earth,

b. Purified seven times.

Here we have the four lines complete, in which "a" corresponds to "a," the subject being the words of Jehovah. While in "b" and "b" we have the purifying: in "b" of silver, and in "b" of the earthly words which God uses.

God takes up and uses words "pertaining to this world," but they require purifying. Some words He does not use at all; some He uses with a higher meaning; others He uses with a new meaning: thus they are purified. Now, silver is refined "seven times." So these words have to be perfectly purified before they can be used as "the words of Jehovah."

What was the seven-fold blessing Abraham received from God?

Abraham's seven-fold blessing in Genesis 12:2, 3:—

"I will make of thee a great nation,
And I will bless thee,
And make thy name great;
And thou shalt be a blessing;
And I will bless them that bless thee,
And curse him that curseth thee:
And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."

With this we may compare God's seven-fold covenant with Israel.

What was God's Seven-fold Covenant with Israel?

God's seven-fold covenant with Israel in Exodus 6:6-8. Seven times does the expression, "I will" occur in these few verses, stamping the whole with spiritual perfection. These are preceded by "I have" three times repeated (verses 4,5), giving the Divine basis on which the blessing was based:—

I have established My covenant with them, etc.
I have also heard their groaning, etc.
I have remembered My covenant.

Then follows the seven-fold blessing:—

I will bring you out from Egypt.
I will rid you of their bondage.
I will redeem you.
I will take you to Me for a people.
I will be to you a God.
I will bring you in unto the land.
I will give it you.

" . . . Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt." - Numbers 13:22

Egypt was "the house of bondage." Zoan was that city in it where its wise men were shown to be fools (Isaiah 19:11-13). It was also the place where God's miracles were performed which brought out the folly of that human wisdom (Psalm 78:12,43).

But Hebron, which means fellowship, was a place in Canaan, the city of Abraham, "the friend of God," still called today the city of El Khulil, "of the Friend." In its valley, Eschol, grew the finest fruit of Emmanuel's land.

"Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt."

This phrase, thrown in parenthetically, at the moment when His people first discovered the existence of Hebron, contains the intimation of a deep spiritual truth, as shown by the significance of the number seven.

It shows that the sphere of Divine friendship and fellowship and of heavenly delights was established in eternity, seven years marking the spiritual perfection of time, before the wisdom of this world had any existence or place. (See Psalm 90:2, 103:17; Proverbs 8:22-31; Micah 5:2; John 17:5-24; 1Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:4-3:11; 2 1Timothy 1:9: Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:19,20).

What is the seven-fold SPRINKLING performed at the temple?

The seven-fold sprinkling implies that it was perfectly and spiritually efficacious.

On the great Day of Atonement the blood was sprinkled "ON the mercy-seat eastward." This was Godward, and therefore it was once done and on the mercy-seat. But "BEFORE the mercy-seat" it was to be sprinkled seven times. Before* the mercy-seat seven times, because this was the perfect testimony for the people that the atonement for their sins was accomplished.

* It was directly before the Tabernacle that the blood of the red heifer was sprinkled seven times, Numbers 19:4. The leper also was cleansed in the same place with a seven-fold sprinkling of the blood of the killed bird (Leviticus 14:7,11).

The directions for the Day of Atonement are given in Leviticus 16; but from other Scriptures we learn that there were seven sprinklings on that great day, to mark the perfection of accomplished atonement:—

1. On the mercy-seat (Leviticus 16:14).
2. Before the mercy-seat (Leviticus 16:14).
3. Before the veil (Leviticus 4:17).
4. On the horns of the golden altar (Exodus 30:10).
5. On the horns of the brazen altar (Leviticus 16:18).
6. Round about upon the altar (Leviticus 16:19).
7. The blood that was left poured out at the foot of the brazen altar (Leviticus 4:18).

How are the PSALMS stamped with the number 7?

The Psalms are in many ways stamped with this number of spiritual perfection.

There are 126 Psalms which have titles. That is 7 x 18.

There are seven names mentioned in the titles as the authors of these Psalms, viz.:—

1. David, 56 (7x8).
2. The Sons of Korah, 11 (Psalm 42, 44-49, 84, 85, 87, 88).
3. Asaph, 12 (Psalm 50, 73-83).
4. Heman the Ezrahite, 1 (Psalm 88).
5. Ethan the Ezrahite, 1 (Psalm 89).
6. Moses, 1 (Psalm 90).
7. Solomon, 1 (Psalm 72).

There were 14 Psalms (2x7), all David's, which were written on historical occasions; viz., Psalm 3, 7, 18, 30, 34, 51, 52, 54, 56, 57, 59, 60, 63, and 142.

Seven Psalms are ascribed to David in the New Testament, specifically, by name:—:

1. Psalm 2 in Acts 4:25, "Who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing."

2. Psalm 16 in Acts 2:25, "For David speaketh concerning Him, I foresaw the LORD always before my face, for He is on my right hand that I should not be moved."

3. Psalm 32 in Romans 4:6, "Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works."

4. Psalm 41 in Acts 1:16, "This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas."

5. Psalm 69 in Romans 11:9, "And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling-block, and a recompence unto them."

6. Psalm 95 in Hebrews 4:7, "He limiteth a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time, as it is said, Today if ye will hear His voice."

7. Psalm 109 in Matthew 22:43, "How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord," etc.

It will be observed that these seven quotations are arranged like the golden candlestick, in 2 threes with one in the centre, viz.:—

3 in the Acts
1 in the Gospels, and
3 in the Epistles;

Or, like the candlestick—

What are the Seven Quotations from Psalm 69 in the New Testament?

The seven quotations from Psalm 69 in the New Testament show that this Psalm is one of great importance, and mark its spiritual perfection, in connection with the Lord Jesus.

1. Verse 4. The Lord Himself quotes this when the Eleven are gathered round Him just after the institution of the Supper, after telling them to expect the hatred of the world, because He had chosen them out of it. John 15:18-25.

2. Verse 9. Again, concerning the Lord, His disciples remembered that it was written. John 2:13-17.

3. Verse 9. The Holy Spirit uses it to hold up Christ as a pattern, even as Christ pleased not Himself. Romans 15:3.

4. Verse 21. At the crucifixion this was fulfilled. Matthew 27:34, 48.

5. Verses 22 and 23. The Holy Spirit, referring to the fact that Israel had not obtained that which it sought for, but only the elect remnant, the rest being blinded, says Romans 11:7-10.

6. Verses 24 and 27. Referring to the persecution of Christians by the Jews, the Holy Spirit says 1 Thessalonians 2:15, 16.

7. Verses 25 and 27. The Lord, in His last denunciation, closing His testimony against Jerusalem, says Matthew 23:29-38.

This seven is divided into the usual four and three; four of the quotations being in the Gospels, and three being in the Epistles. Further, they occur in the first and last of the Gospels, and in the first and last of the Epistles written to Churches. Thus they are stamped by the number of spiritual perfection.

Who are the seven MEN OF GOD mentioned in the Old Testament?

There are seven so-called in the Old Testament:—

• Moses, Deuteronomy 33:1, and 5 other times.
• David, 2Chronicles 8:14, and twice.
• Samuel, 1Samuel 9:6, and 3 times.
• Shemaiah, 1 Kings 12:22, and once (2Chronicles 11:2).
• Elijah, 7 times.
• Elisha, 2 Kings 4:7, and 29 times.
• Igdaliah, once, Jeremiah 35:4.

Timothy, in the New Testament, is also called a man of God, making eight altogether.

What are the seven WEAK things in Judges?

Seven weak things in Judges are used by God as instruments of deliverance, marking and stamping the spiritual perfection of His work:—

1. A left handed man (3:21),—Ehud delivering from Moab's oppression.

2. An ox-goad (3:31) in the hand of Shamgar, delivering from the Philistines.

3. A woman (4:4), and

4. A tent-peg in the hand of Jael (4:21) [delivering from Jabin, king of Canaan].

5. A piece of a millstone (9:53), thrown by another woman, and delivering the people from Abimelech's usurpation.

6. The pitchers and trumpets of Gideon's 300 (7:20), delivering from the hosts of Midian.

7. The jaw-bone of an ass (15:16), by which Samson delivered Israel from the Philistines.

And why all this in connection with the "savior" (2:16-18), whom God raised up and used? To show that "no flesh shall glory in His presence" (1Corinthians 1:20).

So in later times, whenever God has "done wondrously," He has chosen "the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty" (1 Cor 1:27). It was so in Apostolic days, and has been so in all ages. It was Luther, a miner's son, by whom God "shook the world." It was Calvin, a cooper's son in Picardy, by whom God built up His church in the Faith. It was Zwingle, a shepherd's son in the Alps, by whom God established the Reformation in Switzerland. It was John Knox, the son of a plain burgess in a country town, who caused Scotland to be known as "the Land of Knox."

And so through all the ages God has made it clear that it is He who is the worker, and that the instruments He chooses to use are nothing. He usually rejected man's firstborn, and chose a younger son. He took David, the youngest, from the sheepfold, to be ruler over His people, as He had chosen Gideon, the least member of the poorest family in Manasseh, to deliver Israel from the Midianite hosts.

What is the seven-fold qualification for service?

This is seen in Gideon, Judges 6.

1. Conviction as to his own humiliating condition, verse 11, as shown in verse 15.
2. An exercised heart, verse 13, as caused probably by the prophet's testimony, verse 8.
3. No confidence in the flesh, verse 15.
4. Peace with God through grace; the peace of God through gift, verses 17, 18, 22, 23.
5. Worship, verse 24.
6. Obedience in small things, verses 25-27.
7. Power for great things, verses 33-35 and chapter 7.

A careful study of Judges 6 will yield spiritual profit, instructing us as to the ways of God in calling and qualifying His servants.

What is the importance of seven Oak Trees?

Seven Oak trees are mentioned in the Old Testament; the seven being divided into four and three—the first three being connected with burial.

• Genesis 35:4. Jacob buried teraphim.
• Genesis 35:8. Rachel's nurse.
• 2 Samuel 31:13. At Jabesh Saul and his sons buried.
• Joshua 24:26. Joshua set up the stones of witness.
• 2 Samuel 18:9. Absalom's oak.
• Judges 6:11. At Ophrah, where the angel appeared.
• 1 Kings 13:14. Where the man of God sat.

Seven of Jesse's Sons

Seven of Jesse's sons passed before Samuel (1Samuel 16) to show that the perfection of nature can yield nothing for God.

What are the seven miracles written about in the gospel of John?

• The water turned into wine. (John 2:9)

• Healing of the nobleman's son. (John 4:47)

• Healing of crippled man at the pool of Bethesda. (John 5:4-9)

• The feeding of 5,000 people from only five loaves of bread and two fishes. (John 6:10)

• Healing of the man born blind. (John 9:1)

• The raising of Lazarus from the dead. (John 11:43)

• The catching of 153 fishes by some of the disciples. (John 21:6)

These formed the spiritual perfection of the "signs" that Jesus was the Christ.

The Seven Words to the Woman of Samaria

The seven words to the woman of Samaria in John 4 are full of interest, and the perfection of Christ's dealings with her is thus stamped.

1. 4:7. Attracting her attention by His question, "Give Me to drink?"
2. 4:10. Leading her to ask it of Him.
3. 4:13,14. Describing the water which He gives.
4. 4:16. The arrow of conviction, "Go," "call," and "come."
5. 4:17. Increasing the conviction.
6. 4:21-24. Answering her questions and her doubts.
7. 4:26. Revealing Himself.

The Seven Appearances of Angels *

* There were three appearances before the birth of Jesus:—(1) to Zacharias (Luke 1:1); (2) to Mary (Luke 1:26); (3) to Joseph (Matthew 1:20). Altogether there were ten, which completes the perfection of Divine order. It would prove a fruitful source of profit to make a close study of all the words and sayings of angels.

The seven appearances of angels during the life of Jesus on earth.

1. To the shepherds (Luke 2:9).
2. To Joseph (Matthew 2:13).
3. To Joseph (Matthew 2:19).
4. After the Temptation (Matthew 4:11).
5. In Gethsemane (Luke 22:43).
6. At the Resurrection (Matthew 28:2).
7. At the Ascension (Acts 1:10).

What are the seven things that spiritually defile a person?

The seven things which spiritually defile come "out of the heart," and complete the picture of spiritual defilement, emphasizing the fact that spiritual defilement is caused, not by that which goeth "into the mouth," but by that which cometh "out of the heart" (Matthew 15:19).

There is no end to the mere enumeration of the groups of seven things which are to be found in the Bible. Many students have noted them, and some have published lists of their discoveries. This part of our subject is so well-known and well-trodden, that we may here leave it, merely noting a few miscellaneous examples. Mr. Samuell points out some curious facts in connection with

The Ten Commandments

These were written with the finger of God, and would, therefore, be specially stamped with this symbol of spiritual perfection.

1. Seven of them commence with the word )l, not.
2. The word Mwy, day, occurs seven times.
3. The preposition b, in, seven times.
4. The preposition l, to, 14 times.
5. "Upon" and "above" together, seven times.
6. "Serve," "servant," "maidservant," together, seven times.
7. The relationship of "father," "mother," "son," "daughter," "wife," together, seven times.
8. The numbers "third," "fourth," "six," "seventh," and "thousands," together, seven times.
9. "Lord" and "God," together, 14 times.
10. There are seven different pronouns used, in all 49 times (7²)*

    * Omitting "thy" before "stranger" (Commandment 4) with LXX and Vulgate.

11. The 3rd person singular pronoun occurs seven times.
12. The conjunction "and" seven times in Commandment 2.
13. The definite article seven times in Commandment 4.
14. Commandment 4 forbids the doing of any work on the seventh day to seven persons and things.
15. Commandment 10 forbids coveting to seven persons and things.
16. Commandment 3 contains 21 (7x3) simple words.
17. Commandment 9 contains 7; and
18. Commandment 10 contains 28 (7x4).

The Division of Seven into Four and Three

The division of seven into four and three is generally noticeable. It is specially so in the Apocalypse.

The Promises to the Churches

The Promises to the Churches are seven in number. Each contains the solemn exhortation, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." In the first three epistles the promise (which refers to the past in its imagery) follows this exhortation; while in the latter four the promise (which has reference to future blessings) precedes it.

Our attention is thus called to this great exhortation. It tells us that when these epistles were sent, the Church and the churches had all failed in their corporate capacity. They are addressed not to the churches, but to individuals; and all through, individuals are exhorted. It is the same with John's Epistles, written, like his Gospel and the Apocalypse, at the close of the first century. So that we must not and cannot do as we are bidden on every hand,—"Go back to the first three centuries," and "hear the voice of the Church"; for before the close of the first century we are bidden to hear not what the church or the churches say, but to "hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

The Seven Seals

The Seven seals are thus divided; the first four being marked by the command "Come,"* given to the horseman, while the latter three are altogether different.

* The verb means "to come," or "go."

The Seven Trumpets

The Seven trumpets are also divided into three and four, the first four being severed from the latter three by the angel flying saying, "Woe, woe, woe."

The Seven Parables of Matthew 13

The Seven Parables of Matthew 13 are also thus marked, as already shown on analysis of the number 4.

The division is still further marked by the three commencing with the word "Again" (verses 44, 45, and 47), while the four are separated by the word "Another"; thus indicating that in the four we have four different revelations in their relation to the world, while in the three we have a repetition of the one truth in different forms in its relation to God's people.

Miscellaneous Examples of the Number 7 in the Bible

The seven gifts of Romans 12:6-8.

The seven unities of Ephesians 4:4-6.

The seven characteristics of wisdom, James 3:17.

The seven gifts of Christ in John's Gospel:

• His flesh, 6:51.
• His life, 10:11.
• His example, 13:15.
• The comforter, 14:16.
• "My peace," 14:27.
• His words, 17:8,14.
• His glory, 17:22.

The seven "better" things in Hebrews:

• Testament, 7:22.
• Promises, 8:6.
• Substance, 10:34.
• Hope, 7:19.
• Sacrifices, 9:23.
• Country, 11:16.
• Thing 11:35.

The seven titles of Christ in Hebrews:

• Heir of all things, 1:2.
• Captain of our salvation, 2:10.
• Apostle, 3:1.
• Author of salvation, 5:9.
• Forerunner, 6:20.
• High Priest, 10:21.
• Author and finisher of faith, 12:2.

The seven-fold "once," apax (hapax). Once for all, in Hebrews (9:7,26,27,28, 10:2, 12:26,27).

The Seven exhortations in Hebrews, "Let us," 10:22, 23, 24, 12:1, 28, 13:13, 15.

The seven graces of 2 Peter 1:5-7.

The seven-fold ascriptions of praise in Revelation 5:12, 7:12, etc.

The seven "eternal" things in Hebrews:

• A priest for ever, 5:6.
• Eternal salvation, 5:9.
• Eternal judgment, 6:2.
• Eternal redemption, 9:12.
• Eternal spirit, 9:14.
• Eternal inheritance, 9:15.
• Everlasting covenant, 13:20.

The seven firstfruits of—

• Resurrection, 1Corinthians 15:20-23.
• The Spirit, Romans 8:23.
• New creation, James 1:18.
• Israel, Romans 11:16.
• The "redeemed from the earth," Revelation 14:5.
• Missions, Romans 16:5.
• Ministry, 1Corinthians 16:15.

The seven parables of Matthew 13.

The seven-fold "blessed" in Revelation: 1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, 14.

What are the SEVEN SECRETS or mysteries found in the New Testament?

• The kingdom, Matthew 13:11; Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10.

• The partial blindness of Israel, Romans 11:25.

• The Church or Body of Christ, Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:3,4,9, 5:32, 6:19; Colossians 1:26,27; Revelation 1:20.

• The first Resurrection, 1Corinthians 15:51.

• The secret purpose of God, Ephesians 1:9; Colossians 2:2; Revelation 10:7.

• The secret purpose of the devil, 2Thessalonians 2:7.

• Babylon, Revelation 17:5, 7.

The seven steps in the humiliation of Jesus and the seven in His exaltation in Philippians 2.

What are the SEVEN words of Jesus from the cross?

• "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," Luke 23:34.

• "Verily, I say unto thee today: Thou shalt be with Me in Paradise," Luke 23:43.

• "My God! my God! why hast thou forsaken Me," Matthew 27:46.

• "Woman, behold thy son . . . Behold thy mother," John 19:26.

• "I thirst," John 19:28.

• "Father, into Thy hand I commend My spirit," Luke 23:46.

• "It is finished," John 19:30.

Seven-fold occurrence of the expression "in Christ," in 2 Timothy: 1:1, 9, 13, 2:1, 10, 2:12, 15.

The mystery of God is completed in the seventh vial of the seventh trumpet of the seventh seal.

The "seventh" man "from Adam" "was not, for God took him" (Genesis 5:24).

The day of atonement was in the seventh month (Leviticus 16:29).

The clean beasts were taken into the Ark by sevens (Genesis 7:2). (The others were taken by twos, 6:19).

Seven steps lead up to the temple in Ezekiel 40.

The Lord's Prayer contains seven petitions. These are divided into four and three. The first three relate to God, the four to man.

Seven washings are typical of our complete spiritual cleansing (2 Kings 5:14).

Words and phrases that occur 7 times

Turning now to another department we come to a large subject, which has already been touched upon.

Some writers see seven everywhere and in everything in the Bible. But this is to deny, practically, the significance of all other numbers, and to lose all their instruction. Still we must admit that in the structure and outward form of Holy Writ, as being the special work of the Holy Spirit, we do see this stamp of spiritual perfection in a very remarkable manner. Mr. Samuell calls attention to the number as we see it:

1. In the occurrences of single words.
2. In the occurrences of important phrases.
3. In groups of words from the same root.
4. In groups of words from different roots, but with similar meaning.

And this not merely in the Bible as a whole, but sometimes very markedly:

1. In the Old Testament.
2. In the Hebrew or Chaldee portions of the Old Testament.
3. In the New Testament.
4. In a particular book.
5. In all the books of a particular writer.
6. In a particular section of a book referring to a special subject.

Let us look at a few examples, and first of the number of words used for a particular thing. We have already seen an example of this under the number six.

What are the seven words the Old Testament uses for GOLD?

In the Old Testament there are 7 Hebrew words (the number 7 symbolizes spiritual perfection) used to refer to gold. An example of each of these words is below.

1. Zâhâb (Hebrew: bhz):

   "Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where GOLD is refined . . . Its stones are the source of sapphires, and it contains GOLD dust." (Job 28:1, 6)

   The Hebrew word used for gold in Job 28 (and many other places) is zâhâb, which is Strong's Concordance #H2091. Zâhâb is from a root word that means to shimmer or shine like gold. It is the most common Old Testament Hebrew word translated into the English word gold.

2. Pâz (Hebrew: zp):

   "The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord . . . For You meet him with the blessings of goodness. You set a crown of PURE GOLD upon his head." (Psalm 21:1, 4)

   The Hebrew word translated as "pure gold" in the above verse is pâz, which is Strong's Concordance #H6337. It means pure or refined gold and is sometimes used to represent spiritual purity and glory.

3. Betser (Hebrew: rcb):

   "Then you will lay your GOLD in the dust, and the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks. Yes, the Almighty will be your GOLD and your precious silver;" (Job 22:24-25)

   The Hebrew word betser translated as gold above (Strong's Concordance #H1220) is found only in the book of Job. It comes from a root word meaning to dig or cut off, and is used for gold that is broken up.

4. Chârûts (Hebrew: Cwrx):

   "Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice GOLD" (Proverbs 8:10)

   The Hebrew word chârûts (Strong's Concordance #H2742) used for gold in Proverbs 8 is also used in Psalm 68:

   "Though you lie down among the sheepfolds, you will be like the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow GOLD." (Psalm 68:13)

   Chârûts comes from the Hebrew root word meaning to chop or cut off and is used to refer to gold in pieces or parts.

5. Kethem (Hebrew: Mtk):

   "How the gold has become dim! How changed the FINE GOLD!" (Lamentations 4:1)

   The word kethem (Strong's Concordance #H3800) translated as "fine gold" in the above verse means something that is carved out. When kethem is used in reference to gold it signifies gold that is pure as originally mined or gold that is stamped or engraved as being fine or pure.

6. Sâgar (Hebrew: rwgs):

   The sixth word used to refer to gold in the Old Testament is sâgar (Strong's Concordance #H5462). It is found only once in the Bible, in Job 28:

   "But where can wisdom be found? . . . It cannot be purchased for GOLD, nor can silver be weighed for its price." (Job 28:12, 15)

   Sâgar generally means to shut up or inclose. When used in reference to gold in Job 28:15 it refers to gold in a solid state or gold as solid.

7. Dehab (Hebrew: bhd):

   "This image’s head was of fine GOLD, its chest and arms of silver . . ." (Daniel 2:32)

   The Hebrew word dehab (Strong's Concordance #H1722) which is translated as gold in the above verse occurs only in the books of Daniel and Ezra. It is related to the word used for gold in our first example (zâhâb) and is another way the Bible references gold or golden in general.

What are the seven different names used for Palestine?

In Old Testament only:

1. "The Holy Land," Zechariah 2:12 (#dqh tmd), Admath Ha-kadosh; LXX, h gh h agia; early Christian writers, Terra sancta). Very common in Middle Ages, now used only geographically.

2. "The Land of Jehovah," only in Hosea 9:3. Compare Leviticus 25:23; Psalm 85:1; Isaiah 8:8; Joel 1:6, 3:2; Jeremiah 16:18.

In New Testament only:

3. "The Land of Promise, " Hebrews 11:9. This title is based of course on the Old Testament and other Scriptures. Compare Genesis 13:15; Deuteronomy 34:1-4; Genesis 50:24; Ezekiel 20:42; Acts 7:5.

4. Judea, or the Land of Judah, hdwhy Cr). This name was at first used only of the territory of the Tribe of Judah (2 Chron 9:11), but after the Captivity it was used of the whole land, even including the East of the Jordan, Luke 1:5, 23:5; Matthew 19:1; Acts 28:21.

In Old and New Testament:

5. "The Land," Cr)h, Ha-ahretz, Ruth 1:1; Jeremiah 12:11; Luke 5:25; Matthew 27:45. This was a strictly Jewish name.

6. "The Land of Israel," l)r#y Cr). First used in 1Samuel 13:19, and occasionally in later books (2 Kings 5:2, 6:23). In Ezekiel oftener than in all the rest of the Bible. Matthew 2:21. This name is also essentially Jewish.

7. "Canaan," N(nk (K'naan). So called after the son of Ham, by whose descendants it was at first inhabited (Genesis 9:18, 10:15-19). It is therefore the oldest name, and was confined to the country west of the Jordan. See Exodus 6:4, 15:15; Leviticus 14:34; Deuteronomy 22:39; Joshua 14:1; Psalm 105:11; Genesis 17:8.

The name Palestine and Palestina, when the Authorized Version was made, was equivalent to Philistia. See Psalm 60:8, 87:4; 108:9. It is never used of the whole land, but only of "Philistia." See Kitto, vol, iii. p. 386.

Words which occur Seven Times

(1) Old Testament

• rwz) (Eh-zor), a girdle, 14.

• hrkz) (az-kah-rah), memorial, 7.

• rk) (ik-kar), husbandman, 7.

• Pn) (ah-naph), to be angry, 14.

• rs) (Chald., esahr), a decree, 7 (all in Daniel 6).

• qp) (ah-phak), to restrain, 7.

• rqb (bah-kar), to search, 7.

• rb (bar), clean, 7.

• rb (bar) and rb (bahr), corn, 14.

• yrb (b'ree) and )yrb (bah-ree), fat, 14.

• tyrb (b'reeth), covenant; 7 in Genesis 9 of God's covenant with Noah, and 14 in Genesis 15 and 17 of God's covenant with Abraham.

• hlwg (goh-lah), captivity, 42 (7 being in the simple form, and 7 with the preposition b, into, prefixed).

• hzg (gizzah), a fleece, 7 (all in Judges 6:37-40).

• Ng (gan), a garden, 42 (14 being in Genesis, and 28 elsewhere).

• )#d (deh-sheh), grass, 14.

• qqz (zah-kak), to refine, 7.

• yx (chah'y), living: In Chaldee, 7.

• In Hebrew, 168, viz:—

  Leviticus	35	168 (7x8x3)
  Numbers	7
  Deuteronomy	21
  Samuel	49
  Solomon's	56

  
  

  In Chaldee it occurs 7 times (Ezra 6:10; Daniel 2:30, 4:17,34; 6:20,26, 7:12).

• hry+ (tee-rah), an enclosure, or castle, etc., 7.

• P+ (taph), little children, 42:

  Deuteronomy	7	42 (6x7)
  Rest of Pentateuch	21
  Elsewhere	14

  
  

• ydwhy (y'hudee), a Jew (singular) 10; Jehudi (proper name) 4 = 14.

• dly (yah-lad), to beget, 28 in Genesis 5.

• qxcy (yitz-chahk) and qx#&y (yis-chahk), Isaac, 112:

  
  

  Deuteronomy	7	112 (7x8x2)
  Rest of Pentateuch	91
  Elsewhere	14

  
  

• Nhk (Koh-heyn), priest 7 in Genesis

• hnhk (K'hoonnah), the priest's office, 14.

• hnwbl (l'voh-nah), frankincense, 21 (7 being in Leviticus).

• Nm (mahn), manna, 14.

• )n (nah), I pray, or vow, 406 (7x58).

• hnygn (n'gee-nah), a song, 14: In Psalm titles, 7; Elsewhere, 7.

• Ngn (nah-gan), to play on a stringed instrument, 7 in 1Samuel 16-19, all spoken of David.

• My)c)c (tzeh-^etzaheem), offspring, 7 in Isaiah.

• Mwc (tzoom), to fast, 21.

• tlhq (ko-he-leth), a preacher, 7, all in Ecclesiastes:

  3 in beginning, 1:1, 2, 12
  1 in middle, 7:27
  3 at the end, 12:8, 9, 10

• M(n (noh-gam), beauty, Psalm 27:4, 90:17; Zechariah 11:7, 10: pleasantness, Proverbs 3:17: pleasant, Proverbs 15:26, 16:24.

• Ntn (n'than), to give or bestow, Ezra 4:13, 7:20 twice; Daniel 4:16, 4:17, 25, 32.

• hml( (al-mah), a maiden, Genesis 24:43; Exodus 2:8; Psalm 68:25; Proverbs 30:19; Song 1:3, 6:8; Isaiah 7:14.

• Pr# (sah-raph), fiery serpents, Numbers 21:6, 8; Deuteronomy 8:15; Isaiah 6:2, 6, 14:29, 30:6.

• hmr (rim-mah), a worm, 7.

• N+# (sah-tahn), Satan, 14 in Job.

• rwt (tohr), a turtle dove, 14.

• El-Shaddai* (God Almighty), Genesis 17:1, 28:3, 35:11, 43:14, 48:3; Exodus 6:36; Ezekiel 10:5.

* Shaddai (Almighty) without El occurs 48 times (4x12), a number which speaks of perfection of dominion over the earth.

(2) New Testament

• agnizw (agnizo), to purify.
• ahr (aeer), air, 7.
• anastasiV (anastasis), resurrection; 42 times, 21 of which have the article, and seven are in the dative case.
• apath (apatee), deceit.
• apeimi (apeimi), to be absent, 7.
• argurion (argurion), pieces of silver money (7, in connection with Judas).
• asthr (asteer), a star, 14 in Revelation.
• afqartoV (aphthartos), incorruptible, 7.
• basileuw (basileuo), to reign, 21 (seven being in Revelation; 14 elsewhere).
• douloV (doulos), servant, 14 in Revelation.
• epistamai (epistamai), to know, 14.
• epistathV (epistatees), master, 7 (all in Luke).
• epitagh (epitagee), commandment, 7.
• hgeomai (hegeomai), to be chief, 28.
• amwmoV (amomos), 7:

  without blemish, Ephesians 5:27; 1 Peter 1:19
  without spot, Hebrews 9:4
  without fault, Revelation 14:5
  without blame, Ephesians 1:4
  faultless, Jude 24
  unblameable, Colossians 1:22
  

• parousia (parousia), presence or coming, 7 times in 1 and 2Thessalonians (4 times in the first Epistle and 3 times in the second).
• Siwn (Sion), Zion, 7 times.
• filhma (phileema), a kiss, 7.
• wdh (odee), a song, 7.
• yalmoV (psalmos), psalm, 7.

Phrases which occur 7 times

(1) Old Testament

• )nq l) (El quannah) 5 [a jealous God].
  )wnq l) (El quannoh) 2 [a jealous God].

• My)b Mymy hnh (Hinneh yahmim baheem), Behold, the days come, 21.*

  * "Lo" in Jeremiah 30:3; Amos 4:2, instead of "Behold."

• )wh rwh+ (tahor hu), he or it (is) unclean, 7 (all in Leviticus 11 and 13).

• )wh )m+ (tamey hu), he or it (is) unclean, 7 in Leviticus 13.

• Mkl )wh )m+ (Tamey hu lahkem), he or it is unclean unto you, 7 (all in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14).

• Kyhl) hwhy Kkrby (Y'bahrek'kah Y'hovah Eloheka), the LORD thy God shall bless thee, 7; Deuteronomy 14:24, 29, 15:10, 16:10, 15, 23:20, 24:19.*

  * Not always translated in the same way.

• tw)bc hwhy (Y'hovah Ts'baioth), the LORD of hosts, 7 in the Psalms and 14 in Haggai.

• rbd hwhy yk (Kee Y'hovah dibber), for the LORD hath spoken, 7; 1 Kings 14:11; Isaiah 1:2, 22:25, 25:8; Jer 13:15; Joel 4:8; Obadiah 18.

• "As I live saith the Lord GOD," 14 (all in Ezekiel).

• "As I live" (spoken by God), 7; Numbers 14:28; Isaiah 49:18; Jeremiah 22:24, 46:18; Ezekiel 17:19, 33:27; Zephaniah 2:9.

• "Daughter of Jerusalem," 14 (7 in singular and 7 in plural).

• "Rising up early and sending" (spoken of God), 7 (viz., 2Chronicles 36:15, and 6 times in Jeremiah).

• "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego" (Chald.), 14 in Daniel 2:49-3:30.

• "The land which [the LORD] sware unto . . . Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob," 7; Genesis 50:24; Exodus 33:1; Numbers 32:11; Deuteronomy 1:8, 6:10, 30:20, 34:4.

• "The tree of life," 7 (3 in Genesis literally; and 4 in Proverbs, figuratively).

• "The voice of the LORD," 7 times in Psalm 29.

• "And it came to pass in the days of" ymyb yhyw (Va-y'hee Beemaye), 7 times; always indicating a time of sorrow and distress, (yhyw (Vayhee) sounding like the Greek ouai, woe; Lat., voe), following by a manifestation of delivering grace.

  1. Genesis 14:1. The war which brought sorrow to Lot and distress to Abraham ends in the blessing of Melchisedek.

  2. Ruth 1:1. The famine and bereavement ending in blessing, marriage, and redemption.

  3. 2 Samuel 21:1. A famine again ending in divine deliverance (verse 14).

  4. Isaiah 7:1. The confederacy against Jerusalem ending in the promise of Messiah's birth (verse 14).

  5. Jeremiah 1:3. The captivity of Judah followed by the promise of restoration.

  6. Esther 1:1. The danger and distress of the Jewish nation ending in a complete and happy deliverance.

  7. Luke 2:1. The enrollment of Caesar Augustus, showing that the land and the people were tributary to Rome, followed by the birth of the Lord Jesus.

  8. God is said to "Dwell between the cherubim" 7 times: 1Samuel 4:4; 2Samuel 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15; 1Chronicles 13:6; Psalm 80:1, 99:1; Isaiah 37:16.

(2) New Testament

• "As it is written,"* 28 (4x7).

  * to rhqen (to reethen), "that which was spoken," occurs 12 times (omitting Matthew 27:35 and Mark 13:14 with Revised Version ). For the writing was given by inspiration of the Spirit (7); while the speaking was in Divine sovereignty and government.
  

  kaqwV gegraptai wV gegraptai

  24 4

  28

  Gospels Romans Elsewhere

  7 14 7

  
  

• "From the foundation of the world," apo katabolhV kosmou (apo katabolees kosmou), 7 times, because relating to God's work of grace; while the phrase "before the foundation of the world" occurs 3 times,* because relating to the act of Divine sovereignty. The seven occurrences are 3 in the Gospels and 4 elsewhere: Matthew 13:35, 25:34; Luke 11:50; Hebrews 4:3, 9:26; Revelation 13:8, 17:8.

  * John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20. See analysis of the number 3.

• "The Sabbath day," 7.

• "After the order," kata thn taxin (kata teen taxin), 7 (all in Hebrews).

• "The first day of the week," mia (ton) Sabbatwn (mia (ton) sabbaton), 7.

• pistoV (pistos), faithful, followed by o logoV (ho logos), the word or saying, 7 (all in the Pastoral Epistles, 1Timothy 1:15, 3:1, 4:9, 12; 2Timothy 2:11; Titus 1:9, 3:8*).

  * This "faithful saying" does not refer to what follows it, but to what precedes it in verses 3-7. The affirmation of this is to be made "in order that (ina) they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works."

• "Children of Israel," 14.

• "There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth," 7.

Words from the Same Root that occur 7 times

(1) Old Testament

• d#) (eshed), a stream 1, and twd#) (ashedoth), springs, 6. Total, 7.

• Myzng (g'nah-zeem), treasuries, 3; Nyzng (ginzeen, Chal.), treasure, 3; and Kzng (ganzak), a treasury, 1. Total, 7.

• b#k (kesev), a lamb, 13; hb#k (kisbah), a ewe-lamb, 1. Total, 14.

• Pws (sooph), to have an end, Hebrew 8; Chald., 2: Pws (soph), the end, Hebrew, 5; Chaldee, 5; hpws (suphah), a whirlwind, Heb., 15. Total, Hebrew 28; Chaldee 7; 35 in all.

• Mqr (rahqam), to embroider, 9; hmqr (riqmah), broidered work, 12. Total, 21.

• +m# (shamat) to release, etc., 9; h+m# (sh'mittah), a release, 5. Total, 14.

(2) New Testament

• asthr (asteer), a star, 24; astron (astron), a star, 4. Total, 28.

• basanoV (basanos), torment, 3; basanizw (basanizo), to torment, 12; basanismoV (basanismos), torment, 5; basanisthV (basanistees), a tormentor, 1. Total, 21.

• Galatia, Galatia, 4 times: 1Corinthians 16:1; Galatians 1:2; 2Timothy 4:10; 1 Peter 1:1. Galatians, once: Galatians 3:1. Of Galatia, twice: Acts 16:6, 18:23. Total, 7.

• eleuqeroV (eleutheros), free, 23; eleuqeria (eleutheria), freedom, 11; eleuqerow (eleutheroo), to set free, 7; apeleuqeroV (apeleutheros), a freed-man, 1. Total, 42.
  

  In Romans	7	42
  In St. John's Gospel and Revelation	7
  Elsewhere	28

  
  

• hcoV (eechos), a sound, 3; hcew (eecheo), to sound, 2; exhceomai (exeecheomai), to sound forth, 1; kathcew (kateecheo), to teach by sound (or word of mouth), 8. Total, 14.

Words from a Different Root but with Similiar Meanings that occur 7 times

* The Revised Version with the textual editors read arshn (neut.) for arrhn in these three passages: Romans 1:27; Revelation 12:5,13.

** Reading trefw, "to nourish," in Luke 23:29 with Revised Version and editors.

amnoV (amnos), lamb	4	35 (5x7)
arhn (areen), lamb (Luke 10:3)	1
arnion (arnion), lamb	30

gelaw (gelao), to laugh		2	6
	gelwV (gelos), laughter	1
	katagelaw (katagelao), to laugh to scorn	3
mukthrizw (mukteerizo), to mock		1	3
	ekmukthrizw (ek-mukteerizo), to deride	2
empaizw (empaizo), to mock		13	17
	empaigmoV (empaigmos), mocking	1
	empaigmonh (empaigmonee), mockery	*1
	empaikthV (empaiktees), a mocker	2
cleuazw (chleuazo), to mock		**2	2
Total of the four roots (4x7)			28

* This word is added by the Textual Editors and Revised Version in 2 Peter 3:3, which would thus read "scoffers with scoffing."

** All the authorities read diacleuazw in Acts 2:13.

ormh (hormee), onset	2	20
ormaw (hormao), to rush	5
ormhma (hormeema), a mighty fall	1
aformh (aphormee), occasion	7
koniortoV (koniortos), dust	5
parotrunw (par-otruno), stir up	1	1
(3x7)		21

Sometimes a single chapter or separate portion may be taken and dealt with by itself, and thus form a fruitful subject of Bible study. We give an example of Ezekiel 36:

I. Seven things concerning Israel today:—

1. Unclean in the sight of God (verse 29).
2. Possessed of stony hearts (verse 26).
3. Profaning God's holy Name (verses 20, 22).
4. Scattered among the heathen (verse 19).
5. Covered with infamy and shame (verses 3-6).
6. Subject to heathen rule (verse 6).
7. Desolate, forsaken, and a reproach (verses 3,4,30).

II. Seven things God will do to Israel's oppressors:—

1. Speak in jealousy against them (verse 5).
2. Turn their glory into shame (verse 7).
3. Dispossess them of their occupation in the land (verses 10,11).
4. Give them to Israel for a possession (verse 12).
5. Break their power to crush Israel (verses 13,14).
6. Vindicate and glorify His own name among them (verse 22).
7. Teach them that He is God (verses 36,38).

III. Seven things God will do for Israel:—

1. Gather them out of all countries (verse 24).
2. Bring them into their own land (verse 24).
3. Cleanse them from filth and idols (verse 26).
4. Give them new hearts and minds, and His spirit (verses 26,27).
5. Make them again His people (verse 28).
6. Cause them to flourish and multiply (verse 30).
7. Make their end better than their beginning (verse 11).

IV. Seven things Israel themselves will do:—

1. Remember their past evil (verse 31).
2. Loathe themselves for their iniquity (verse 31).
3. Be ashamed and confounded (verse 32).
4. Walk in God's statutes (verse 27).
5. Keep His judgments (verse 27).
6. Dwell for ever in the land (verse 33).
7. Pray for the accomplishment of all these blessings (verse 37).

One or two examples may be given of the numbers in names, etc., though many more are given elsewhere.

• Enoch, "the seventh from Adam" = 84 (7x12).
• "Heirs of God," in the Greek = 1071 (7x153).
• "The Lamb," in Greek = 651 (=7x93 or 7x3x31).

The multiples of seven as a rule partake of the same spiritual significance, and therefore we have not treated all of them specially, but only where they have a peculiar significance arising from the power of the other factor, as is the case with 42, 49, 70, etc.

As an example of one of the other multiples we may take.

What is the ONLY animal that man is compared to?

The "ass" is the only animal that man is compared to: see Job 11:12, "For vain man would be wise, though man be born a wild ass's colt."

In Exodus 13:13 the first-born of man is classed with the firstling of an ass. Both must be redeemed with a lamb. This is repeated in Exodus 34:20. Nothing less than a sacrificial redemptive act could bring such a being to God.

There are 28 (4x7) asses separately spoken of, and with these may be compared the 28 (4x7) "times" connected with "vain man" in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

1. Balaam's ass (Numbers 22:21), "a time to speak."

2. Achsah's ass (Joshua 15:18), "a time to get," when she lighted off her ass to make her request and get what she asked.

3. Samson's (Judges 15:15), "a time to war."

4. The Levite's (Judges 19:28), "a time to be silent," when "none answered," and he sent his desperate, silent message throughout Israel.

5. Abigail's (1Samuel 25:20), "a time of peace," when she met David and made peace for Nabal.

6. Her second ass (verse 42), "a time to love," when she went to meet David and became his wife.

7. Ahithophel's (2Samuel 17:23), "a time to die," when he saddled his ass and went and hanged himself.

8. The "old prophet's" ass (1 Kings 13:13,27), "a time to kill," when he found "the man of God" killed by the lion.

9. The "man of God's" ass (verse 28), "a time to mourn," when the old prophet laid him thereon "to mourn and to bury him."

10. The Shunamite's ass (2 Kings 4:24), "a time to heal," when she rode to Elisha, who restored her son.

11. Mephibosheth's (2Samuel 19:26), "a time to embrace," when he would go and salute David.

12. Shimei's (1 Kings 2:40), "a time to die."

13. Jesse's (1Samuel 16:20), "a time to live" (21).

14. Moses' (Exodus 4:20-26), "a time to kill," when he incurred the judgment of Genesis 17:14.

15. Abraham's (Genesis 22:3), "a time to get and a time to lose," when God demanded back the son He had given.

16. The savior's ass (Matthew 20:5), "a time to laugh," when the daughter of Jerusalem rejoiced.

17. The young, its foal (Matthew 21:5).

18. - 28. The asses of Jacob's sons (Genesis 44:13), filling up the other "times."

What were the seven miracles Jesus performed on the SABBATH?

Seven miracles wrought by Christ on the Sabbath day:—

1. The withered hand, Matthew 12:9.

2. The unclean spirit, Mark 1:21.

3. Peter's wife's mother, Mark 1:29.

4. The woman, Luke 13:11.

5. The man with dropsy, Luke 14:2.

6. The impotent man, John 5:8,9.

7. The man born blind, John 9:14.

"The last day" mentioned seven times in John's Gospel:—John 6:39, 40, 44, 54, 7:37, 11:24, 12:48.