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Q. What is the meaning of numbers such as those from one to forty, 666 and other numbers up to 1000 in the Bible?

(Submitted by: P. M.)

A. Most ancient cultures attached significance to numbers, leading to the erroneous idea that certain numerals influence one's life and future.

There is, however, significance to many numbers in God's word. David H van Daalen, United Reformed Church, Huntington UK, states the number one signifies uniqueness or undivided wholeness, as in Deuteronomy 6:4,

"Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord."

Two was the minimum number of witnesses required to establish the truth (2 Corinthians 13:1). Three appears many times in scripture, but van Daalen says it is rarely connected directly with God.

William Smith L.L.D. says, "Certain numbers, as 7, 10, 40, 100, were regarded as giving the idea of completeness."

There are too many numbers, and combinations of numbers to outline here. For a more extensive listing please review the following book on the site:

Other Recommended Bible Study Materials:

• Mark of the Beast and 666: Do YOU have the "mark?"
• Can YOU Understand Bible Prophecy?

Answer Given By: Les Turvey