Meaning of Numbers

Submit YOUR questions, through our easy to use form,
to our team of mature Christians known as the Email Evangelists!

Question: What are the meaning of numbers in the Bible?

Answer: Most ancient cultures attached a meaning 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 of the United Reformed Church in Huntington United Kingdom states the number one signifies uniqueness or undivided wholeness, as in Deuteronomy 6:4,

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!" (Deuteronomy 6:4, NKJV)

Two was the minimum number of witnesses required to establish the truth (2Corinthians 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 regarding numbers,

"Certain numbers, as 7, 10, 40 and 100 were regarded as giving the idea of completeness."

Below is a brief synopsis of the meaning of some popular numbers:

Number 1: Signifies the unity and oneness of God, especially that of God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Number 3: Pictures completeness, though to a lesser degree than seven. It also stands for that which is solid, real, substantial, complete and entire.

Number 4: Represents creation and God’s creative works. God finished creating the entire universe on the fourth day. Four is considered the signature of the world.

Number 5: The number of God’s grace or goodness toward man. It also signifies Divine strength added to and made perfect in human weakness.

Number 6: The number of man (without God), imperfection and human weakness. Also symbolizes the evils of Satan and the manifestation of sin.

Number 7: The entire Word of God is founded on the number seven. It is the number of completeness and spiritual perfection. It is tied directly to God’s creation of the heavens and earth.

Number 8: Coming after seven, which signifies completeness, the number eight symbolizes a new beginning, or a new order of things, a new creation, a new birth, and the resurrection of saints to eternal life.

Number 9: Pictures finality or divine completeness from the Lord. It is significant of the end of man, and the summation of all man's works. Nine is, therefore, the number of judgment.

Number 10: Signifies testimony, law and responsibility. Ten is also viewed as a complete number (like three, seven and twelve) which symbolizes the perfection of Divine order.

Number 11: Stands for disorder, judgment, disorganization, imperfection and disintegration.

Number 12: Stands for divine authority and appointment, as well as governmental foundation (governmental perfection), perfection, and completeness.

Number 40: Points to trial, testing, and chastisement or to probation and prosperity.

To find out the full Biblical meaning of a particular number please use the below set of links.