Meaning of Numbers: The Number 116
The possible meaning of the number 116 is derived primarily from the occurrences of word in the Bible's Hebrew and Greek text.
Micah 1 and Titus 1 are the only two first chapters in the Bible that have exactly 16 verses (116). Micah 1:16 seems especially odd, as seen below.
Make yourself bald, and cut off your hair for the children of your delight; make your baldness large like the eagle; for they go into exile from you (Micah 1:16, HBFV).
They (those who are defiled, verse 15) personally profess to know God, but in their works they deny Him, being abominable and disobedient, and reprobate unto every good work (Titus 1:16, HBFV).
116 is also related to a special regularly occurring year in God's calendar. The Lord commanded ancient Israel to observe what is known as a Sabbatical year (Exodus 23:10 - 11, Leviticus 25:1 - 7, 19 - 23). The beginning of this special period was proclaimed on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) at the start of every seventh year.
During a Sabbatical year the land rested from any agricultural activity, the law of God was read publicly, and Israelites were to cancel all debts to fellow Israelites (Deuteronomy 15:1 - 4). A Biblical Sabbatical year ran from October 4 in 116 A.D. to September 23 in 117.
Appearances of Number One Hundred Sixteen
The Hebrew word lashon, Strong's #H3956, occurs 116 times in 114 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is written the most in the book of Psalms (35 times) followed by Proverbs (19) and then Isaiah (14). It is usually translated in the King James as "tongue" (referring to the organ in our mouth or the language we speak) or "language." It is also sometimes translated as "bay," meaning a body of water shaped like a tongue.
By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue (lashon), after their families, in their nations (Genesis 10:5, KJV).
And their (the tribe of Judah's) south border (in the Promised Land) was from the shore of the salt sea (the Dead Sea), from the bay (lashon) that looketh southward . . . (Joshua 15:2, KJV).
Qadosh, Strong's #H6918, appears 116 times in 106 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is recorded the most in Isaiah (38 times) followed by Leviticus (20) and then the Psalms (15). It generally refers to a person, group, place, thing or spirit that is considered holy or sacred. Its first mention is in God's admonishment to the Israelites as they camped at Mount Sinai after leaving Egypt.
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy (qadosh) nation . . . (Exodus 19:5 - 6, KJV).
The Hebrew qatar, Strong's #H6999, is written 116 times in 112 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is utilized the most in Leviticus (33 times) followed by Jeremiah (21) and then 2Chronicles (16). The word is used to describe burning something, such as incense or an animal sacrifice, such that it produces a smoke and smell.
For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense (qatar) shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering . . . (Malachi 1:11, KJV).
Number 116 and the Psalms
The first few verses of Psalm 116, written by King David, are especially encouraging in regard to prayer for help in a time of need.
I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: "Please, Lord, save me!" (verses 1 - 4 of Psalm 116, NLT).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 116
116 is the product of 2 x 2 (2 squared) x 29. Both 2 and 29 are prime numbers.
The Greek word agape (Strong's #G26) is found 116 times in 106 Greek New Testament verses. It is written the most in 1John (18 times) followed by 1Corinthians (14) and then Ephesians. The word, like agapao (Strong's #G25), means a brotherly affection, godly concern or good will toward others. It is one of a few words the Greek language uses for love.
But God commendeth his love (agape) toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8, KJV).