Meaning of Numbers: The Number 104
The English phrase "hundred and four," used for the number 104, is not recorded in the King James translation.
The possible meaning of the number 104 is derived primarily from the Psalms.
The English word "gospel" is written 104 times in the King James Bible. It is recorded the most both in the books of Romans and 1Corinthians (13 times each) followed by Galatians (12) and then both 2Corinthians and Philippians with 9 each. Its first use takes place after Jesus calls several men (Peter, Andrew, James and John, Matthew 4:18 - 22) to follow him.
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people (Matthew 4:23, KJV).
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people . . .(Revelation 14:6, KJV).
Judah Aristobulus I is the son of John Hyrcanus I and grandson of Simon Thassi. Simon was one of the five brothers whose rejection of their Seleucids overlords in 167 B.C. started the Maccabean revolt in Judea. In 104 B.C. Judah Aristobulus I becomes both High Priest and King of Judea.
Appearances of Number One Hundred Four
The Hebrew word gaal (Strong's Concordance #H1350) is recorded 104 times in 84 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is written the most in Isaiah (24) followed by Leviticus (22) and the book of Ruth (21). The word means to redeem someone or something, an act God can perform or a person's kinsman. Gaal can also sometimes be used to describe one of God's perfect traits.
And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer (gaal, Psalm 78:35, KJV).
Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer (gaal), the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go (Isaiah 48:17, KJV).
Psalm 104 mentions two unique animals. The first is a stork, one of the many animals considered "unclean" and forbidden by God to be eaten. The second is called a leviathan in the King James. This huge beast, according to Job, was unafraid of humans and looked like it breathed out fire and smoke (Job 41:19 - 21, 25 - 30, 33).
Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house . . . There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein (verses 17 and 26 of Psalm 104, KJV).
An Adversary and King
The Hebrew Yarobam, Strong's #H3379, is written 104 times in 95 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is translated as the name Jeroboam, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Israel (northern ten tribes) after it split with the Kingdom of Judah.
Solomon, in his old age, began to succumb to the evil influences of his many pagan wives. He not only financially supported the building of places to worship various pagan gods, he also indulged in worshipping them himself (1Kings 11:1 - 10)! God punishment for his foolish behavior was to raise up adversaries against the king, one of which would ultimate rule over ten of Israel's tribes after Solomon's death.
And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him (the clothes Ahijah was wearing), and rent it in twelve pieces:
And he said to Jeroboam (Yarobam), Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee (1Kings 11:30 - 31, KJV).
The Psalms and Number 104
Verse 35 of Psalm 104 uses two of God's many Hebrew names. It first lists the name Jehovah (Strong's #H3068) and then records the name Jah (#H3050). Jehovah is represented, in the Hebrew, with the consonants YHVH that is often called the Tetragrammaton.
Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord (Jehovah or YHVH), O my soul. Praise ye the Lord (Jah, Psalm 104:35, KJV).
The two part word Hallelujah is first recorded in the Hebrew version of verse 35 of Psalm 104. While most Biblical translations translate it as "Praise the Lord," others like the Holman Christian Standard Bible use the word Hallelujah.
Verse 104 of Psalm 119 reveals that true wisdom can only be achieved through obedience to God.
Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way (HBFV).
Verses 1 and 15 of Psalm 104 reveals that God created grapes that can be turned into wine for the enjoyment of mankind.
Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great . . . And (God makes) wine that makes glad the heart of man . . . (HBFV).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 104
The Greek word psuche, Strong's #G5590, is found 104 times in 94 Greek New Testament verses. It is recorded the most in the books of Matthew and Acts (16 times each) followed by Luke (15) then John (10).
Psuche, which is usually translated as "life" or "soul" in the King James, usually refers to human life on planet earth. It can also refer to the "spirit in man" (Job 32:8) God gives each human at conception enabling them to think and choose. It is the same as the "breathe of life" God used to animate Adam (Genesis 2:7).
For whosoever will save his life (psuche) shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life (psuche) for my sake, the same shall save it (Luke 9:24, KJV).
Seeing ye have purified your souls (psuche) in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (1Peter 1:22, KJV).
There are 8 words and phrases in the Bible's original languages that are recorded exactly 104 times.
Number 104 is equal to 2 x 2 x 2 (or 2 to the third power) x 13.
Athens was known, among many things, for its giant temple dedicated to the Greek god Zeus. This temple, which was larger than the Parthenon, had 104 columns that were about 56 feet (17 meters) tall.
The Hebrew chuqqah (Strong's #H2708) is recorded 104 times in 100 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is written the most in Leviticus (26 times) followed by Ezekiel (22) then Numbers (14). The word refers to a statute, ordinance, enactment or a custom. It is commonly used for God's commandments and other rules he wants all humans to obey.
Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes (chuqqah), and my laws (Genesis 26:5, KJV).
In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes (chuqqah) and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it (Deuteronomy 30:16, KJV).