Meaning of Numbers: The Number 116
The English phrase "hundred and sixteen," used for the number 116, is not recorded in the King James translation.
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 likely proclaimed on Tishri 1, the first day of the Hebrew civil 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 September 25 in 116 A.D. to September 14 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).
Lashon 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).
Qadosh 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).
And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints (qadosh) with thee (Zechariah 14:5, KJV).
There are 5 words and phrases in the Bible's original languages that are recorded exactly 116 times.
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.
And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn (qatar) them upon the altar (Exodus 29:13, KJV).
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.
Agape, 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. In the King James it is often translated as "love" but also as "charity."
But God commendeth his love (agape) toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8, KJV).
I know thy works, and charity (agape), and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first (Revelation 2:19, KJV).
The Hebrew word shalam, Strong's Concordance #H7999, is recorded 116 times in 107 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is found the most in Exodus (18) followed by the Psalms (17) and then Isaiah (13). The word is translated as "rewarded," "restitution," "peace" or "perform" in the King James.
When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace (shalam) with him (Proverbs 16:7, KJV).
Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform (shalam) thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off (Nahum 1:15, KJV).