The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 143
The possible meaning of the number 143 is derived primarily from the occurrence of certain words in Scripture's original languages.
Jonathan Apphus (Maccabee), in 161 B.C., assumes the position of High Priest at Jerusalem's temple. He is one of the leaders of the Hasmonean dynasty of rule in Judea. In 143, he is taken prisoner by General Diodotus Tryphon of the Seleucid Empire and is soon murdered. Jonathan is replaced as High Priest by his brother Simon Thassi.
The only Bible chapter that has more than 100 verses is Psalm 119. Verse 143 of the Psalm declares that God's commandments are worth keeping.
Trouble and anguish have taken hold upon me, yet Your commandments are my delight (verse 143 of Psalm 119, HBFV).
Appearances of Number One Hundred Forty Three
The Hebrew word chanah, Strong's #H2583, is written 143 times in the Old Testament's original language. It is recorded the most in the book of Numbers (74) followed by 1Samuel (13). The word means to encamp or to pitch a tent.
And so when the cloud remained a number of days upon the tabernacle (representing God's presence amongst his people), according to the command of the Lord they remained in camp (chanah), and according to the command of the Lord they pulled up stakes (Num. 9:20, HBFV).
The Hebrew word pathach, Strong's #H6605, is written 143 times in the Old Testament's original language. It is found the most in Isaiah (21 times) followed by the Psalms (18). It usually refers to opening something wide (literally or figuratively) or to loosen or free something. The word was sometimes used to denote God healing a woman's womb so that she could produce children.
And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened (pathach) her womb: but Rachel was barren . . . And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened (pathach) her womb (Genesis 29:31, 30:22, KJV).
The Hebrew word radaph, Strong's #H7291, is written 143 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. It is recorded the most in the Psalms (20 times) followed by the book of Joshua (19). It is utilized to refer to someone pursuing, chasing down or following someone or something. Its first use reveals Abraham's response to Lot, his brother's son, being taken captive in the first war in the Bible.
And when Abram heard that his brother (his kinsman Lot) was taken captive (by the forces of Chedorlaomer), he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued (radaph) them unto Dan (Genesis 14:14, KJV).
Number 143 and Jesus' Birth
The only Greek word recorded 143 times is laos, Strong's Concordance #G2992. It is recorded the most in the book of Acts (48 times) followed by Luke (36) then Matthew (15). The word is translated "people" in the King James New Testament. Its first use occurred when the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream to admonish him to take Mary as his wife.
And she (Mary) shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people (laos) from their sins (Matthew 1:21, KJV).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 143
All of Apostle Paul's books, as well as the epistles penned by James, Peter, John and Jude, and the book of Revelation, total 143 chapters. The books from Romans to Hebrews contain 100 chapters and from James to Revelation there are 43.
143 is the sum of seven consecutive primes (11 + 13 + 17 + 19 + 23 + 29 + 31).
The numbers 11 and 13 are factors of 143.