The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 222
The overall meaning of multiple number twos (e.g. 222, 2222, 2:22, and so on) is somewhat unclear in Scripture. They are related, however, to not only the creation of Eve and the first marriage but also to Jesus' return to earth! They additionally reveal how rewards will be distributed upon entering the kingdom of heaven and how we must deal with temptation.
Both Luke 22:2 and 22:22 (a use of 2222) are linked to the murder conspiracy against Jesus. The second verse of Luke 22 is one of the only places where it is recorded people were actively seeking to kill him (see also Matthew 26:4, John 5:18, 7:1) before his arrest. Verse 22 of the same chapter reveals Christ, at his last Passover, knew all along who was the person who would betray him to the religious authorities.
Number 222 in references
The first appearance of multiple twos (222) within a chapter and verse reference is Genesis 2:22. This verse reveals that women were not a separate creation but were purposely made out of a rib borrowed from Adam. God did this to underscore the close relationship he intended for marriage (see verse 24).
Matrimony, from the start, was intended to be the unification of equals but changed to the man being the leader of the family after sin entered the picture (1Timothy 2:13 - 14, etc.).
Related to the closeness of marriage in Genesis 2:22 is the punishment for defiling this special relationship, through adultery, delineated in Deuteronomy 22:22. Under the Old Covenant, both the man and woman who willingly committed adultery were put to death. This ultimate penalty, according to God, would help "put away evil" from Israel, or any nation, who practices it.
In other uses of multiple twos (e.g. 2222) Psalm 22:22 declares David, after God saves him, would publically praise him and declare his name to the people. In 2Samuel 22:2, he calls him his Rock and Deliverer. It is finally revealed in Paul's writings that the name of the Being whom David praised, as well as the One who led Israel out of Egypt, was none other than Jesus Christ (1Corinthians 10:4)!
In another fascinating use of number 2222, the book of Acts records the condemnation Apostle Paul received after defending his ministry at Jerusalem's temple. Zealous Jews, as he nears the end of speech, cry out, "Away with such a one from the face of the earth, for he is not fit to live!" (Acts 22:22). His arrest will ultimately lead him to preach the gospel in the farthest reaches of the Roman Empire.
Multiple number twos
One of Jesus' greatest, but misunderstood, use of symbolism is found in Matthew 18. He warns, in verses 8 and 9 of the chapter, that it is better to lose a hand, foot or eye than to have two hands, two feet or two eyes (222) condemn us. Since sin is generated out of thoughts and choices (Matthew 15:18 - 19), the Lord is not condoning self-mutilation as a way of dealing with sin but rather admonishing us to decisively deal with the temptations that lead to it.
Jesus, in Matthew 25's parable of the talents, uses 222 in verse 22 to teach an important lesson about those who enter God's kingdom.
And the one who had received two talents also came to him and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; see, I have gained two other talents besides them' (Matthew 25:22).
The man who received two talents doubled his master's money just like the person who got five talents (Matthew 25:16). The Lord rewarded both men equally, showing that he judges and rewards fairly based on what a person does with what he is given (verses 21, 23).
Lastly, Jesus uses the example of two men in bed, two women grinding, and two men in a field (222) to warn that many people will be arrested and killed prior to his return to earth (Luke 17:34 - 36, see also verse 37).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 222
The book of Eccelsiates, written by King Solomon between 970 and 930 B.C., has 222 verses.
The title of one of the most influential science fiction books ever published was inspired by Exodus 2:22! In this verse it states Moses named his first male child Gershom, which translated means "I have been a stranger in a strange land." Author Robert Heinlein, in 1961, published a book entitled "Stranger in a Strange Land" which takes its title from this verse reference using number 222!