The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 250
The possible meaning of the number 250 is derived primarily from Korah's rebellion, a unique recipe for anointing oil and the preservation of Scripture.
The Greek word apokrinomai, Strong's Concordance #G611, is the sole original language Bible word that is recorded 250 times. It occurs the most in John's gospel (78 times) followed by Matthew (55), Luke (49) and Mark (45). The word itself means to conclude for oneself, to give an answer to a question or to begin to speak but only after something has preceded it. Its first use takes place when Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist.
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering (apokrinomai) said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him (Matthew 3:13 - 15, KJV).
Appearances of Number Two Hundred Fifty
God commanded Moses to make a special holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:22 - 30). This sacred mixture contained 500 shekels (roughly 12.5 U.S. pounds or 5.67 kilograms) each of pure myrrh and cassia, 250 shekels (6.25 U.S. pounds or 2.83 kilograms) each of sweet cinnamon and calamus (aromatic cane), and a Hin (1 U.S. gallon or 3.7 liters) of olive oil.
King Solomon wisely appointed 250 Israelites as "chiefs of the officials" who ruled over the people.
But of the children of Israel, Solomon did not make any servants for his work, for they were men of war, and commanders of his officers, and commanders of his chariots, and his horsemen. And these were the chiefs of King Solomon’s officers, two hundred and fifty (250) who bore rule over the people . . . (2Chronicles 8:9 - 10, HBFV).
Preservation and the Number 250
Many people played a vital role in preserving the text of the Old Testament for future generations. One such group that helped preserve the text was the Sepphoris Academy. The academy, which was led by Rabbi Hanina b. Hama, existed from 220 to 250 A.D. (Holy Bible, a Faithful Version, Second Edition, Chronology IV).
From 250 to 375 A.D., then again from 780 to 930, a group known as the Tiberian Academy played their part in preserving the text of the Old Testament manuscripts. The academy was part of the Amoraim or group of Jewish scholars who lived during these periods.
Korah's Rebellion
Korah's rebellion was led by a Levite named Korah and three men from the tribe of Reuben (Numbers 16:1). An additional 250 prominent Israelite leaders also joined the uprising. One of their complaints questioned the authority of Moses and Aaron over the people (verse 3). Korah and the Levites involved in the rebellion also demanded the same priestly rights and privileges as Aaron (verses 8 - 11). God's judgment of this unrighteous group first fell on Korah, the three Reubenites and their families.
And the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who were for Korah, and all their goods (Num. 16:32, HBFV).
The Lord then punished the 250 Israelites, who were offering incense at the time, with fire.
And there came out a fire from the Lord and burned up the two hundred and fifty men who offered incense (Num. 16:35, HBFV).
Korah's children, however, were spared the wrath of God (Num. 26:11).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 250
The name Joseph is found in 229 verses for 250 total matches in the King James Scriptures. Abraham's name is also recorded in 230 verses for the same amount of matches.
The book of Exodus is referred to 250 times in nineteen New Testament books. The King James translation records the word "fruit" (or its plural) two hundred and fifty times. The words are found the most in Deuteronomy (25 times) followed by Matthew (21) then Luke (16).
The number 250 is equal to 2 x 5 x 5 x 5 (or 5 cubed).