The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 35
Although the meaning of number 35 is unclear in Scripture, it does have some relationship with the Apostle Paul.
Paul's ministry begins in 33 A.D., the same year he is converted while traveling to Damascus. After at least five evangelistic journeys and countless trials, his service to God ends after 35 years when he is martyred in Rome in 68 A.D.
Apostle Paul, in the KJV, uses the word "blood" 35 times throughout his fourteen books.
In the last chapter of Romans Paul lists 35 people who possess some connection to him. Six of these individuals have a family relationship with the apostle (see our article on Paul's relatives)!
Appearances of the number thirty-five
Matthew, in 35 A.D., completes his gospel only five years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His is not only the first gospel to be included in the Bible but also the first New Testament book written.
Verse 35 of John 11 is the shortest verse in the entire Bible. In the King James and many other translations it reads, "Jesus wept." See our fascinating article explaining why Christ cried so frequently.
Arphaxad, the son of Shem (who survived Noah's flood), was 35 years old when he had his firstborn son Salah (Genesis 11:12). Arphaxad will live to the ripe old age of 438.
The absence of number 35
Abraham, in one of the most usual meetings in Scripture, is visited by two angels who accompany the Lord (Genesis 18:2, 17). During the meeting the Lord reveals he will personally visit Sodom and Gomorrah to determine how grievous their sins are and if it is worthy of their destruction (18 - 21).
Abraham, no doubt cognizant of Lot (his righteous relative) living in Sodom (see 2Peter 2:6 - 8), attempts to barter to have it and Gomorrah spared (Genesis 18:23).
The father of the faithful takes the bold step of proposing the cities be saved if only 50 righteous are found in them. He then proposes sparing the cities if 45, then 40, then 30, 20 and finally 10 folks obedience to God are discovered (Genesis 18:24 - 32). Note that Abraham does not negotiate to save 35 righteous in Sodom but instead goes from the number 40 to 30!
Abraham was well aware he might be pushing his luck, and possibly angering the Lord, by not negotiating for 35 righteous but instead jumping to 30.
And he (Abraham) said, "Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Perhaps there shall be thirty found there." And He (Jesus) said, "I will not do it if I find thirty there" (Genesis 18:30).
In the end, not even ten obedient people were found in the sinful cities. Sodom, Gomorrah and the surrounding area, after Lot and his family are taken from them, receive the death penalty they justly deserved (Genesis 19:24 - 25).
More info on Biblical Meaning of 35
King Jehoshaphat is one of the relatively good rulers over the Kingdom of Judah. He began to reign, as coregent with his father Asa, at the age of 35 (1Kings 22:42). He becomes sole sovereign at 38 and lives until the age of 59.