The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 43
The possible meaning of the number 43 is derived from facts about Scripture and the history that underpins its writings.
Book number 43 in the KJV translation (and most modern Biblical translations) is the gospel of John. It was penned in 42 A.D., the same year the gospel of Mark was also recorded. John's account is unique in that a large portion of the book conveys teachings reserved only for the Lord's closest disciples (e.g. chapters 13 - 17). He also provides the best overall chronology of Jesus' ministry, as he mentions him observing four separate Passovers after he was baptized in the fall of 26.
Book 43 out of 49 in the originally canonized version of Scripture is 2Thessalonians. This short work, only the second of fourteen to be penned by the Apostle Paul, was recorded in 51 A.D. The book is noteworthy in that it reveals that an apostasy must take place just prior to the Lord's Second Coming back to earth.
Do not let anyone deceive you by any means because that day will not come unless the apostasy shall come first, and the man of sin shall be revealed - the son of perdition,
the one who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is an object of worship; so that he comes into the temple of God and sits down as God, proclaiming that he himself is God (2Thessalonians 2:3 - 4).
Appearances of the number forty-three
The chapters of Genesis 30 and 36, Exodus 28 and 39, Joshua 10, 2Samuel 19, 1Kings 11 and 20, 1Chronicles 4 and 16, Psalm 107, Mark 5, Luke 18 and Acts 9 all have exactly 43 verses in the KJV Bible.
No KJV books have exactly 43 chapters. The only writings to contain more than this total number of chapters are Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The last three of these books are composed by those called "the major prophets" in contrast to twelve others who writings are considered those of the Minor Prophets.
John 5, verse forty-three, reveals the true lack of love for God (verse 42) and his truth by the Jews who boasted of their zealous obedience to his law. It reveals not only their rejection of God but also their willingness to accept and hear any false prophet based on his own stated authority!
I (Jesus) have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; but if another comes in his own name, you will receive him (verse 43 of John 5).
The number 43 and King David
Psalm 43 was written by King David during his glorious reign that ran from 1010 to 970 B.C. This short section, with only five verses, not only cries out to God for help but also reminds us what to do when we are spiritually depressed.
Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation. Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man, For You are the God of my strength; why do You cast me off? Why do I go mourning under the oppression of the enemy? . . .
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why do you moan within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the salvation of my countenance, and my God (verses 1 - 2, 5 of Psalm 43).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 43
Christians in Syrian Antioch, in the spring of 42 A.D., are informed by the prophet Agabus that a famine will occur that will last a grueling three years (Acts 11:27 - 28). The believers respond, both in 42 and 43, by planting food and collecting needed relief for Christians in Jerusalem (verse 29). These needed supplies are ultimately taken to the city by Paul and Barnabas in the spring of 44 A.D. (verse 30).
The Apostle Paul was 43 years old in 45 A.D. In this year, he was in the middle of his first missionary journey that had begun in the spring of 44. Although the apostle had begun his evangelistic efforts with Barnabas and Mark, before the end of 45 A.D., Mark would abruptly abandon the group and head back to Jerusalem.