Meaning of Numbers in the Bible
The Number 56

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The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 56

The possible meaning of the number 56 is derived from both facts about and writings within Scripturee.

In 56 A.D., the Apostle Paul is in the middle of his long stay at Ephesus (Acts 19). His sojourn in the city, however, ends when he is chased out by a riot encouraged by an Ephesian silversmith named Demetrius in 57 A.D.

Paul is 56 years old in 58 A.D. As part of his third evangelistic journey, he travels from Macedonia to Troas where he has to resurrect a man back from the dead who had fallen asleep during one of his long late night messages (Acts 20:6 - 11)! The apostle then continues his travels until he arrives in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost that occurs on May 21 this year.


Appearances of the number fifty-six

Book number 56, in most modern translations, is Titus. It was written by the Apostle Paul in 63 A.D. and represents, along with 1Timothy, his last writings before his final letter in 67.

The version of Scripture originally canonized by Ezra and the Apostle John does not have a fifty-sixth book as it contains only 22 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New for a total of 49 (the square of 7).

Fleeing enemies and number 56

Psalm 56 was written by King David prior to becoming Israel's king. After fleeing King Saul's wrath (see 1Samuel 20:31), he finds himself at Nob where the High Priest and God's tabernacle was located. Famished and tired after his long journey, he requests and receives bread dedicated to worshipping God (the showbread), a merciful act later referenced by Jesus (1Samuel 21:1 - 6, Matthew 12:2 - 4).

After David takes the holy bread, as well as the sword of Goliath kept by the High Priest Ahimelech (1Samuel 21:8 - 9), he continues to flee Saul. He travels to the Philistine city of Gath where he feigns madness in order to avoid the city's king arresting him (verses 10 - 15). It is during his stay in Gath that he composes Psalm 56.

When I cry out to You, then my enemies will be turned back. This I know because God is for me. In God - I will praise His word; in the Lord - I will praise His word.

In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (verses 9 to 11).


More info on Biblical Meaning of 56

The woman mentioned most in the Bible is not Mary, Jesus's mother. It is Sarah (Sarai), Abraham's wife, who is recorded 56 times.

The seventh verse of Isaiah 56 is referenced three times in the New Testament (Mark 11:17, Matthew 21;13 and Luke 19:46). The verse itself is the following.

Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer . . . for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people (verse 7).

The King James Translation chapters of Numbers 33, Mark 6, Luke 8 and Luke 23 all contain exactly 56 verses.

The book of Habakkuk, one of the Minor Prophets, has only three chapters and 56 verses.

Additional Study Materials
Does Goliath's Sword and Spear Still Exist?
What Does Pentecost Symbolize?
Where Are New Testament People Buried?
Map of Paul's Third Missionary Journey
What Does Bread Symbolize?
Why Are There Only Four Gospels?
Timeline of Jacob and Joseph

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Prophecy Numbers   -   Numerology
Creation's Numerics   -   Further Reading

Series References
Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural
Design and Spiritual Significance

Quotes related to the
meaning of the number 56 taken from
Holy Bible Faithful Version (HBFV)



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