Meaning of Numbers: The Number 71
The English phrase "threescore and eleven" used for the number 71, is not recorded in the King James translation.
The possible meaning of the number 71 is derived from events within Scripture and the occurrence of certain words in Hebrew.
Gideon was mightily used by God to overthrow the Midianite domination of the Israelites. After securing victory over his enemies he settles down to marry many wives (polygamy) and become one of Israel's Judges. He ultimately produces 71 sons, seventy of which are through wives and one of which is through his concubine who lived in Shechem (Judges 8:30 - 31).
And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives. And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech (Judges 8:30 - 31, KJV).
Gideon named son number 71 Abimelech, a person who would grow up to be a vain and violent individual. His desire to rule over the people led him to have 69 of his 70 brothers murdered in cold blood (Judges 9)! His many sins, however, would soon catch up to him.
After Abimelech ruled like a tyrant for three years he was severely injured when an unknown woman, from the top of a tower, dropped a millstone on his head! He then orders that his armor bearer kill him so that he would not be disgraced by having it known a female killed him (Judges 9:53 - 54).
Appearances of Number Seventy-One
John 6 is the longest of twenty-one chapters written in the apostle's gospel account. The last verse of the chapter, verse 71, records Jesus revealing he knew all along which of his twelve disciples would betray him.
Jesus answered them (the disciples), "Did I not choose you twelve, and one of you is a devil?" Now He spoke of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son; for he was about to betray Him, being one of the twelve (verses 70 - 71 of John 6, HBFV).
Jesus actually had two trials before he was finally condemned to die by Pontius Pilate. The first trial, carried out at the High Priest's palace, was after his arrest (Matthew 26:59 - 68, Mark 14:55 - 65, Luke 22:63 - 65). The second trial, held around 6 am, was before the entire Sanhedrin. Verse 71 of Luke 22 records their decision concerning Jesus' guilt.
And they (the Sanhedrin) all said, "Then You are the Son of God?" And He (Jesus) said to them, "I am that One, as you say." Then they said, "What need do we have of any other witness? For we ourselves have heard from His own mouth" (verses 70 - 71 of Luke 22).
Number 71 and the Psalms
The book of Psalms, in the original Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament, is divided into five sections. Psalm 71 is the next to last chapter in section two. This section focuses on the land of Israel and foreshadows the creation of the New Testament Church.
Psalm 71, written by King David, prays for deliverance against his enemies.
Deliver me in Your righteousness and cause me to escape; incline Your ear unto me, and save me. Be my strong Rock of refuge to which I may always go; You have commanded to save me; for You are my Rock and my Fortress.
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and ruthless man, for You are my hope, O Lord God, my trust from my youth (verses 2 - 5 of Psalm 71).
People and Places
The Hebrew word gad, Strong's #H1410, is recorded 71 times in 68 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is found the most in Joshua (20 times) followed by Numbers (19) and then 1Chronicles (11). The word, which means "troop," is left untranslated as "Gad" in the King James.
Gad was the patriarch Jacob's seventh out of twelve sons. Gad's mother was Zilpah, a slave girl given to Jacob's wife Leah by her father. Gad's entire inheritance in the Promised Land was located east of the Jordan River.
And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram (Genesis 35:26, KJV).
Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last (Genesis 49:19, KJV).
The Hebrew word eliyah (Strong's Concordance #H452) occurs 71 times in the Old Testament's original language. It is recorded the most in 1Kings (42 times) followed by 2Kings (24). The word, which means "my God is Jehovah" or "Yah(u) is God" is translated as the name "Elijah" in the King James.
Elijah's ministry as a powerful prophet took place during the rule of Kings Ahab, Ahaziah and Joram. In Jesus transfiguration vision he represents the prophets while Moses represents God's law.
And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah (eliyah), that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? (1Kings 18:17, KJV).
Behold, I will send you Elijah (eliyah) the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord . . . (Malachi 4:5, KJV).
The Hebrew word chebron (Strong's #H2275) is recorded 71 times in 66 Hebrew Old Testament verses. The word is written the most in 2Samuel (23 times) followed by 1Chronicles (17). It is translated as "Hebron" in the King James, which is the name of two individuals and, more importantly, the name of a significant Old Testament city.
Hebron is where Abraham buried his beloved wife Sarah (Genesis 23), and where he and other family members would be buried. In ancient Israel's early history in the Promised Land, it was designated not only as a Levitical city but also as one of only six cities of refuge (Joshua 20:7). Hebron was where David was anointed king over Judah (2Samuel 2) and later as king over all of Israel (2Samuel 5).
Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord (Genesis 13:18, KJV).
And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months (2Samuel 2:11, KJV).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 71
There are 17 words and phrases in the Bible's original languages that are recorded exactly 73 times.
71 is the 20th prime number. Those that come before it include 59, 61 and 67, and those that come immediately after it include 73, 79 and 83.
The only chapters in the King James Bible that contain 71 verses are John 6 and Luke 22.
The only book in Scripture that has more than 71 chapters is the Psalms.
The word "Israel" appears in 47 out of 66 King James translation books or close to 71 percent of all Bible books. Other words such as "Lord" show up in 92% of them (61 of 66) while "God" appears in 97% (64 of 66).