Meaning of Numbers: The Number 76
The English phrase "threescore and sixteen" used for the number 76, is recorded 2 times in 2 King James Bible verses.
The possible meaning of the number 76 is derived almost entirely from its use in the Book of Psalms. Psalm 76 is believed to be one of twelve Psalms written by or for Asaph. He composed Psalm 50 as well as 73 through 83.
According to Bullinger's Companion Notes, Psalm 76 could be referring to King David conquering the city of Jebus (which he renamed Jerusalem) in 1003 B.C.
Adam Clarke's Commentary, however, believes this song was composed after Israel split in two in 930 B.C. It proposes the song was one of thanksgiving after Sennacherib's army was miraculously defeated when it threatened to destroy Jerusalem in 701 B.C.
The title for Psalm 76, in the King James, includes the phrase "To the chief Musician on Neginoth." The word neginoth is used to specify that stringed instruments should be played when the song is sung. Such instruments included the "harp" (also called a Zither in some translations) and "psaltery." This Psalm is one of only seven that requires such instruments. The others include Psalm 4, 6, 54, 55, 61 and 67.
Psalm 76, like others in the original third division of the Psalms, references the tabernacle (sanctuary) in Jerusalem where God is worshipped.
God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel. And His tabernacle is in Salem (Jerusalem), and His dwelling place in Zion. There He broke the fiery arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah (verses 1 - 3).
Appearances of Number Seventy-Six
The Hebrew word terumah, Strong's Concordance #H8641, is recorded 76 times in 63 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is found the most in Ezekiel (20) followed by Numbers (18) and Exodus (17). The word refers to a contribution or offering made to God. The King James translates the word as "offering," "heave offering" or "oblation."
A heave offering was something lifted up or separated and given to God. An oblation is a generic term for various kinds of offerings (gold, silver, animals, etc.).
God commanded the Israelites offer such things as precious metals, cloth of various colors, the skins of various animals, oil, spices, precious stones and so on in order to build the tabernacle in the wilderness.
And this is the offering (terumah) which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair . . . (Exodus 25:3, KJV).
The Hebrew word maas (Strong's Concordance #H3988) is recorded 76 times in the Old Testament's original languages. It is written the most both in Job and Jeremiah (12 times each) followed by Isaiah (10). The word means to spurn, disdain, despise, refuse or reject. It is commonly translated as "despise" or "rejected" in the King James Bible.
And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected (maas) thee, but they have rejected (maas) me, that I should not reign over them (1Samuel 8:7, KJV).
Verse 1 of Psalm 76 mentions the tribe of Judah, one of only ten verses in the book to do so. The tribe was the largest in Israel just before the people entered their inheritance in the Promised Land. It had 76,500 fighting men aged twenty and above (Numbers 26). The next largest tribe to enter Canaan was Dan with 64,400 men.
Verse 2 of this Psalm refers to Jerusalem as Salem (a word that means "peaceful," Strong's #H8004). The only other King James Old Testament use of this city name is in Genesis 14, where the mysterious priest named Melchizedek is given the title "king of Salem" (verse 18).
Number 76 and the Pope
The Roman Catholic Church believes that after Peter died a man named Linus became the second pope (the bishop of Rome). They assert he served in this capacity from c. 67 to c. 76 A.D. Part of the justification offered for him assuming this position is that he was approved by both Paul and Peter. The Catholics also believe he is the same Linus mentioned in Paul's last epistle before his martyrdom.
(Timothy) Make every effort to come (to Rome) before winter. Eubulus salutes you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia; and all the brethren salute you (2Timothy 4:21).
God and the Devil
The Hebrew word tsoor, Strong's #H6697, is recorded 76 times in 72 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is found the most in the book of Psalms (26 times) followed by Isaiah (12) then Deuteronomy (9). The word is used to refer to cliffs, rocks or boulders. It can also be used to symbolize the faithfulness, strength, stability and permanence of God.
Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock (tsoor) in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock (tsoor), and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel (Exodus 17:6, KJV).
For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock (tsoor) save our God? (Psalm 18:31, KJV).
The Greek word poneros, Strong's #G4190, is found 76 times in 71 Greek New Testament verses. It is found the most in the gospel of Matthew (25) then Luke (13) followed by Acts (7). The word is used to describe something that is evil, annoying, full of labor and hardships and so on. It is also sometimes used as a synonym for Satan the devil.
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one (poneros) toucheth him not (1John 5:18, KJV).
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil (poneros) conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10;22, KJV).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 76
The English phrase "threescore and sixteen," used for the number 76, is found in the book of Numbers and Acts.
There are 12 words and phrases in the Bible's original languages that are recorded exactly 78 times.
76 is the product of 2 x 2 (2 squared) x 19. Both 2 and 19 are prime numbers.
There are no Bible chapters that contain 76 verses.
A unique tradition, at Jerusalem's temple, took place each day of the Feast of Tabernacles and on the Last Great Day called the water pouring ceremony. It is unclear when this highly popular tradition was adopted or who began it. What is known is that this practice existed when Alexander Jannaeus served as the High Priest from 103 to 76 B.C.
The Greek word kephale (Strong's #G2776) is recorded 76 times in the original Greek of the New Testament. It is used the most in Revelation (19 times) followed by Matthew (12). The word means "head" which is how the King James translates the word.
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads (kephale) and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads (kephale) the name of blasphemy (Revelation 13:1, KJV).