Meaning of Numbers: The Number 8
The number 8 represents a new beginning, meaning a new order or creation, and man's true "born again" event when he is resurrected from the dead into eternal life.
Eight is also an integral part of Jesus' sacrifice. Like the Passover lamb, Jesus was selected as the Lamb to take away man's sins on Nisan 10 (April 1, 30 A.D. - John 12:28 - 29) and was crucified on Nisan 14. His resurrection occurred three complete days after he was buried, which was at the end of the weekly Sabbath day that fell on Nisan 17. Nisan 17 was day 8, counting inclusively, from the time Christ was selected as man's sacrificial Lamb.
Boys, according to God's law, were to be circumcised on the 8th day (Leviticus 12:3). The number 8 symbolizes circumcision of the heart through Christ and the receiving of the Holy Spirit (Romans 2:28 - 29, Colossians 2:11 - 13). Those in Christ are becoming a new creation, with godly character being created by the power of God's Spirit (2Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10).
After the 7 weeks of the spring harvest, the next day, the 50th day, is Pentecost. This is "day eight" of the seventh week. This 8 and 50 day combination pictures the first resurrection of the dead (1Corinthians 15:20 - 23, Revelation 20:4 - 6). After the 7 days of the Feast of Tabernacles there is an eighth and final Feast day called the Last Great Day. This fall period is the most joyous of all of God's annual days to worship him.
Forty different people wrote the Scriptures. Forty is the product of five (symbolizing grace) times 8 (symbolizing a new beginning). It is therefore only by God's grace and love that man will someday be given a chance for a new beginning, as promised in the Word of God.
Appearances of the Number Eight
The New Testament was penned by only 8 men (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, James, Peter, Jude, Paul). Abdon (in the East) was a Judge of Israel who served 8 years (Judges 12:13 - 14).
Abraham, the father of the faithful, had 8 sons total. They were Ishmael, Isaac, Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah.
Timekeeping
One method of timekeeping used in Israel was called a 'watch.' Watches were time periods in which guards were placed on duty. Although days were initially divided into 6 equal watch periods (Judges 7:19), by the time of the New Testament days were divided into 8 equal parts (Matthew 14:25, Mark 6:48).
The night watches were sunset to 9 p.m., 9 p.m. to midnight, midnight to 3 a.m. and 3 a.m. to sunrise. The day watches were sunrise to 9 a.m., 9 a.m. to noon, noon to 3 p.m. and finally 3 p.m. to sunset.
Number 8 and the Resurrection
Jesus, after his resurrection, revealed himself alive 8 times just before his ascension into heaven. His first appearance alive was to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9 - 11). He then showed himself to two disciples traveling to Emmaus (Luke 24). He appeared the next time to all the disciples except Thomas (John 20:19 - 24) then a week later when Thomas was present (John 20:26 - 29).
Christ's fifth appearance took place when he was seen by 500 believers (1Corinthians 15:4 - 7). Jesus then met his disciples in Galilee, a meeting he had arranged before his death (Matthew 28:16 - 17). His seventh appearance was on the Sea of Galilee where Peter miraculously caught 153 fishes (John 21:1 - 24). He revealed himself alive an eighth time to his half-brother James (1Corinthians 15:5 - 7).
Beautiful Attitudes
Jesus began the Sermon on the Mount, his introduction to the New Covenant, with the beatitudes. The beatitudes are a list of 8 behaviors or attitudes that, if manifested in this life, will receive a reward or blessing from God in the resurrection.
1) The poor in spirit (contrite before God) will inherit the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3, Luke 6:20).
2) Those who mourn (hate to see sin and its consequences) will be comforted (Matthew 5:4, Luke 6:21)
3) Those who are meek (humble) shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
4) Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled (Matthew 5:6, Luke 6:21).
5) Those who are merciful shall receive mercy (Matthew 5:7).
6) Those who are pure in heart (possess a clean conscience) will see God (Matthew 5:8).
7) Those who are peacemakers shall be considered the children of God (Matthew 5:9).
8) Those who are persecuted and reproached for believing in God and Jesus shall inherit, for all eternity, the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:10 - 12, Luke 6:22 - 23).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 8
God saved eight people on the ark in order to have a new beginning for mankind after the flood. Since the symbolism of the number four in the Bible is derived from God's creation of everything, 8 (4 + 4) pictures the new creation after the flood.
The Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah, is celebrated for 8 days. It commemorates the Maccabean rededication of Jerusalem's temple in 164 B.C. after it was defiled by Antiochus Epiphanes. Scripture mentions Jesus celebrating Hanukkah in Jerusalem less than four months before his crucifixion (John 10:22 - 39).
It was on Thursday Nisan 8 on the Hebrew calendar (March 30) that Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem just days before his crucifixion.
The English word "blessed" is found 8 times in the King James version of Proverbs.