Meaning of Numbers: The Number 83
The possible meaning of the number 83 is derived from events primarily in Scripture.
Moses was 80 years old and his older brother Aaron was 83 when they confronted Pharaoh to free his Israelite slaves (Exodus 7:7). This confrontation took place in c. 1445 B.C. It would take the miraculous performance of ten plagues before the children of Israel were allowed to leave Egypt. The day they left the land was 430 years, to the day, after God's covenant with Abraham (Exodus 12:40 - 41, Galatians 3:16 - 17).
According to "The Bible in 100 Numbers," there are 83 different types of plants and flowers found in Scripture.
Appearances of Number Eighty-Three
Only Numbers 7, with 89 verses, and Psalm 119, with 176, are the only Biblical chapters that have 83 or more verses.
The book of 2Timothy, the last known work written by the Apostle Paul, has 4 chapters and 83 total verses.
The Greek word Hierousalem (Strong's Concordance #G2419) is recorded 83 times in the original language of the New Testament. It is written the most in Acts (41 times) followed by Luke (28). The word is translated "Jerusalem" in the King James Bible, with its first New Testament usage in Matthew 23.
O Jerusalem (Hierousalem), Jerusalem (Hierousalem), thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (Matthew 23:37, KJV).
The Hebrew word anah (Strong's #H6031) is written 83 times in the original language of the Old Testament. It is found the most in the Psalms (16 times) followed by Isaiah (9) and then Exodus and Deuteronomy (7 each). The word means to be afflicted, oppressed or humbled. It is used in Isaiah's prophecy that predicted, more than 600 years in advance, Jesus' trials, sufferings and afflictions he willing endured for the sake of our forgiveness and salvation.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted (anah) . . .
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted (anah), yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth (Isaiah 53:4, 7, KJV).
Number 83 and the Psalms
Psalm 83 is one of the twelve Psalms written by or for Asaph. He was a Levite (priest) who was one of King David's three chief musicians (1Chronicles 15:17, 19). The Psalm itself calls upon God to defend his people against a multitude of enemies.
Keep not silent, O God; do not be quiet, and do not be still, O God, for lo, Your enemies are in an uproar; and those who hate You have lifted up their head.
They take crafty counsel against Your people, and plot together against Your hidden ones. They have said, "Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, so that the name Israel may be remembered no more" (Psalm 83:1 - 4).
Psalm 83, in verses 6 to 11, lists seventeen total enemies of Israel. Seven of these God had already destroyed while the remaining ten will soon try to annihilate the Israelites and "cut them off from being a nation."
Verse 83 of Psalm 119 uses a rather unique analogy to describe what King David experienced while waiting for God to judge his enemies (verse 84).
My soul faints for Your salvation; I hope in Your word. My eyes fail for Your word, saying, "When will You comfort me?" For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I do not forget Your statutes (Psalm 119: 81 - 83).
Wineskins, in ancient times, were hung up in smoke to dry them before they were used. David was stating he felt like a dried and shriveled up wineskin while he was persecuted and waiting for God to answer his prayers.
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 83
83 is the 23rd prime number. Those that come immediately before it are 71, 73 and 79, and those immediately after it are 89, 97 and 101.
83 is the sum of the three consecutive primes 23 + 29 + 31. It is also the sum of the five consecutive primes 11 + 13 + 17 + 19 + 23.
Psalms is the only book that has at least 83 chapters.
Verse 83 of Numbers 7 mentions a peace offering made by one of Israel's princes. Twelve such offerings, one for each tribe, were given to celebrate the dedication of the tabernacle and altar in the wilderness (verse 1). These types of offerings symbolized complete peace with God.
And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five male goats and five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan (Num. 7:83, HBFV).