The Meaning of Numbers: The Number 86
The possible meaning of the number 86 is derived primarily from the frequency of certain words found in Scripture.
Found 86 times in the Greek text of the New Testament, kairos (Strong's #G2540) is usually translated as "time," "times" or "seasons." It is used in Revelation's final chapter to underscore that its prophecies could be understood by those who read them! This is in direct contrast to Daniel's prophecies that, at the time he wrote his book, could not be understood by those who read them (Daniel 12:9).
And he (an angel) said to me (Apostle John), "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book because the time (kairos) is near" (Revelation 22:10, HBFV).
The patriarch Abram (Abraham) was 86 years old when he, through Hagar, had a son named Ishmael. It would be another 14 years before he and his wife Sarah would miraculously produce a son named Isaac (Genesis 21:5).
Appearances of number eighty-six
The Hebrew word lamad (Strong's #H3925) occurs 86 times in the Old Testament's original language. It is a word that means to teach or to learn something. Its first use in Scripture occurs when God, out of perfect love for his people, willingly taught them how best to live their lives so that they could enter the Promised Land.
Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach (lamad) you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you (Deuteronomy 4:1, KJV).
The word "vision" or its plural appears 86 times in the King James Old Testament. They are recorded the most in the book of Daniel (32 times) followed by Ezekiel's writings (18 times). Visions, one of the most common ways utilized by God to communicate with us, are vivid apparitions. Although they usually take place while a person is awake, it is possible for them to appear while dreaming during sleep.
Number 86 and the Psalms
The book of Psalms, in the original Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament, was divided into five sections. Psalm 86 was in the third section that contained chapters 73 to 89. The general theme of this section is the destruction of Jerusalem and her Temple, along with prophecies of the coming Great Tribulation period.
Psalm 86, one of the many penned by King David, is a mixture of both pleading for God's aid and thanking him for mercies already received.
Bow down Your ear, O Lord, answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am holy; O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You . . .
For You, Lord, are good and ready to forgive, and rich in mercy to all those who call upon You . . . For great is Your mercy toward me; and You have delivered my soul from the depths of the grave (Psalm 86 verses 1 - 2, 5, 13, HBFV).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 86
Found 86 times in the Hebrew version of the Old Testament, the word shiyr (Strong's #H7891) means to sing or singing. It also can refer to those who are singers (Exodus 15:1, 1Chronicles 15:27, etc.).
There are no chapters in Scripture that number eighty-six verses. The only book that contains an eighty-sixth chapter is the Psalms.
The word "vanity" appears 86 times in the King James Bible. Vanity occurs when we choose to believe that any of our (perceived or real) qualities, abilities, achievements, and so on makes us overall better or greater than others. Vanity is different from pride, which is the satisfaction we feel for what we, or others, have accomplished and done well. The first sin committed in the universe is vanity, which Lucifer created based on how beautiful and unique he perceived himself (Ezekiel 28:16 - 18).