Meaning of Numbers: The Number 86
The English phrase "fourscore and six," used for the number 86, is recorded 1 time in 1 King James Bible verse.
The possible meaning of the number 86 is derived primarily from the frequency of certain words found in Scripture.
The Greek word kairos (Strong's #G2540) is written 86 times in 81 Greek New Testament verses. It is found the most in Luke's gospel (13 times) followed by Matthew (10) then Acts (9). It is usually translated as "time," "times" or "seasons" in the King James. The word is used in Revelation's final chapter to underscore that its prophecies could be understood by those who read them!
When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? (kairos) (Matthew 16:2 - 3, KJV).
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 his wife's servant named 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).
And Hagar bore Abram (Abraham) a son. And Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bore, Ishmael. And Abram was eighty-six (86) years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram (Genesis 15 - 16, HBFV).
Appearances of Number Eighty-Six
The Hebrew word lamad (Strong's #H3925) occurs 86 times in 80 Hebrew Old Testament verses. It is recorded the most in the Psalms (27 times) followed by Deuteronomy (17) then Jeremiah (13).
Lamad 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).
Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach (lamad) you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it (Deuteronomy 6:1, KJV).
The word "vision" or its plural appears 86 times in 80 King James Old Testament verses. 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.
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram (Abraham) in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward (Genesis 15:1, KJV).
And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I (Genesis 46:2, KJV).
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
There are 5 words and phrases in the Bible's original languages that are recorded exactly 86 times.
86 is the product of 2 x 43. Both 2 and 43 are prime numbers.
The English name "David" is recorded 88 times in 86 verses in the King James version of the Psalms. David's name is recorded twice in Psalm 18, 122 and 144, and four times in Psalms 89 and 132.
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me (Psalm 3:1, KJV).
The Hebrew word shiyr (Strong's #H7891) is written 86 times in the Hebrew version of the Old Testament. It is found the most in the Psalms (27 times) followed by Nehemiah (17). The word means to sing or singing. It also can refer to those who are singers.
Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing (shiyr) praise to the Lord God of Israel (Judges 5:3, KJV).
And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers (shiyr), and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers (shiyr): David also had upon him an ephod of linen (1Chronicles 15:27, KJV).
There are no chapters in Scripture that number 86 verses. The only book that contains an eighty-sixth chapter is the Psalms.
The word "vanity" appears 86 times in 79 King James Bible verses. It is found the most in Ecclesiastes (33 times) followed by the Psalms (15) then Isaiah (9).
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 believe he was.
Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness. I will cast you to the ground; I will lay you before kings, that they may behold you (Ezekiel 28:17, HBFV).