Meaning of Numbers: The Number 99
The English phrase "ninety and nine," used for the number 99, is recorded 4 times in 4 King James Bible verses.
The possible meaning of the number 99 is derived entirely from events and writings delineated in the Bible.
Abraham, at age 86, produces Ishmael through Sarah's servant Hagar (Genesis 16:16). Thirteen years later, when Abraham is 99 years old (Genesis 17:1), God promises to multiply his descendants, through Sarah, as the sand of the sea. Additionally, the outpouring of the Lord's blessings upon his progeny will ultimately lead to benefiting the entire world (Genesis 12:2 - 3)!
The unique covenant of Genesis 17 requires that Abraham, an old man of 99, circumcise not only himself but also carry out the painful act on Ishmael (who is thirteen) and all the males within his large household.
And Abraham took his son Ishmael, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his silver - every male among the men of Abraham’s house - and circumcised the flesh of their foreskins in the same day, even as God said to him. And Abraham was ninety-nine (99) years old . . . (Genesis 17:23 - 24).
Appearances of Number Ninety-Nine
Psalm 99 was written between 1010 and 970 B.C. by priests who served under King David. It is part of a group, from Psalm 90 to 106, which centers around the Millennial reign of Jesus and the regathering of Israel. This song joyously proclaims that the Lord will reign over the earth and calls upon all humans to worship him.
The Lord reigns; let the people tremble. He sits between the cherubim; let the earth quake. The Lord is great in Zion, and He is high above all the people. Let them praise Your name as great and awesome; holy is He (Psalm 99:1 - 3).
The Greek word aima (Strong's Concordance #G129) is recorded 99 times in 92 Greek New Testament verses. It is written the most in the book of Hebrews (21 times) followed by Revelation (19). The word refers to blood either of animals or humans. It can also figuratively reference liquids that resemble blood such as sweat (Luke 22:44), wine (1Corinthians 11:25) or poisonous water (Revelation 16:3 - 4).
Therefore, Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood (aima), you do not have life in yourselves." (John 6:53, HBFV).
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood (aima) hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 16:17, KJV).
The English word "verily" is written 124 times in 99 King James New Testament verses. It is recorded the most in the gospel of John (50 times) followed by Matthew (30) then Mark (15). The word is usually translated from the Greek amen (Strong's #G281) but can also be derived from men (#G3303), gar (#G1063) and others. It is used to underscore the trustworthiness or truthfulness of what is being stated.
Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3, KJV).
And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man (John 1:51, KJV).
God's Mercy and Number 99
One of the most encouraging and heartwarming parables Jesus gave contrasts ninety-nine safely kept sheep with one that becomes lost. The meaning of this parable, given in late 29 A.D., symbolizes Christ as the Good Shepherd whose love moves him to joy when he restores someone who has went astray.
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine (99) on the mountains and search for the one that went astray? . . . Likewise, it is not the will of your Father Who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish (Matthew 18:12 - 14).
Jesus gives a strikingly similar parable several weeks later in early 30 A.D. In this instance, it is directed toward self-righteous religious leaders who criticize him for befriending those they feel are hopeless sinners unworthy of attention (Luke 15:2).
This version of the lost sheep (Good Shepherd) parable focuses on the Lord's willingness to do whatever it takes to find and restore someone who has lost their way. It is a testament to God's fervent desire to have all humans choose his way of life and live forever.
Which man of you who has a hundred sheep, and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine (99) in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost . . . And when he finds it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing; . . . I tell you that likewise, there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, more than over ninety-nine (99) righteous ones who have no need of repentance (Luke 15:4 - 5, 7).
Perfection
The English word "perfect" is found 99 times in 94 King James verses. It is recorded the most in the books of Job and the Psalms (10 each) followed by Hebrews (9). When God calls upon people to be perfect, he is commanding them to ascribe to the same kind of character he possesses!
And when Abram (Abraham) was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect (Genesis 17:1, KJV).
Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God (Deuteronomy 18:13, KJV).
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48, KJV).
More Info on Biblical Meaning of 99
There are 8 words and phrases in the Bible's original languages that are recorded exactly 99 times.
The English phrase "ninety and nine," used for the number 99, is found twice in both Matthew's and Luke's gospels.
99 is the product of 3 x 3 (3 squared) x 11. Both 3 and 11 are prime numbers.
The Apostle John is exiled to the island of Patmos by Emperor Domitian around 95 A.D. He soon writes the book of Revelation based on several visions he received from God. Freed from prison likely in late 96 A.D., the last living apostle travels to Ephesus. From 96 to about 99 he finalizes a complete version of Scripture (one which contains both Old and New Testaments). John dies, from natural causes, around 100 A.D.
According to the book "The Bible in 100 Numbers," there are 99 different animals and birds listed in Scripture.
The only King James writing with at least 99 chapters is the book of Psalms. Psalm 119 is the only chapter in the KJV translation which contains more than ninety-nine verses. At 176 verses, it is almost double the second largest chapter, Numbers 7, which lists 89 verses!