Biblical Numerology

Biblical Numerology

One of the most fertile sources of numerological symbolism is contained within the Bible. No matter what your perspective of Christianity and organized religion is, the Bible is immensely interesting and provides no end of wisdom and knowledge. Indeed, the Bible is a very complex book that contains numerous layers of information. 

Christians, Jews, or those of other religions or belief-system that are well-read of the Bible may already know of the symbolic qualities of Biblical readings. However, Biblical numerology this is closely linked to the practice of gematria that has a controversial status in religions that follow the Bible. 

Gematria vs Numerology 

Gematria is strictly defined as the act of substituting numbers for letters of the Hebrew alphabet. It has grown into the wider practice of substituting numbers for letters and words of the Bible, establishing codes that provide interpretations of Biblical texts. Those who practice gematria are generally searching for hidden meaning in texts using codes and ciphers. The reason that this is controversial is because of its relation to the occult and mysticism or magic, that is not endorsed by the Bible. 

Numerology is closely related to gematria in some sense, but it isn’t really trying to decode texts, but rather investigate their spiritual meaning via the medium of numbers and letters. Its focus on symbolism and meaning seeks to uncover veils of understanding that go beyond raw alphanumeric information. 

In a Biblical context, numerology provides a method of investigation into repeated numbers and their mystical or spiritual characteristics. It is both a spiritual and historical exercise, as the Bible is the foundation of much Western culture and society. Numerology can pry into numbers with meanings we take for granted, assessing why we have come to perceive them in a certain way even today. 

The Quadriga

Fundamental in Biblical numerology is the Quadriga. The Quadriga recognizes that the Bible has four layers of interpretation:

• Literal (sensus tropologicus)

• Allegorical / Symbolic (sensus allegoricus)

• Moral (sensus moralis)

• Anagogical/mystical (sensus anagogicus)

Important Numbers in the Bible

Any understanding of the Bible needs to pay close attention to these 4 intertwined layers of meaning. Indeed, numerologists are probably focussing on the 4th layer of interpretation: anagogical/mystical (sensus anagogicus). 

1 

1 is very simple to define in Biblical numerology as it appears in numerous texts in reference to unity. For example, ‘there is one God’ (Cor. 8:4: Gal. 3:20). 1 represents the union between Father and Son as well as the union between Jesus and God. 

2

2 symbolizes duality. It references the duality of both spirit and flesh. It is used to frequently compare and contrast 2 things. It also represents the union of relationships and the process of verifying events with 2 witnesses (Mk. 6:7-13).

3

3 represents the trinity or the coming together of components. There are 3 parts to salvation. These are justification, glorification, and sanctification. Similarly, there are 3 gifts of race and 3 things were placed in the Ark. Corinthians references 3 heavens. Overall, 3 represents a complete structure, as if the 3rd part glues the other 2 parts together in a cohesive whole. 

4

There are 4 horsemen, 4 guardians of the throne of God, and the 4 corners of the Earth. It symbolizes God’s labors, security, structure, and the inevitability of change. 

5 

There are two parts to the 10 commandments. Five of these are granted to God and five are Psalms. There are also 5 books of the Law (Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy). It represents knowledge and teaching.

6

6 represents humanity, e.g. they were created on the 6th day. 666 is the number of the antichrist or Satan. 

7 

On the seventh day, God had completed the Creation. It widely and strongly symbolizes completion and rest. It is indeed one of the most interesting numbers in the Bible from a numerological perspective. There are 7 days to the week, 7 colors in the rainbow, 7 great continents, and 7 notes in a major musical scale. In the Bible, 7 is widely referenced, e.g. 7 Kings, 7 trumpets, 7 stars, 7 mountains, and 7 spirits of God. 

8

8 symbolizes new life and the resurrection of Christ – he rose on the 8th day. Jesus was also named and circumcised on the 8th day after he was born. 

9

Christ died on the 9th hour, at 3 PM. Love, joy, peace, goodness, patience, kindness, self-control, gentleness, and faithfulness make up the 9 Fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). 9 symbolizes a completed puzzle. 

10 

There are 10 commandments and 10 kingdoms – 10 symbolizes completeness. 

11

11, next to 10, contrastingly represents chaos. The final judgment is foreseen by John in the form of 11 things (Rev. 20:12-14). 11 seems to exclusively represent disorder throughout the Bible. 

12

12 is a symbol of government. Jacob also had 12 sons. There are 12 months of a year resulting from 12 lunar cycles. It reflects upon higher order.

13

Nimrod was the 13th descendent of Ham and he tried to usurp God. 13 is the number of rebellions and angst. 

15

The 15th day represents rest in a few places, e.g. the rest after deliverance. On the 15th day of Nisam, the Feast of Unleavened Bread begins. 

16

The drought in Genesis was survived by Zilpah and 16 others. 16 represents survival and persistence.

17

In revelation, there are beasts with 7 heads and 10 horns, totaling 17. They are defeated by God. 17 is a number with numerous negative associations. 

18

There are 18 judges that appear throughout the Bible, symbolizing judgment and justice. 

20

20 symbolizes a period of waiting. Jacob, for example, had to wait 20 years to be freed of Laban and able to marry.

40

40 seems to symbolize trials and challenges.  There are 40 days and 40 nights of rain prompting Noah to construct the Ark. Moses roamed Egypt for 40 years and was atop Mount Sinai for 40 days. Jesus fasted for 40 days when he was marooned in the wilderness, and also taught the disciples for 40 days once he had been resurrected. 

42

In Revelations, the Antichrist is supposed to have authority for 42 days (Rev. 13:4-5).

120 

In Genesis, God provided humanity with a 120 year period for repenting their sins (Gen. 6:1-3). 120 disciples were present when Judas was replaced.

666 

In Revelation, 666 is identified as the number of the beast (13:18). The meaning of this is quite vague but 666 has long been known for its association to Satan and the Antichrist. 

1000

Represents the end of a period, Jesus is suggested to reign Earth for 1000 years before Satan launches a challenge that will be repelled by Jesus and the forces of good, thus purging Satan. 

Analysis

The Bible is very specific in its use of numbers and does not often provide vague information where quantities are concerned. There is a huge use of numbers throughout the Bible but discovering mutual or connected meanings is easier with some numbers than others. 

For example, numbers 1 – 9 seem to feature rich symbolism, especially numbers 1, 3 and 7. 7 is indeed one of numerology’s most intriguing numbers and the Bible does not disappoint in contributing to the mystery of number 7. For more information on this, look here.