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Biblical numerology

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Biblical numerology meaning of numbers in the bible


Biblical numerology refers to the interpretation, by some biblical scholars, of numerical values used in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament that they believe relate to symbolism, which imply quality or attributes, of the value rather than to an actual quantity. While studied by theologians, not all agree with this interpretation. Others, preferring a more fundamental approach, believe that the numbers represent the literal quantities. This article explains the interpretation of those who believe that numbers sometimes represent attributes and not the number itself. According to the theory, these numbers were purposely inserted by their authors to emphasize a particular message. Numerical symbology is most often found in Ezekiel, Daniel and Revelation, but is not confined to those books.

Contents

While many ancient languages, religions, and philosophies contained numeric interpretation of events, words, and names, this article is concerned with those uniquely affecting Judeo-Christian beliefs. Although Greek culture was well-known to scholars in the first centuries BC and AD in the Middle East, Greek ideas about numerology do not seem to have permeated Jewish and Christian beliefs.

Abraham isaac jacob and 26 cod video code 26 nr3


Numerical meaning

3: The implication of three is "perfection" or "holiness."(e.g. (Matt 12:40).

Examples include:
  • Three major feasts appear in Jewish Tradition (Exod 23:14-19)
  • Prayer was urged three times daily (see Dan 6:10 and Ps 55:17)
  • Three-year-old animals were prized for special sacrifices (Gen 15:9)
  • There are three major celebrations in the Easter Triduum (the holiest part of Holy Week, the holiest week in much of Christianity), which lasts approximately three days (Holy Thursday, which includes the Chrism Mass, and the Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil – on Holy Saturday night – and Easter Sunday)

    • 4: Four signifies a sense of totality or "the world," preeminently in the Book of Revelation. It derives its meaning from there being four cardinal directions, as also attested in Mesopotamian literature.

  • Four corners of the earth (Rev 7:1)
  • Construction of the altar: four corners, four pillars, etc. (see Exod 27:1-8 and Exod 27:16); many of these altar construction guidelines are still used today

    • 6: Both Hebrew and Christian sources believe six indicates "imperfection," "man", or "evil." For Christianity, this occurs preeminently in the Book of Revelation. Some Christians believe that 666 is the Number of the Beast. The significance of three 6s shows eternal imperfection of Lucifer. However, a secular source, Britannica, reports that it means "perfection" in religion.

    7: In both Jewish and Christian traditions, seven signifies "totality of perfection," "completeness."

    Examples:
  • There are seven sacraments in Western Catholicism, Eastern Catholicism, the Anglo-Catholic rites, and much of Orthodoxy
  • There are seven days in a week
  • In the Book of Revelation, there are multiple examples, including seven churches, seven bowls, seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven spirits

    • 8: Eight means a "new life" or "resurrection".

    Examples include:
  • Eight people on Noah's Ark (see Gen 7:7 and 2 Peter 2:5)
  • Circumcision on eighth day (Gen 17:12)

    • 1,000 signifies "immensity" or "fullness of quantity", preeminently in the Book of Revelation.

    References

    Biblical numerology Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA