Numerical
Jump to: ISBEWebster'sThesaurusLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of numbers and their significance is woven throughout the biblical narrative, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. Numbers in the Bible often carry deeper meanings and are used to convey theological truths, divine order, and spiritual principles.

Symbolic Numbers

1. One (1): Represents unity and the oneness of God. The Shema, a central declaration of the Jewish faith, states, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4).

2. Three (3): Symbolizes completeness and the divine. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is a foundational Christian doctrine. Jesus' resurrection on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4) underscores the number's significance.

3. Seven (7): Denotes perfection and completion. The creation week culminates in the seventh day, a day of rest (Genesis 2:2-3). The Book of Revelation is replete with sevens, including the seven churches, seals, trumpets, and bowls.

4. Twelve (12): Represents God's people and divine governance. The twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 49) and the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2-4) are central to God's covenantal relationship with humanity.

Significant Numbers in Scripture

· Forty (40): Often associated with periods of testing, trial, and preparation. The Israelites wandered for forty years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33-34), and Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the desert (Matthew 4:2).

· Seventy (70): Symbolizes a complete and perfect period. Seventy elders were appointed to assist Moses (Exodus 24:1), and Jesus sent out seventy disciples to preach (Luke 10:1).

· Ten (10): Represents law and order. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) form the moral foundation of the covenant between God and His people.

Numerical Patterns and Genealogies

Genealogies in the Bible often employ numerical patterns to convey theological truths. For example, the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 is structured around three sets of fourteen generations, emphasizing Jesus' Davidic lineage and messianic fulfillment.

Apocalyptic Literature

In apocalyptic texts, numbers often carry symbolic meanings. The Book of Revelation uses numbers to convey spiritual realities and divine judgments. The number 666, for instance, is associated with the beast and represents imperfection and opposition to God (Revelation 13:18).

Practical Use of Numbers

Numbers also serve practical purposes in the Bible, such as census taking, measurements for the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple, and the organization of the Israelite camp. The Book of Numbers derives its name from the censuses of the Israelite tribes (Numbers 1, 26).

Conclusion

The use of numbers in the Bible is multifaceted, serving both literal and symbolic functions. They reveal divine truths, underscore God's sovereignty, and provide insight into the spiritual and moral order established by God. Understanding the numerical symbolism in Scripture enriches one's comprehension of biblical theology and the overarching narrative of redemption.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) Consisting in numbers; expressed by numbers; as, numerical order; numerical characters; a numerical statement.

2. (n.) The same in number; hence, identically the same; identical; as, the same numerical body.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SIGNS, NUMERICAL

nu-mer'-i-kal.

See NUMBER.

Library

Quibbles of the Numerical Theorists; the Art of the Frontispicists ...
... Chapter XV."Quibbles of the Numerical Theorists; The Art of the Frontispicists
(Physiognomy); Connection of This Art with Astrology; Type of Those Born Under ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xv quibbles of the numerical.htm

Theory of the Size of the Heavenly Bodies in Accordance with ...
... Book IV. Chapter XI."Theory of the Size of the Heavenly Bodies in Accordance
with Numerical Harmonies. These (numerical) relations ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xi theory of the size.htm

System of the Arithmeticians; Predictions through Calculations ...
... Chapter XIV."System of the Arithmeticians; Predictions Through Calculations; Numerical
Roots; Transference of These Doctrines to Letters; Examples in ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xiv system of the arithmeticians.htm

The Refutation of All Heresies
... Accordance with Harmony. Chapter XI.--Theory of the Size of the Heavenly
Bodies in Accordance with Numerical Harmonies. Chapter XII ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/

On the Formation and State of the Embryo. Its Relation with the ...
... this measure of time in reference to God, as if implying that the ten months rather
initiated man into the ten commandments; so that the numerical estimate of ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter xxxvii on the formation and.htm

The Dual Principle Falls to the Ground; Plurality of Gods, of ...
... powers? What numerical difference could there be when two equals differ not
from one? For that thing which is the same in two is one. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter v the dual principle falls.htm

Whether in the Resurrection the Soul Will be Reunited to the Same ...
... Objection 4: Further, there cannot be numerical identity where there is
numerical distinction of essential parts. Now the form of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the resurrection the.htm

Whether the Union of the Two Natures in Christ is the Greatest of ...
... united. Reply to Objection 1: The unity of the Divine Person is greater
than numerical unity, which is the principle of number. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the union of the 5.htm

Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ...
... But His [corresponding] Greek name, which is "Soter," that is, Saviour, because
it does not fit in with their system, either with respect to numerical value or ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiv folly of the arguments.htm

What the Doctrine of the Catholic Faith is Concerning the Trinity.
... Footnotes: [25] [Augustin teaches the Nicene doctrine of a numerical unity of essence
in distinction from a specific unity. The latter is that of mankind. ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 4 what the doctrine of.htm

Thesaurus
Numerical
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Consisting in numbers; expressed by numbers; as,
numerical order; numerical characters; a numerical statement. ...
/n/numerical.htm - 6k

Number (2370 Occurrences)
... of the relation between quantities or things of the same kind; that abstract species
of quantity which is capable of being expressed by figures; numerical value ...
/n/number.htm - 40k

Numenius

/n/numenius.htm - 7k

Games (2 Occurrences)
... 1:6): "the words of the wise, and their dark sayings," but the collection contains
several examples of what Konig calls "the numerical riddle": Proverbs 6:16-19 ...
/g/games.htm - 40k

Function (4 Occurrences)
... If x be a symbol to which different numerical values can be assigned, such expressions
as x2, 3x, Log. x, and Sin. x, are all functions of x. 6. (vi) Alt. ...
/f/function.htm - 8k

Real (26 Occurrences)
... 5. (a.) Relating to things, not to persons. 6. (a.) Having an assignable
arithmetical or numerical value or meaning; not imaginary. ...
/r/real.htm - 14k

Patriarchs (6 Occurrences)
... Accordingly, two tasks devolve upon the investigator, namely (1) the removal of
accidental corruptions from the numerical data in the several texts and (2) the ...
/p/patriarchs.htm - 37k

Cipher (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A numerical character zero; also a cryptographic
system or key where each letter or digit replaces another. ...
/c/cipher.htm - 7k

Antediluvian
... Accordingly, two tasks devolve upon the investigator, namely (1) the removal of
accidental corruptions from the numerical data in the several texts and (2) the ...
/a/antediluvian.htm - 35k

Agur (1 Occurrence)
... practical ideal. His sayings are constructed on a rather artificial plan;
having the form of the so-called numerical proverb. See ...
/a/agur.htm - 7k

Resources
How can I recognize a healthy church? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any validity to the Bible codes? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Anthropic Principle? | GotQuestions.org

Numerical: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Numenius
Top of Page
Top of Page